2011 annual evidence update on Multiple Sclerosis
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 1:30 am
Introduction by Professor Lionel Ginsberg, Clinical Lead, NHS Evidence Neurological Conditions Specialist Collection.
Welcome to the 2011 Annual Evidence Update on Multiple Sclerosis. Considering the intense activity by researchers and pharmaceutical companies in this area, our topic advisors have identified a disappointing amount of high-level evidence on treatment of this challenging condition this year. Indeed, a review of the economic burden of MS highlights the fact that drug costs predominate in early disease whereas care costs multiply later in the course of the illness, with no clear evidence yet that the former expenditure reduces the latter.
This year's systematic reviews of the aetiopathogenesis and epidemiology of MS have been more helpful. There is consistent evidence of increasing incidence of the disease, particularly in females. The link with latitudinal gradient seems less secure than was previously thought to be the case, whereas the role of viruses in MS aetiopathogenesis has been further supported, particularly human herpes virus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus. No convincing link between MS and atopy/allergy, nor between MS and psoriasis, has been found. I am very grateful to the MS Topic Advisors for their care and effort selecting and commenting on the evidence, and to the Project Team , Caroline de Brun and Ruth Muscat, for all their hard work.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/2479