Specific aspects of modern life for people with multiple sclerosis: considerations for the practitioner

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating, neurodegenerative disease that has a high impact on patients' quality of life. Individuals are often diagnosed in early adulthood and are faced with the difficulty of managing their lifestyle within the context of this chronic illness. Here we review factors that influence the disease course and the challenges that might be encountered when managing patients with MS. The majority of diagnosed patients are women of childbearing age, making pregnancy-related issues a key concern. MS typically stabilizes during pregnancy and evidence suggests that the disease has no impact on the risk of complications or outcomes. However, the effect of disease-modifying therapies on outcomes is less clear, and discontinuation of treatment prior to pregnancy or when breastfeeding is recommended. Awareness of genetic risk factors is important for patients planning a family, as several genes increase the risk of MS. Further aspects that require consideration include infections, vaccinations, environmental factors, surgery and the emergence of osteoporosis. Vaccinations are generally not a risk factor for MS and may be beneficial in terms of protection against infection and reducing the number of relapses. Environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, low exposure to sunlight, smoking and Epstein-Barr virus infection can all negatively influence the disease course. Furthermore, osteoporosis is generally higher in patients with MS than the general population, and the risk is increased by the environmental and genetic factors associated with the disease; bone mineral density should be assessed and smoking cessation and correction of serum vitamin D levels are recommended. Finally, as patients with MS are typically young, they are at low risk of surgery-related complications, although they should be carefully monitored postoperatively. Awareness of, and planning around, these factors may minimize the impact of the disease on patients' lifestyle.

Keywords: Epstein−Barr virus infections; disease-modifying therapies; genetic risk factors; multiple sclerosis; osteoporosis; pregnancy; vaccination; vitamin D.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: Dr Celia Oreja-Guevara has no relevant financial interest in this manuscript. She has received honoraria as consultant in scientific advisory boards by Bayer-Schering, Merck-Serono, Biogen Idec, TEVA and Novartis and has also participated in clinical trials and other research projects promoted by Biogen Idec, GSK, TEVA and Novartis.

Dr Heinz Wiendl has received honoraria for lecturing, travel expenses for attending meetings from Bayer Health Care, Biogen Idec/Elan Corporation, Lilly, Lundbeck Merck Serono, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis and TEVA Neuroscience. He has served/serves as a consultant for Biogen Idec, Merck Serono, Novartis Pharma, Sanofi-Aventis and receives research support from Bayer Schering Pharma, Biogen Idec/Elan Corporation, Merck Serono, Novartis, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi-Aventis.

Dr Bernd Kieseier has received honoraria for lecturing, travel expenses for attending meetings and financial support for research from Bayer Health Care, Biogen Idec, Genzyme/Sanofi Aventis, Grifols, Merck Serono, Mitsubishi Europe, Novartis, Roche, Talecris and TEVA.

Dr Laura Airas has been involved in contract research through agreements between the institution and the sponsor with Novartis, Roche, GE Healthcare and Biogen Idec. She has received research support from the Academy of Finland, Biogen Idec and Merck Serono.