This textbook examines the most important aspects of multiple sclerosis that impact on clinical trial design, on the development of new disease therapies and on patient care. The international team of contributors discuss the clinical course of multiple sclerosis, its clinical heterogeneity, the presence of subclinical disease activity which occurs during the early stages of the disease. Multiple sclerosis presents clinical challenges: from unexpected and irregular relapses to profressive deterioration.

This book offers a detailed review of the remarkable advances that have been made in research on the pathogenesis of a number of neuroimmunological diseases, as well as outlining novel treatments including the use of monoclonal antibodies. Written by renowned experts who have made major contributions in the field, such as identifying neuromyelitis optica as an immunopathological clinical condition, identifying the role of ganglioside and ganglioside-complex antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome, and developing a novel treatment for POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome, the book summarizes recent advances in basic and clinical research. Neuroimmunological Diseases is a useful resource for not only researchers but also neurologists who are engaged in the management of neuroimmunological diseases.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease of the nervous system, affecting about 1 million people worldwide. Even though it has been known for over a hundred years, no cause or cure has yet been discovered-but now there is hope. New therapies have been shown to slow the disease progress in some patients, and the pace of discoveries about the cellular machinery of the brain and spinal cord has accelerated. This book presents a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis today, as researchers seek to understand its processes, develop therapies that will slow or halt the disease and perhaps repair damage, offer relief for specific symptoms, and improve the abilities of MS patients to function in their daily lives. The panel reviews existing knowledge and identifies key research questions, focusing on: Research strategies that have the greatest potential to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery and to translate findings into specific strategies for therapy. How people adapt to MS and the research needed to improve the lives of people with MS. Management of disease symptoms (cognitive impairment, depression, spasticity, vision problems, and others). The committee also discusses ways to build and financially support the MS research enterprise, including a look at challenges inherent in designing clinical trials. This book will be important to MS researchers, research funders, health care advocates for MS research and treatment, and interested patients and their families.

Revised and updated second edition of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders: Clinical Guide to Diagnosis, Medical Management, and Rehabilitation, the only comprehensive but practical source of core information on multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders. Intended as a ready reference for clinicians who provide ongoing care to MS patients, this book combines evidence-based science with experience-based guidance to present current standards and management protocols from leading MS centers. Beginning with the scientific underpinnings of MS for clinicians, the book proceeds through diagnosis, including initial symptoms, diagnostic criteria and classification, imaging, and differential diagnosis, and onto approved treatments for the various MS types and emerging therapies. Later parts of the book discuss symptom management and rehabilitation with chapters focusing on specific side effects, along with considerations for special populations, comorbidities, societal and family issues, and related autoimmune disorders that are often mistaken for MS. Throughout, chapters include lists of Key Points both for clinicians and for patients and families, and management pearls are boxed for quick reference and clinical utility. Illustrations, tables, algorithms, assessment scales, and up-to-date MRI imaging enrich the text, making this a wide-ranging clinical reference for all members of the MS care team. New to the Second Edition: Includes summary recommendations from new AAN practice guidelines for use of DMTs All chapters updated to reflect the latest literature and diagnostic criteria Five entirely new chapters added to expand coverage of treatment, rehabilitation and symptom management, and special issues related to MS Treatment section has been completely revised to better capture current approaches to disease modifying therapies, with separate chapters devoted to injection and oral therapies, infusion therapies, and treatments for progressive forms of MS Related autoimmune diseases section significantly expanded to include transverse myelitis, autoimmune encephalitis, and neurosarcoidosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with a presumed autoimmune aetiology and few current effective treatments. Disease modifying therapies focus on the altering the natural course of relapsing and remitting MS, targeting the inflammatory response. Other targets involve tacking the cause of the disease – demyelination of axons through remyelination therapies. Due to several recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathophysiology of MS new targets for remyelination and immunomodulation are rapidly emerging. This book provides a comprehensive overview of drug discovery and development for the molecular basis of the disease, from new targets to drugs currently in clinical development, cellular and animal disease models to biomarkers for diagnosis and assessment in clinical trials. Emerging Drugs and Targets for Multiple Sclerosis is an ideal reference for any student or researcher interested in drug development for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases and MS in particular.

This book summarizes the global progress in medical and scientific research toward converting traditionally chronic autoimmune diseases into a drug-free reversible illness using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and other cellular therapies such as T regulatory cells (Treg), mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells in order to reintroduce sustained immune tolerance. This title provides information on different types of stem cells and immune cells; post-transplant immune regeneration; cellular regulatory requirements; ethical and economic considerations; and the advantages and disadvantages of HSCT in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases versus current conventional treatments. Arranged by disease, the text provides a comprehensive guide to HSCT for all types of autoimmune/immune disorders including monogenetic autoimmune diseases; autoimmune aplastic anemia; neurologic immune diseases including multiple sclerosis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, neuromyelitis optica, and stiff person syndrome; rheumatologic diseases such as systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus; dermatologic diseases such as pemphigus; gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease; and immune-mediated endocrinologic disease type I diabetes mellitus. Guidance is provided on the transplantation technique, cell collection and processing, conditioning regimens, infections, and early and late complications. Key Features Outlines therapies and techniques for HSCT for autoimmune diseases Discusses the advantages of HSCT over conventional therapies Reviews the entire process of stem cell therapy from harvest and ethics to indications, efficacy, and regulatory oversight

This book provides a clinical focus on neuroinflammatory diseases as well as a review in pathophysiology and treatment approaches. Organized into six parts, the book begins with a basic review of the immune system and concepts for learning and treating neuroimmune conditions. The next four sections cover specific subfields of neuroimmunology and autoimmune neurology - the clinical and diagnostic features of multiple sclerosis, other autoimmune conditions of the central nervous system, autoimmune conditions of the peripheral nervous system, and systemic autoimmune conditions that affect the nervous system. To conclude, Section six discusses various clinical approaches to specific presentations in neuroimmunology, including pediatric demyelinating diseases. These sections provide practical clinical information to improve the reader’s knowledge in this complex field. The chapters are written by world renown authors with extensive knowledge to help provide up to date information. The full scope of autoimmune neurology is discussed, which is a unique feature of this book. Neuroimmunology serves as a resource for those in training including residents and fellows to provide clear clinical reasoning and background in a rapidly advancing field.