Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (chronic DMT)
Encounter flow
12/12 authoredCanonical 12-phase frame with authored status for this dossier.
Frame
Confirm RRMS per McDonald 2017 (DIS + DIT) with active or stable disease; distinguish from SPMS (progression independent of relapses) and PPMS (steady accumulation from onset) (PMID 29275977)
RRMS subtype confirmed and active/non-active status assigned
Patient inputs (17)
HBV reactivation risk on anti-CD20 — screen pre-DMT (AAN 2024)
VZV-naive → vaccinate before S1P modulator or anti-CD20 (AAN 2024)
Latent TB screen before DMT, especially anti-CD20 + S1P (AAN 2024)
Younger patients have higher relapse rate; pregnancy alters DMT eligibility (AAN 2024)
Anchor for relapse counting + DIT per McDonald 2017 (PMID 29275977)
Active disease = new T2 / gad+ lesion since prior MRI; NEDA-3 target on DMT (AAN 2024)
Lymphopenia surveillance on DMF / cladribine / siponimod / fingolimod (AAN 2024)
DMT hepatotoxicity surveillance (DMF, teriflunomide, ocrelizumab) (AAN 2024)
ARR drives high vs moderate efficacy decision (ECTRIMS 2024) — schema-blocked, captured in required_assessments
Pregnancy excludes most DMTs; planning required for washout (cladribine 6 mo, teriflunomide cholestyramine washout) (AAN 2024)
Required before DMT initiation in reproductive-age females (AAN 2024)
AV block, bradycardia, recent MI/stroke contraindicate fingolimod/siponimod first-dose (AAN 2024)
Cervical cord lesions strong disability predictor; baseline + annual (AAN 2024)
Hypogammaglobulinemia on anti-CD20 (ocre/ofa/ublitux) — infection risk (AAN 2024)
EDSS pre-DMT anchors NEDA-3 + progression-independent-of-relapse (PIRA) tracking — schema-blocked
JCV-Ab index gates natalizumab eligibility; recheck q6 mo on natalizumab (PML risk) (AAN 2024)
CYP2C9 *3/*3 contraindicates siponimod (genotype-driven dose) (AAN 2024)
* = hard-required. Engine cannot meaningfully run until these are filled.
Severity triggers (8)
- informationallife_threateningpml_risk_natalizumab_jcv_positiveJCV-Ab positivity on natalizumab (especially >2 y therapy + prior IS) → PML risk → switch to anti-CD20 (AAN 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalseverehighly_active_rrms_escalation_indicatedHighly active RRMS — ≥2 relapses in past 12 mo OR ≥3 gad+ lesions OR rapid EDSS progression — aggressive escalation (ECTRIMS 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalseverebreakthrough_on_dmt_escalation_indicatedBreakthrough relapse OR new MRI activity despite ≥6 mo on adequate-dose DMT → escalate to higher efficacy tier (ECTRIMS 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalmoderateactive_rrms_relapse_eligibleActive RRMS — relapse in past 12 mo OR new T2/gad+ lesion on surveillance MRI (AAN 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalmoderateclinically_isolated_syndrome_cisCIS — first demyelinating event + MRI lesions meeting DIS/DIT risk → start DMT per McDonald 2017 (PMID 29275977)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalmoderatepregnancy_rrms_dmt_washoutActive pregnancy or near-term plan → DMT washout / switch to pregnancy-compatible (glatiramer, IFN OK; teriflunomide cholestyramine washout; cladribine 6 mo washout) (AAN 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalmoderatepediatric_rrmsPediatric-onset MS (<18 y) — different PK; PARADIGMS fingolimod FDA-approved ≥10 y (PMID 30207920 NEEDS_SOURCE_REVIEW)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
- informationalmildclassic_rrms_modest_activityClassic RRMS — modest activity (ARR ≤1) + EDSS ≤3 + patient prefers oral/SC — moderate efficacy first-line (AAN 2024)Trigger could not be auto-evaluated — needs clinician judgement.
Workflow calculators
Run this disease's risk and dosing calculators inline.
