OVERVIEW

The overall objective of this course is to bring awareness to a group of recently described inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system distinct from multiple sclerosis that can be identified using specific biomarkers. This distinction is critical not only from a diagnostic standpoint but also from therapy, since treatment of these disorders as multiple sclerosis can do harm and worsen these otherwise distinct entities. The typical clinical presentations that should alert the practitioners of these alternate diagnosis, the specific diagnostic markers, and their distinct treatment options will all be discussed.

This course will focus on an emerging spectrum of antibody-driven CNS autoimmune disorders that attack the brain and spinal cord, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). As recent emerging disorders, NMOSD and MOGAD are being recognized as distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating neurological disorders. The goal of this course is to increase awareness of NMOSD and MOGAD and facilitate early diagnosis and therapy. The US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) recently approved three new therapies for NMOSD, but there are currently no approved therapies for MOGAD (1 – 3). All three FDA-approved therapies for NMOSD will be addressed, as also consensus pragmatic approaches found to be effective in the management of MOGAD (4). Difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems exemplified by real-life cases will be presented, including an exchange of information between faculty and attendees with case presentations, dedicated discussions, question and answer sessions and panel discussions.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The course is aimed primarily at general neurologists, pediatric neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, psychiatrists, internists, hospitalists, intensivists, fellows, residents, nurses, pharmacists, and allied healthcare professionals that participate in the care of neurological patients. General practitioners will find the topics timely and useful.

Pharmacists will find the course helpful since all three approved therapies are complicated, and a knowledge of these therapies will facilitate better care.

Neuro-oncologists and neurosurgeons will particularly find the course educational since acute tumefactive lesions seen in NMOSD can be mistaken for tumors and result in avoidable surgeries and biopsies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

ACCREDITATION

The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information please visit the official event page.