A journey with no roadmap—The need for validated criteria of the MS prodrome. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roman, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 29:Number 4/5(2023)
• Page Start: 502
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- biomarkers -- epidemiology; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/13524585221135883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

Background: A growing body of compelling evidence has emerged to validate a set of signs and symptoms that indicates the onset of disease before more typical signs and symptoms present to fulfill a diagnosis of MS. On 24 June 2021, a group of international researchers, patient advocates, and Society representatives led by Professors Helen Tremlett (University of British Columbia) and Ruth Ann Marrie (University of Manitoba) convened virtually for a workshop. Objective: Identify key gaps in knowledge, opportunities, and research priorities regarding the prodromal stage of MS. Methods: The group developed a new framework for MS that includes the stage of early signs and symptoms of MS—and outlined a roadmap to guide future research, with the "goal of preventing the progression to onset of typical symptoms of MS in those who present during the prodromal stage of MS". Results: If high-risk individuals in the early stages of MS can be identified with a high degree of certainty, there is an opportunity to intervene and minimize the risk of progressing to typical MS symptoms and a diagnosis of MS. Conclusion: Standardized criteria must be developed, validated, and point of intervention found to better recognize, better diagnose, and better treat MS.