The relationship between relapse, impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 1218-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Bennetto ◽  
J Burrow ◽  
H Sakai ◽  
J Cobby ◽  
NP Robertson ◽  
...  

Objective: To describe the spatial relationship between relapse and disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: 141 relapse onset MS patients were studied. For each patient an examination was performed and a relapse history obtained. Multivariate logistic regression examined whether there was an association between localizing clinical signs and a history of relevant relapse in order to explore the spatial relationship between relapse and subsequent disability. Results: The presence of impaired vision or sensation was independently associated with a history of one or more anatomically related relapses. The presence of weakness or cerebellar ataxia in a limb was not associated with a single relevant relapse but was associated with multiple relevant relapses. A history of multiple episodes of weakness or ataxia in the same limb was uncommon. Conclusions: Our data suggest that motor pathways are relatively resistant to chronic impairment from acute relapse, whereas afferent pathways are more susceptible. This, in combination with prominent usage of the Expanded Disability Status Scale, which is dependent on mobility and motor function at higher scores, may explain the paradox between natural history studies that suggest relapses are irrelevant to long-term disability and shorter studies at lower disability levels suggesting relapses are responsible for disability accumulation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 205521731985575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Staley A Brod ◽  
J William Lindsey ◽  
Flavia Nelson

Objective Large demyelinating lesions with possible mass effect (tumefactive multiple sclerosis or tumefactive demyelination) can be mistaken for tumour-like space-occupying lesions suggesting a malignant outcome. Methods We reviewed our own experience of multiple sclerosis subjects ( n = 28) with tumefactive demyelination to determine the relationship between clinical outcomes and lesion evolution, clinical outcomes and their relationship to different therapies. Patients with central nervous system demyelinating disease were identified from our database over the last 10 years. Results No patient increased in extended disability status scale (EDSS). Overall, lesion regression was associated with improved EDSS. Lesion regression was also associated with therapy versus no therapy. No specific therapy or corticosteroid infusions improved EDSS over the long term. The absence of enhancement on follow up on magnetic resonance imaging portended lesion regression. Conclusion Tumefactive demyelination may predict a more benign overall course and is susceptible to traditional immunomodulatory treatments.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 974-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lechner-Scott ◽  
B Spencer ◽  
T de Malmanche ◽  
J Attia ◽  
M Fitzgerald ◽  
...  

Background: With the advent of MRI scanning, the value of lumbar puncture to assess oligoclonal band (OCB) statusfor the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly uncertain. One major issue is that the reported frequency of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-restricted oligoclonal banding for the diagnosis of MS varies considerably in different studies. In addition, the relationship between OCB positivity and disease outcome remains uncertain, as reported studies are generally too small to assess comparative disability outcomes with sufficient power. Methods: In order to further investigate variation of OCB positivity in patients with MS, we utilized MSBase, a longitudinal, Web-based collaborative MS outcomes registry following clinical cohorts in several continents and latitudes. We also assessed whether OCB positivity affects long-term disability outcome. Results: A total of 13,242 patient records were obtained from 37 MS specialist centres in 19 different countries. OCB status was documented in 4481 (34%) patients and 80% of these were OCB positive. The presence of OCB was associated with degree of latitude ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, the outcome of patients negative for CSF-specific OCB was significantly better in comparison to the OCB positive patients, as assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale change ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that latitude could explain some of the inconsistencies in OCB status reported in different populations. The study confirms that OCB positivity in MS is associated with a worse long-term prognosis.


Author(s):  
Manjil Hazarika

Northeast India is situated at the nexus of the South Asian, Southeast Asian, and East Asian biogeographical realms and harbours diverse biota, providing a unique opportunity to archaeologists and anthropologists for the study of the relationship between humans and their environment over the ages. Moreover, this region, the abode of diverse ethnic groups with diverse cultures and customs, hints at a long history of continuous and close association between humans and nature, which is important in the understanding of plant and animal domestication. Genetic analysis of present-day domesticates with their wild counterparts provides valuable insights into their differentiation, time of domestication, and changes in their morphological traits through control by humans. The chapter also elucidates the role played by rice in Northeast Indian culture and highlights the long-term history of rice agriculture in the region.


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Leray ◽  
M Coustans ◽  
E Le Page ◽  
J Yaouanq ◽  
J Oger ◽  
...  

Background: Benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is a controversial concept which is still debated. However identification of this kind of patients is crucial to prevent them from unnecessary exposure to aggressive and/or long term medical treatments. Objectives: To assess two definitions of ‘clinically definite benign multiple sclerosis’ (CDBMS) using long-term follow-up data, and to look for prognostic factors of CDBMS. Methods: In 874 patients with definite relapsing–remitting MS, followed up for at least 10 years, disability was assessed using the Disability Status Scale (DSS). CDBMS was defined by either DSS score≤2 (CDBMS1 group) or DSS score≤ 3 (CDBMS2 group) at 10 years. We estimated the proportion of patients who were still benign at 20 and 30 years after clinical onset. Results: CDBMS frequency estimates were 57.7% and 73.9% when using CDBMS1 and CDBMS2 definitions, respectively. In the CDBMS1 group, only 41.7% (105/252) of cases were still benign 10 years later, and 41.1% (23/56) after an additional decade, while there were 53.8% (162/301) and 59.5% (44/74) respectively in the CDBMS2 group. Conclusions: This 30-year observational study, which is one of the largest published series, indicates that favourable 10-year disability scores of DSS 2 or 3 fail to ensure a long-term benign course of multiple sclerosis. After every decade almost half of the CDBMS were no longer benign. CDBMS, as currently defined, is an unwarranted conceptual hodgepodge. Other criteria using new biomarkers (genetic, biologic or MRI) should be found to detect benign cases of MS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1348-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Schlaeger ◽  
Christian Schindler ◽  
Leticia Grize ◽  
Sophie Dellas ◽  
Ernst W Radue ◽  
...  

