Overview:
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and severely debilitating neurological disease that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The onset of NMOSD is generally characterized by an acute first attack, followed by acute relapses. Misdiagnosis is common, as NMOSD is frequently mistaken for MS. In some cases, this results in the initiation of disease-modifying therapies for MS, such as interferon beta, fingolimod, and alemtuzumab, which can significantly worsen NMOSD symptoms. Consequently, appropriate therapy for initial and subsequent attacks is vital to limit CNS damage and disability. Treatment options are available to prevent recurrences by targeting various inflammatory factors involved in the pathogenesis of NMOSD, providing clinicians with a greater ability to limit disease activity in their patients. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should be familiar with therapeutic targets and their role in modulating the disease pathogenesis of NMOSD. This CE program will focus on the pathogenesis of NMOSD, mechanisms of action of current agents, and recent updates in clinical trial data.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the patient burden of NMOSD, including its impact on daily living and quality of life.
- Evaluate clinical trial data for current and emerging therapies in the management of NMOSD.
- Implement evidence-based approaches to modify treatment in patients with NMOSD based on treatment response.
Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD
Anne Finucane Endowed Chair in Neurology
Associate Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology
Mass General Brigham
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
Dean M. Wingerchuk, MD, FRCP(C)
Professor and Chair
Department of Neurology
Mayo Clinic
Phoenix, AZ
Mirla Avila, MD
Interim Chair of Neurology and PM&R
Program Director of Neurology Categorical Residency TTUHSC
Associate Professor of Neurology |
Director of Texas Tech Comprehensive MS Care Center
Lubbock, TX
Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC, designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC, is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #16669, for 1.0 Contact Hours.