Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents for primary prevention of thrombosis in individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies
Abstract Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the presence ofantiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies that have prothrombotic activity. Antiphospholipidantibodies are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications (recurrent miscarriage, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation) and thrombotic events (both arterial and venous). The most common thrombotic events include brain ischaemia (stroke or transient […]
Trihexyphenidyl for dystonia in cerebral palsy
Abstract Background Cerebral palsy occurs in up to 2.1 of every 1000 live births and encompasses a range of motor problems and movement disorders. One commonly occurring movement disorder amongst those with cerebral palsy is dystonia: sustained or intermittent involuntary muscle spasms and contractions that cause twisting, repetitive movements and abnormal postures. The involuntary contractions […]
Respiratory muscle training for multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, affecting approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. People with MS may experience limitations in muscular strength and endurance – including the respiratory muscles, affecting functional performance and exercise capacity. Respiratory muscle weakness can also lead to diminished performance on coughing, which may […]
Alemtuzumab versus interferon beta 1a for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Alemtuzumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that alters the circulating lymphocyte pool, causing prolonged lymphopenia, thus remoulding the immune repertoire that accompanies homeostatic lymphocyte reconstitution. It has been proved more effective than interferon (IFN) 1a for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Objectives To compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of alemtuzumab […]
Treatment with disease-modifying drugs for people with a first clinical attack suggestive of multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background The treatment of multiple sclerosis has changed over the last 20 years. The advent of disease-modifying drugs in the mid-1990s heralded a period of rapid progress in the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis. With the support of magnetic resonance imaging early diagnosis is possible, enabling treatment initiation at the time of the […]
Interferons-beta versus glatiramer acetate for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Interferons-beta (IFNs-beta) and glatiramer acetate (GA) were the first two disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved 20 years ago for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). DMTs’ prescription rates as first or switching therapies and their costs have both increased substantially over the past decade. As more DMTs become available, the choice of a specific […]
Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for drug-resistant epilepsy
Abstract Background An estimated 1% to 3% of all individuals will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy during their lives, which corresponds to approximately 50 million affected people worldwide. The real prevalence is possibly higher because epilepsy is underreported in developing countries. Although most will achieve adequate control of their disease though the use of medication, […]
Fingolimod for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Fingolimod was approved in 2010 for the treatment of patients with the relapsing-remitting (RR) form of multiple sclerosis (MS). It was designed to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and to delay disability worsening. Issues on its safety and efficacy, mainly as compared to other disease modifying drugs (DMDs), have been raised. Objectives To […]
Alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, T-cell-dependent, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, with an unpredictable course. Current MS therapies focus on treating exacerbations, preventing new exacerbations and avoiding the progression of disability. However, at present there is no effective treatment that is capable of safely and effectively reaching these objectives. […]
Teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background This is an update of the Cochrane review “Teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis” (first published in The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. It is clinically characterized by recurrent relapses or progression, or both, often leading to severe neurological disability and a […]