Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in Latin America

Abstract

Despite the availability of a large amount of information regarding the management and care of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, there is scant information about recommendations on how to care for primary progressive MS (PPMS) patients. The objective of this study was to review how PPMS patients should be assessed and cared for in Latin America (LATAM).

Methods: A panel of neurology experts from LATAM dedicated to the diagnosis and care of MS patients gathered virtually during 2017 and 2018 to carry out a consensus recommendation on the diagnosis and treatment of PPMS patients in LATAM. To achieve consensus, the methodology of "formal consensus-RAND/UCLA method" was used.

Results: Recommendations focused on disease management, and specific and symptomatic disease treatment were determined. The main consensus was that the 2017 McDonald criteria should be used for diagnosis but that the exclusion of regional diseases is strongly recommended; that specific considerations should be taken regarding immunotherapy treatments used in MS due to the scarce evidence available; and that a general approach that considers symptomatic treatment and rehabilitation should be performed in affected patients to improve their status.

Conclusions: The recommendations of these consensus guidelines attempt to optimize the health care and management of PPMS patients in LATAM.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Latin America; Multiple sclerosis; Primary progressive; Treatment.