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Κίνδυνος αγγειακών εγκεφαλικών επεισοδίων σε ασθενείς με πολλαπλή σκλήρυνση (Master thesis)

Ντόσκας, Τριαντάφυλλος

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease that involves an interplay of genetic, environmental and immune factors under the control of epigenetic mechanisms. The risk for hospitalization or mortality due to stroke is higher in MS patients compared to the general population. Stroke is an equally heterogenous disease that is subject to a range of both modifiable and non-modifiable, short- and long-term risk factors. Aim: The objective is to present an overview of the available literature evidence on the occurrence of stroke in MS patients. In addition to the pathophysiology link between MS and stroke, an overview of risk factors that may predispose to a higher incidence of stroke in MS as well as the effect of MS treatment on stroke will be investigated. Conversely, evidence on the effect of preventative treatment for stroke on MS patients will be provided. Materials and Methods: A research in PubMed was conducted to retrieve studies, which assess the risk of stroke on MS patients. English articles in addition to their bibliographic references were used. Results: The immune mechanisms that underlie stroke are similar to neurodegenerative diseases, including MS, and are attributed to neuroinflammation and disruption of coagulation pathways, in addition to the prevalence of risk factors. As both MS and stroke can individually detrimentally affect the quality of life of afflicted patients, addressing the increased risk for stroke in MS is crucial for the prompt implementation of preventative therapeutic measures to limit the additive burden that stroke imposes on MS patients.