Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that attacks the myelin of the central nervous system. The most common type is relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), which accounts for approximately 85% of MS cases worldwide. Focal neurologic symptoms that resolve to some degree or resolve completely are the hallmark of RRMS.
Most patients with RRMS will eventually develop secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS); however, with the advent of newer disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and due to variable efficacy of these therapies, the exact prevalence of SPMS is unknown. A recent retrospective study by Coret and colleagues on DMTs and their effects on conversion rate to SPMS showed that although long-term treatment may reduce the number of patients who develop SPMS, the time to reach this stage in patients whose disease does convert may be the same as previously demonstrated in early natural-history studies.
The presence of fixed symptoms without remission marks the progression to SPMS. Recent advancements in RRMS treatment bring attention to prevention and treatment strategies for eventually debilitating SPMS.
How much do you know about SPMS? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Krupa Pandey. Fast Five Quiz: Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis - Medscape - Feb 16, 2021.
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