Page 2 - Gulf Consensus

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong, neurodegenerative disease with a potential for long-
term disability.

The prevalence of MS in the Gulf countries has increased recently and it poses a
challenge to the healthcare systems in these countries.

The treatment landscape for MS has changed in recent years. New treatments have
become available and access to these treatments has improved.

There is also an improved knowledge of the safety profiles of DMDs, leading to a greater
understanding of their risks and mitigation strategies.

It is important that appropriate guidance is available to physicians to use these medicines
effectively. Currently, guidance specifically for the Gulf countries is lacking.

Here we present the consensus recommendations on MS management in the Gulf.

• The objective of this consensus was to establish recommendations that would support
the treating physicians in the Gulf region in the management of MS.
• The recommendations were based on the level of disease activity, taking into account
several other factors such as efficacy, safety, monitoring burden, lifestyle, and pregnancy.