Background: The development of predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability is difficult due to the complex interplay of pathophysiological and adaptive processes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combined evoked potential (EP)-measures allow prediction of MS disability after 20 years. Methods: We examined 28 patients with clinically definite MS according to Poser’s criteria with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, combined visual and motor EPs at entry (T0), 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 (T3) months, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at T0 and T2. EDSS testing was repeated at year 14 (T4) and year 20 (T5). Spearman rank correlation was used. We performed a multivariable regression analysis to examine predictive relationships of the sum of z-transformed EP latencies ( s-EPT0) and other baseline variables with EDSST5. Results: We found that s-EPT0 correlated with EDSST5 (rho=0.72, p<0.0001) and ΔEDSST5-T0 (rho=0.50, p=0.006). Backward selection resulted in the prediction model: E (EDSST5)=3.91–2.22×therapy+0.079×age+0.057× s-EPT0 (Model 1, R2=0.58) with therapy as binary variable (1=any disease-modifying therapy between T3 and T5, 0=no therapy). Neither EDSST0 nor T2-lesion or gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesion quantities at T0 improved prediction of EDSST5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 for model 1. Conclusions: These results further support a role for combined EP-measures as predictors of long-term disability in MS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Fakih ◽  
Camilo Diaz-Cruz ◽  
Alicia S Chua ◽  
Cindy Gonzalez ◽  
Brian C Healy ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe association between allergy and multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. In our study, we assessed the association between a self-reported history of allergic conditions with MS clinical and MRI disease activity.MethodsA subset of 1349 patients enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study completed a self-administered questionnaire on environmental, food and drug allergies. Patients were distributed among four allergy groups: (1) environmental, (2) food, (3) drug, (4) no known allergies (NKA). Clinical (number of attacks, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), MS severity score (MSSS)) and radiological variables (presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions and lesion count), and their associations with the different allergy groups or those with NKA, were assessed.ResultsThe food allergy group had a 1.38 times higher rate for cumulative number of attacks compared with the NKA group (P=0.0062); this difference remained significant in the adjusted analysis (relapse rate ratio 1.27, P=0.0305). The food allergy group showed more than twice the likelihood (OR 2.53, P=0.0096) of having gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI. The environmental and drug allergy groups did not show significant differences when compared with the NKA group. The EDSS and MSSS were not affected by any type of allergy.ConclusionsMS patients with food allergy had more relapses and a higher likelihood of gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared with patients with no known allergy. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings and investigate underlying biological mechanisms, which may unveil new therapeutic and preventative strategies for MS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 5207
Author(s):  
Konrad Rejdak ◽  
Adriana Zasybska ◽  
Aleksandra Pietruczuk ◽  
Dariusz Baranowski ◽  
Sebastian Szklener ◽  
...  

Cladribine is currently registered as a 10-milligram tablet formulation with a fixed cumulative dosage of 3.5 mg/kg over 2 years. It is important to investigate if an increased dosage may lead to further clinical stability with preserved safety. This study used an off-label subcutaneous (s.c.) formulation of cladribine and compared outcomes (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and disease progression) between 52 relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients receiving different s.c. dosing regimens with up to 20 years of follow-up. The study group received induction therapy with s.c. cladribine (1.8 mg/kg cumulative dose; consistent with 3.5 mg/kg of cladribine tablets). Patients were subsequently offered maintenance therapy (repeated courses of 0.3 mg/kg s.c. cladribine during 5–20-year follow-up). Forty-one patients received an increased cumulative dose (higher than the induction dose of 1.8 mg/kg); 11 received the standard induction dose. Risk of progression on the EDSS correlated with lower cumulative dose (p < 0.05) and more advanced disability at treatment initiation (p < 0.05) as assessed by EDSS change between year 1 and years 5 and 10 as the last follow-up. Maintenance treatment was safe and well-tolerated, based on limited source data. Subcutaneous cladribine with increased cumulative maintenance dosage was associated with disease stability and favorable safety over a prolonged period of follow-up (up to 20 years) in RMS patients.


Author(s):  
Madhangi V. B. ◽  
Ramany C.

Background: Caesarean scar defect (CSD), also called isthmocele or niche is a long-term complication, which can be asymptomatic or can give rise to chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and postmenstrual spotting. The objective of this study was to assess the association of CSD with clinical symptoms, position of the uterus and the number of caesarean sections.Methods: This was a prospective observational study done at a tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. The study included women with history of previous one or more caesarean sections with demonstrable CSD on transvaginal ultrasound. Various scar dimensions noted were width and depth of the scar. A deficiency ratio was calculated as a ratio of residual myometrium at the scar to the adjacent myometrium.Univariate analysis was done to assess the relationship of clinical symptoms with the defect parameters and number of previous caesarean sections. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find out the association between symptoms and number of previous caesarean sections with the scar defect dimensions.Results: The width, depth and deficiency ratio of the CSD were significantly higher in study subjects with a greater number of caesarean sections. Retroflexed uteri had larger CSD. There was no association of clinical features with the defect dimensions and the position of the uterus.Conclusions: CSD dimensions and deficiency ratio correlate with the number of previous caesarean sections and the position of the uterus. There was no association of clinical symptoms with the defect parameters.


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