Recommended regimen
RRMS DMT efficacy ladder — moderate vs high efficacy first-line (AAN 2024; ECTRIMS 2024)- glatiramer acetatefirst lineimmunomodulator20 mg SC daily OR 40 mg SC 3×/week • SC • daily / 3×/weektriggers: pregnancy_planning, low_activity_RRMSLong safety track + pregnancy-compatible (Cat B); injection-site reaction common; PRISMS/COPAXONE pivotalrxcui 84375
- interferon beta-1afirst lineinterferon30 mcg IM weekly (Avonex) OR 44 mcg SC 3×/week (Rebif) • IM / SC • weekly / 3×/weektriggers: pregnancy_compatible_preferencePRISMS — moderate efficacy; flu-like ADRs; LFT + CBC monitoringrxcui 75917
- dimethyl fumaratefirst linefumarate120 mg PO BID × 7 d then 240 mg PO BID • PO • BIDtriggers: oral_preference_low_activityDEFINE (Gold NEJM 2012 PMID 22992073) + CONFIRM — flush + GI ADRs; lymphopenia monitoring; PML rare in lymphopenicrxcui 1373478
- teriflunomidefirst linepyrimidine_synthesis_inhibitor14 mg PO daily • PO • dailytriggers: oral_preference, low_activityTEMSO/TOWER — modest efficacy; hepatotoxic; teratogenic (Cat X) — cholestyramine washout required before pregnancyrxcui 1310520
outpatient playbook — drug actions (10)
- 1. ocrelizumab600 mg IV q6 months • IV infusion • q6 motrigger: Highly active RRMS first-lineOPERA PMID 28002679
- 2. ofatumumab20 mg SC monthly • SC • monthlytrigger: SC preference high efficacyASCLEPIOS PMID 32757523
- 3. ublituximab450 mg IV q6 months • IV • q6 motrigger: Rapid-infusion preferenceULTIMATE PMID 36001711
- 4. natalizumab300 mg IV q4 weeks • IV • monthlytrigger: Highly active JCV-negativeAFFIRM; PML monitoring
- 5. cladribine3.5 mg/kg cumulative oral pulsed • PO • years 1+2trigger: Short-course inductionCLARITY PMID 20089960
- 6. fingolimod0.5 mg PO daily • PO • dailytrigger: Oral moderate-high efficacyFREEDOMS; first-dose cardiac monitor
- 7. glatiramer acetate20 mg SC daily • SC • dailytrigger: Pregnancy planningCat B safest
- 8. baclofen (spasticity)5-10 mg PO TID titrate • PO • TIDtrigger: SpasticityAAN 2024 symptomatic; max 80 mg/d; renal adjust
- 9. amantadine (fatigue)100 mg PO BID • PO • BIDtrigger: FatigueAAN 2024 modest benefit; livedo + insomnia ADRs
- 10. oxybutynin (bladder)5 mg PO BID-TID • PO • BID-TIDtrigger: Neurogenic detrusor overactivityAnticholinergic — caution cognition
Auto-drafted A&P note
outpatientSubjective
- Possible entry pathways: Established RRMS per McDonald 2017 (Thompson Lancet Neurol PMID 29275977) — DIS + DIT confirmed; Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) — first demyelinating event + MRI with risk → start DMT per McDonald 2017; New T2 lesion or gad+ enhancing lesion on surveillance MRI — disease activity (AAN 2024).
Objective
- No vitals, labs, or imaging entered for this encounter.
Assessment
**Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (chronic DMT)** (neuro.ms-rrms.v1). Phenotype framing: Confirm RRMS vs CIS vs SPMS conversion (insidious progression ≥6 mo independent of relapse) vs PPMS vs NMOSD vs MOGAD vs ADEM (AAN 2024) Scope: Confirm RRMS per McDonald 2017 (DIS + DIT) with active or stable disease; distinguish from SPMS (progression independent of relapses) and PPMS (steady accumulation from onset) (PMID 29275977) No severity triggers fired against current inputs.
