Abstract

RUIZ GARCIA, Dania  and  SOLAR SALAVERRI, Luis Alberto. Multiple sclerosis: Bigliographical review. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3038.

Multiple sclerosis is the main cause of neurological disability in young adults. It has a wide clinical spectrum from benign to malignant forms. In Cuba , a tropical region considered of low prevalence, there are approximately from 550 to 1 650 patients. The disease begins in individuals aged 20-40, with a predominance of females. Its aetiology is unknown, and diverse pathogenic mechanisms have been suggested. It is immunomediated, and it is also characterized by demyelination, edema, remyelination, and axonal damage. There is a silent form that may be active even during the apparent clinical stability. Its clinical forms are exacerbation-remission, progressive chronic, benign, and fulminant acute. The reviewed McDonald's criteria are used for the diagnosis. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable for the diagnosis and prognosis. Methylprednisolone is used to treat outbreaks, and to delay relapses, whereas Interferon ß 1 is administered in the secondary progressive form.

Keywords : Multiple sclerosis (MS); epidemiology; pathophysiology; aetiology; clinic; prognosis; diagnosis; treatment.

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