On the Frontlines of Multiple Sclerosis

Host: Paul Doghramji, MD Guest: Pavle Repovic, MD, PhD There is no cure for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and progressive disease in which disability accumulates over time, but available therapies may help modify the course by reducing disease activity. The MS specialist, Dr. Pavle Repovic, discusses KESIMPTA®, a treatment option offering adult RMS patients powerful efficacy with a demonstrated safety profile and flexible self-administration. 9/20 T-KSM-1393526

Guest: Timothy William West, MD Here to discuss staying ahead of progression in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is Dr. Timothy William West. Dr. West walks us through pathophysiological changes in progressing RMS patients, a patient case demonstrating why patients may experience increasing disability, and key data on MAYZENT®(siponimod), the first and only oral disease-modifying therapy studied and proven to delay disability progression in a more progressed RMS patient population, including active SPMS. MAYZENT was evaluated in EXPAND—the largest Phase III study of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) patients to date (N=1651), which included a broad range of patients with moderate-to-advanced disability. Dr. West discusses clinical data from EXPAND including data of up to 5 years from a preplanned interim analysis of the EXPAND open-label extension study.

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD Guest: Maria K. Houtchens, MD Guest: Maria Lopes, MD Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are increasingly choosing to start families. It is incumbent on us as healthcare professionals to try to ensure their chances for healthy pregnancies while maintaining adequate disease control. In this program, Dr. Houtchens and Dr. Lopes discuss the importance of patient/healthcare provider partnerships in family planning. Specific points of focus include the role of effective contraception, key concepts regarding the use of disease modifying therapies, and important practical considerations related to patient care in the time before, during, and after pregnancy. EMD Serono is a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. ©EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved. US/NPR/1019/0558a

Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO Guest: Riley Bove, MD Guest: Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, MD The disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS) can take many paths based on numerous factors, including age at diagnosis, gender, and MS subtype. Layered upon the typical MS management challenges are those that can occur with the physical and physiological changes of the normal aging process. How might the care of a patient with MS need to be modified as they age? In this discussion, Dr. Bove and Dr. Weinstock-Guttman will review: The effects that aging may have on patients with MS The interplay between menopause and MS How aging may affect the approach to disease management EMD Serono is a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. ©EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved. US/NPR/1019/0520B

Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO Guest: Catherine Apicella, MPT, PYT-C, PRPC With less and less primary care physicians partnering with physical therapists, it’s time we ask: are we doing ourselves—and our patients—a disservice by not taking advantage of this option? To find out, Dr. Jennifer Caudle sits down with physical therapist Catherine Apicella to discuss the often-overlooked benefits of physical therapy and how primary care physicians and physical therapists can work together to benefit their patients.

Host: Patricia K. Coyle, MD Guest: Clyde E. Markowitz, MD Please note: This activity is no longer available for continuing education credit. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. As the treatment armamentarium continues to grow, patient involvement in the development of an effective treatment strategy is becoming increasingly important. In this Clinical ExchangesSM activity, leading MS specialists discuss issues of diagnosing MS, initiating treatment, and switching therapies, all in the context of practical shared decision-making techniques demonstrated by their own patients.

Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO Guest: Catherine Apicella, MPT, PYT-C, PRPC Guest: Crystal Gouldey Frustrating multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like urinary frequency and incontinence can be detrimental to a patient’s quality of life, but there are resources available to help. To explore the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy for MS, Dr. Jennifer Caudle sits down with two special guests: physical therapist Catherine Apicella from CORE 3 Physical Therapy and her patient—and ReachMD’s very own employee—Crystal Gouldey.