Patterns and Predictors of Multiple Sclerosis Phenotype Transition
Author Information
Author(s): Pontieri Luigi, Greene Nupur, Wandall-Holm Malthe Faurschou, Geertsen Svend Sparre, Asgari Nasrin, Jensen Henrik Boye, Illes Zsolt, Schäfer Jakob, Jensen Rikke Marie, Sejbæk Tobias, Weglewski Arkadiusz, Mahler Mie Reith, Poulsen Mai Bang, Prakash Sivagini, Stilund Morten, Kant Matthias, Rasmussen Peter Vestergaard, Svendsen Kristina Bacher, Sellebjerg Finn, Magyari Melinda
Primary Institution: The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet Glostrup
Hypothesis
What are the patterns and predictors of transitioning between different phenotypes of multiple sclerosis?
Conclusion
The study found that transitioning from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is influenced by factors such as age, sex, and treatment duration.
Supporting Evidence
- 22% of patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis transitioned to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis after 22 years.
- The majority of patients diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis were classified as non-relapsing.
- Older age was associated with a higher risk of transitioning to non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
- Male sex was associated with a lower risk of transitioning to both non-relapsing and relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
- Longer time on disease-modifying therapies increased the likelihood of transitioning to non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people with multiple sclerosis change from one type to another over time, finding that age and treatment can affect these changes.
Methodology
A cohort study using data from The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, analyzing transitions between relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis using a multi-state Markov model.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in diagnosing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis may affect the observed transition rates.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the proportion of patients diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis due to challenges in diagnosis and the limited follow-up period.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 70% females with a mean age of 34 years at onset of multiple sclerosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.035–1.053
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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