Objective:To provide recommendations on the use of disease-modifying agents in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to ensure
that treatment will be available to those patients who may benefit.Methods:An initial draft of the consensus statement was prepared by
the Steering Committee and amended in the light of written comments from a group of MS specialists. At a subsequent workshop, the
wording of the consensus statement was discussed, modified if necessary, and the participants indicated their level of support using an
electronic voting system. A new draft of the statement was then sent to a much larger group of international opinion leaders in MS for
further comment.Results:A
number of statements were agreed, which outline the criteria for consideration of disease-modifying therapy for
MS and recommendations for treatment. Each statement was accepted completely, or with only minor reservations by 95% or more of those
present at the workshop. Conclusions: Periodic reviews and modifications to the statement will be required, as new approaches to the
treatment of MS and other therapeutic agents become available.
Multiple Sclerosis (2002)8,19-23
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