Multiple sclerosis in China: the current state of diagnosis and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This comprehensive overview summarized the latest advances of multiple sclerosis (MS) in China, including the diagnostic and treatment challenges, research and future directions under health policy recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: Given the rising prevalence of MS in China during the past decades, it has emerged as a significant public health concern due to the extensive population and pronounced disparities between urban and rural areas. The clinical manifestations of MS patients in China can be various due to the nation's diversity and evolving environmental factors. Advances in diagnostic practices, including the advances under 7T MRI radiological assessments, have enhanced the precision of MS diagnosis. Despite the introduction of disease-modifying therapeutic agents and the support of healthcare policies offering patients a wider range of treatment options, multiple ongoing research efforts and clinical trials will provide additional evidence. The ongoing China National Registry of Neuro-Inflammatory Diseases study (NCT05154370) holds promise for further enhancing the management of MS patients in China. SUMMARY: Improved recognition and management of MS in China have been facilitated, encompassing both prompt diagnosis and diverse treatment options. Simultaneously, research efforts and large-scale cohort studies have significantly advanced the overall status in this field.