Plan
Regimen axis: **RRMS DMT efficacy ladder — moderate vs high efficacy first-line (AAN 2024; ECTRIMS 2024)** — step "Step 1 — Moderate efficacy first-line (low-activity RRMS / patient preference)". 1. glatiramer acetate 20 mg SC daily OR 40 mg SC 3×/week SC daily / 3×/week (immunomodulator, first line) — Long safety track + pregnancy-compatible (Cat B); injection-site reaction common; PRISMS/COPAXONE pivotal 2. interferon beta-1a 30 mcg IM weekly (Avonex) OR 44 mcg SC 3×/week (Rebif) IM / SC weekly / 3×/week (interferon, first line) — PRISMS — moderate efficacy; flu-like ADRs; LFT + CBC monitoring 3. dimethyl fumarate 120 mg PO BID × 7 d then 240 mg PO BID PO BID (fumarate, first line) — DEFINE (Gold NEJM 2012 PMID 22992073) + CONFIRM — flush + GI ADRs; lymphopenia monitoring; PML rare in lymphopenic 4. teriflunomide 14 mg PO daily PO daily (pyrimidine_synthesis_inhibitor, first line) — TEMSO/TOWER — modest efficacy; hepatotoxic; teratogenic (Cat X) — cholestyramine washout required before pregnancy Setting playbook (outpatient) — Primary MS clinic — comprehensive RRMS management q3-6 mo: relapse + MRI + DMT + comorbidity + pregnancy + symptomatic care; NEDA-3 target (no relapse + no new MRI lesion + no EDSS progression) (AAN 2024; ECTRIMS 2024) 5. ocrelizumab 600 mg IV q6 months IV infusion q6 mo — Highly active RRMS first-line (OPERA PMID 28002679) 6. ofatumumab 20 mg SC monthly SC monthly — SC preference high efficacy (ASCLEPIOS PMID 32757523) 7. ublituximab 450 mg IV q6 months IV q6 mo — Rapid-infusion preference (ULTIMATE PMID 36001711) 8. natalizumab 300 mg IV q4 weeks IV monthly — Highly active JCV-negative (AFFIRM; PML monitoring) 9. cladribine 3.5 mg/kg cumulative oral pulsed PO years 1+2 — Short-course induction (CLARITY PMID 20089960) 10. fingolimod 0.5 mg PO daily PO daily — Oral moderate-high efficacy (FREEDOMS; first-dose cardiac monitor) 11. glatiramer acetate 20 mg SC daily SC daily — Pregnancy planning (Cat B safest) 12. baclofen (spasticity) 5-10 mg PO TID titrate PO TID — Spasticity (AAN 2024 symptomatic; max 80 mg/d; renal adjust) 13. amantadine (fatigue) 100 mg PO BID PO BID — Fatigue (AAN 2024 modest benefit; livedo + insomnia ADRs) 14. oxybutynin (bladder) 5 mg PO BID-TID PO BID-TID — Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (Anticholinergic — caution cognition) Non-pharmacologic actions: - PT/OT referral for gait + ADL - Cognitive rehab if SDMT decline - Mental health referral if PHQ-9 ≥10 - Vitamin D 2000-4000 IU/d - Smoking cessation counseling - Mediterranean diet - Aerobic exercise 150 min/wk - Pelvic floor PT for bladder - Sleep hygiene + screen for RLS / sleep apnea - Vocational rehab if work impact - Driving safety review at progression - Vaccination plan: live vaccines (MMR, VZV, yellow fever) pre-DMT; inactivated annually OK on most DMTs AVOID / contraindication checks: - JCV_index_check_before_and_q6mo_on_natalizumab (AAN 2024) - VZV_vaccination_before_S1P_modulator (AAN 2024) - HBV_screen_before_anti_CD20 (AAN 2024) - TB_quantiferon_screen_before_DMT (AAN 2024) - CYP2C9_genotype_for_siponimod (AAN 2024) - Teriflunomide_pregnancy_X_cholestyramine_washout (AAN 2024) - Cladribine_6mo_washout_before_conception (AAN 2024) - Cardiac_monitoring_first_dose_fingolimod (AAN 2024) - Alemtuzumab_secondary_autoimmunity_thyroid_ITP_GBM (CARE MS) - Hypogammaglobulinemia_surveillance_on_anti_CD20 (AAN 2024) - Vaccinations_4_to_6_wk_before_anti_CD20 (AAN 2024)
