Dublin, Ireland
September 9 - September 12, 2001

This course for physicians was the first of a comprehensive two-part series which reviewed the essential aspects of MS diagnosis and treatment to date. It stressed the benefits of new diagnostic tools for defining the natural history of MS and disease activity monitoring. Current diagnostic criteria for MS was also reviewed in the light of new medical evidence. The series reviewed “the state of the art” for MS therapy and clarified the role of clinical trials in testing potential therapies.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this advanced course were to provide the junior neurologist wanting to specialize in MS with a comprehensive and updated review of the current approach to MS management.

At the conclusion of this course the participant was able to:

• Explain the current diagnostic criteria for MS, and the possible extensions.
• Assess the importance of genetic risk factors versus environmental triggers in the development of MS.
• Describe the benefits of new diagnostic tools, such as MRI or biological markers, in defining the natural history of MS and monitoring disease activity.
• Describe how to reach an early diagnosis of MS and determine appropriate treatment.
• Review the “state of the art” for MS treatment, with particular reference to new immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective drugs.
• Identify the contribution of recent clinical trials to the understanding of MS pathology, and describe the methodological requirements for MS clinical trials.

ACCREDITATION

Serono Symposia USA, Inc., is accredited by the accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.

Serono Symposia USA, Inc., designated this education activity for a maximum of 9.75 credit hours in category I credit towards the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

The Royal College of Physicians, London, UK approved this program for 13 credit hours (Reference #13587).