Pinpointing the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis - Differentiation, Evaluation and Treatment Updates
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Two attendance options:
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Target Audience
DMU faculty, staff, students, residents, and the medical community.
Objectives
- Differentiate findings about the pathophysiology of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS).
- Identify specific aspects of evaluation, including objective tests and measures that can help to pinpoint PPMS and quantify its progression.
- Evaluate data on pharmacologic treatments that may emerge with a role in treating patients with PPMS.
Assessment of Need and References
- Clinical Gap 1: Differentiating and Evaluating: It is important that clinicians are equipped to accurately differentiate and evaluate PPMS (as compared with RRMS or secondary progressive MS [SPMS]), which affects a smaller percentage of patients but is also potentially much more disabling.1 In addition, acquiring foundational knowledge regarding pathophysiology can help to frame mechanisms of action for potentially effective treatments.
- Clinical Gap 2: Developments in Treatment: Due to the lack of approved effective treatments for PPMS thus far, clinicians must be informed about emerging agents that may offer some modification of the disease course.
Clinicians managing patients with PPMS are challenged by several aspects of this responsibility. Assessment can be confounded by patient perceptions and variable presentations and course, so effective evaluation must consider objective data such as MRI and assessment scale findings as well as the individual patient’s presentation and history. Treatment options have been limited to date and there is a lack of consensus on approach to treatment, so it is important that clinicians are able to analyze new data/treatment options expected to emerge, as a means of informing the selection of the safest and most effective options for care. View the entire assessment of need analysis and references.

Des Moines University is located on a 22-acre campus in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. Just west of downtown on Grand Avenue, the University is located in one of Des Moines’ most prestigious neighborhoods. The campus is in a historic neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets and gracious older homes and businesses. Its central location makes it easy to access the rest of the city and outlying communities. The campus is close to the Des Moines International Airport, located on the bus line and just blocks from local shopping and downtown Des Moines.
Robert T. Naismith, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Relevant to the content of this CME activity, Dr. Naismith indicated he is a consultant for Acorda, Alkermes, Bayer, Biogen, EMD Serono, Genetech, Genzyme, Novartis, and Teva.
Kathy Mercuris, PT, DHS, C/NDT, CEEAA
Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Des Moines University
Dr. Mercuris received her BS in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and her Doctorate in Health Sciences at the University of Indianapolis. She is certified in adult hemiplegia by the Neurodevelopment Association, is a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention instructor, and has Certification as Exercise Expert in Aging Adults. She has 38 years of experience working with individuals with neurologic dysfunction and teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Des Moines University.
Relevant to the content of this CME activity, Dr. Mercuris indicated she has no financial relationships to disclose.
Accreditation Statements
- DO: Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this program for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
- DPM: Des Moines University (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 3.5 continuing education contact hours.
- MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
DMU designates this live activity for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- Nurse: Des Moines University is Iowa Board of Nursing approved provider #112. This live activity has been reviewed and approved for 1.0 continuing education contact hour(s). No partial credit awarded.
- Other healthcare providers: This live activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
Educational Grants
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Genentech, Inc.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 1.00 AOA Category 2A
- 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
- 1.00 CPME
- 1.00 IBON