Monitoring
Regimen monitoring: - CBC lymphocyte count q3 to 6 mo (AAN 2024) - LFT q3 to 6 mo (AAN 2024) - JCV Ab q6 mo on natalizumab (AAN 2024) - IgG annually on anti CD20 (AAN 2024) - annual brain MRI with gad NEDA 3 target (AAN 2024) - annual cervical cord MRI (AAN 2024) - EDSS at each visit (schema-blocked — see depth bundle) - ARR at each visit (schema-blocked — see depth bundle) Setting (outpatient) monitoring: - NEDA-3 (relapse + MRI + EDSS) annually - CBC + LFT q3-6 mo - JCV q6 mo on natalizumab - IgG annually on anti-CD20 - Annual MRI brain + cord - Pregnancy intent each visit Follow-up plan: Rehab/PT/OT; symptomatic Rx (spasticity, fatigue, bladder); pregnancy planning + washout when applicable; vaccinations before next DMT cycle; annual MRI; cognitive screen (AAN 2024) - Close-out criterion: Follow-up bundle scheduled Monitoring phase: CBC + LFT q3-6 mo; annual brain MRI (NEDA-3 target); JCV-Ab q6 mo on natalizumab; IgG annually on anti-CD20; lymphocyte nadir on DMF/cladribine/siponimod; ARR + EDSS at each visit (AAN 2024)
Disposition
Current setting: outpatient — Primary MS clinic — comprehensive RRMS management q3-6 mo: relapse + MRI + DMT + comorbidity + pregnancy + symptomatic care; NEDA-3 target (no relapse + no new MRI lesion + no EDSS progression) (AAN 2024; ECTRIMS 2024) Disposition criteria: - Continue indefinite MS clinic q3-6 mo - Transition to neuro.ms-spms.v1 if progression independent of relapse ≥6 mo (SPMS conversion) - Hospice + palliative if severe disability + recurrent complications (rare in RRMS phase) Escalation triggers (move to higher acuity): - Breakthrough relapse on DMT → escalate efficacy tier - PML suspicion on natalizumab → STAT MRI + neurology + d/c - Severe lymphopenia (<500) on DMF → pause + workup - Hepatotoxicity (LFT >3× ULN) on DMT → pause + workup - IgG <500 + recurrent infection on anti-CD20 → IVIG / pause - Severe ARI or COVID → consider hold DMT cycle
Earlier-Return Triggers
Return-precaution thresholds (watch for): - [LIFE_THREATENING] JCV-Ab positivity on natalizumab (especially >2 y therapy + prior IS) → PML risk → switch to anti-CD20 (AAN 2024) - [SEVERE] Highly active RRMS — ≥2 relapses in past 12 mo OR ≥3 gad+ lesions OR rapid EDSS progression — aggressive escalation (ECTRIMS 2024) - [SEVERE] Breakthrough relapse OR new MRI activity despite ≥6 mo on adequate-dose DMT → escalate to higher efficacy tier (ECTRIMS 2024)
Citations
- AAN 2024 MS DMT guideline + ECTRIMS 2024 + McDonald 2017 (Thompson Lancet Neurol PMID 29275977) [PMID:28002679](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28002679/) - Cited evidence (PMID 18272891) [PMID:18272891](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18272891/) - Cited evidence (PMID 22992073) [PMID:22992073](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22992073/) - Cited evidence (PMID 20089960) [PMID:20089960](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20089960/) - Cited evidence (PMID 32757523) [PMID:32757523](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32757523/) Last reconciled with current guidelines: 2026-05-22.
- AAN 2024 MS DMT guideline + ECTRIMS 2024 + McDonald 2017 (Thompson Lancet Neurol PMID 29275977) — PMID:28002679
- Cited evidence (PMID 18272891) — PMID:18272891
- Cited evidence (PMID 22992073) — PMID:22992073
- Cited evidence (PMID 20089960) — PMID:20089960
- Cited evidence (PMID 32757523) — PMID:32757523