Multiple Schlerosis Flashcards
(116 cards)
Define Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
“Multiple” - multiple areas of lost myelin
“Sclerosis” - scarring
MS is a chronic AUTOIMMUNE inflammatory disease affecting the CNS
Purpose of myelin sheath and why it’s impactful for MS
Myelin insulate neurons and facilitate nerve conduction efficiency within the CNS.
In MS nerve electrical impulses are affected due to inflammation and immune activity, resulting in demyelination and damage to axons
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patient Demographics
Usually:
20-50 years old
2.5 : 1 woman to man ratio
Northern European Descent
More common in people living above 40 degrees latitude (vitamin D component possible)
NOT HEREDITARY
What nutrient/supplement/vitamin may reduce activity of disease in MS?
Vitamin D
Effect of Pregnancy on MS
Seems to have a protective effect
Infections that may trigger MS
Epstein-Barr*, HSV-6, canine distemper, measles, Chlamydia pneumonia
*Dr. Rainka had EB underline, remainder probably not critical to know
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
At least 2 documented clinical exacerbations separated by time and space as well as 2 distinct MRI lesions separated by time and space.
• Dissemination in time (DIT) - simultaneous presence of gadolinium enhancing lesions (representing inflammation and disease activity) and non-enhancing lesions or a new lesion on a follow-up MRI when compared to a previous MRI.
• Dissemination in space (DIS) - distinctly different anatomical lesions on imaging occurring in areas known to be affected by MS
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) Diagnosis
CIS is diagnosed after 1 exacerbation and 1 lesion while the clinician awaits a second exacerbation and lesion to be able to make the diagnosis of MS
MS Lesion Appearance Terminology on MRI
“Dawson’s Fingers”
CSF findings indicative of MS
Intrathecal IgG synthesis and Oligoclonal bands (among other findings)
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) Definition
The first episode of neurologic symptoms lasting at least 24 hours, caused by inflammation and demyelination in one or more sites in the central nervous system. A person with CIS may or may not go on to develop MS
CIS
Clinically Isolated Syndrome
MS
Multiple Sclerosis
RRMS
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
RRMS Definition / Patient Experiences
• Most common, affecting 85% of patients.
• Patients experience worsening of pre-existing symptoms or onset of new symptoms for periods of greater than 48 hours without concomitant fever, known as relapses, flare-ups, or exacerbations, of MS.
• Contrasted by symptom-free periods, known as remissions, where the patient’s symptoms partially or completely disappear.
Refer to colored graph!
SPMS
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
SPMS - Disease Overview
Secondary-Progressive MS
A progression of RRMS
• More common before advent of disease-modifying medications
• Approximately 50% of patients progressed to SPMS after 10-15 years with RRMS
• Incidence has since decreased
This disease course is steadily progressing.
Can present with or without clear-cut relapses.
See Graph!
PPMS
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
PPMS - Disease Overview
Primary-Progressive MS
Relatively rare, affecting 10% of patients.
Characterized by steady decline, without clear-cut relapses.
Medications are generally not effective at treating this type of disease.
PRMS
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
PRMS - Disease Overview
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Relatively rare, affecting 5% of patients.
Steady disease progression, in addition to clear-cut periods of exacerbations of MS.
Patients can be treated for relapses with steroids, however disease will progress regardless of therapy
Treatment for Acute Exacerbation: Acute severe attack
Corticosteroids - NOT disease modifying
A hormone that stimulates the body to make its own hormone and improve its immune system ; Decreases inflammation by suppression of migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversal of increased capillary permeability.
*Methylprednisone (Solumedrol): 1 gram iv infusion per day x 3 to 5 days- may be followed by oral Prednisone taper 60 mg qd x 7 days, then 60 mg qod x 7 days, then 40 mg qod x 7 days, then 20 mg qod x 7 days, then stop
Side effects: jittery/increased energy (something MS patients aren’t used to)
H2 blocker/PPI for ulcer prophylaxis
Monitor blood glucose Watch for infection
Treatment for Acute Exacerbation: Acute severe attack (another option)
*Corticotropin Acthar gel: NOT disease modifying
Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete adrenal steroids (including cortisol), weakly androgenic substances, and aldosterone
Intramuscular or Subcutaneously: 80 to 120 units/day for 2 to 3 weeks
ABCR Injectables - Class of Medications
Interferon Beta
Glatiramer Acetate (pretty sure)
Disease Modifying Agents