scholarly journals Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 741-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Augusto Lemos Vidal de Negreiros ◽  
Rilva Lopes de Sousa-Munõz ◽  
Bianca Etelvina Santos de Oliveira ◽  
Paulo Virgolino da Nóbrega ◽  
Laíse Leilane Dias Monteiro

Prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggest an interrelationship between genetic and environmental factors, ranging worldwide.Objectives Clinical and epidemiological characterization of MS patients in João Pessoa, Paraíba city.Methods Study involving patients treated in five services in the city.Results It included 87 patients with MS, representing a prevalence of 12.0 cases/100,000 population, mainly women (77%) and white people (66.7%) with mean age of 43 years and average age of the first outbreak of 32.2 years. Motor symptoms (65.5%) and relapsing-remitting clinical form (78.2%) predominated; the average of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores was 3.5 and 72% used a type of immunomodulatory drug. There was a positive correlation between the number of outbreaks and the duration of the disease with EDSS scores.Conclusions The prevalence of the disease is considered average. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics are in line with most similar Brazilian studies.

2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (2a) ◽  
pp. 184-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sônia Beatriz Félix Ribeiro ◽  
Danilo Fonseca Maia ◽  
João Batista Ribeiro ◽  
Fabrízio Antônio Gomide Cardoso ◽  
Cátia Silva

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that affects the central nervous system. Clinical presentation and prevalence vary widely around the world. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with MS in Uberaba (MG). METHOD: We conducted a transversal descriptive study, with data analysis of 35 patients with MS. RESULTS: Prevalence of MS was 12.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with a predominance in females (71.4%) and Caucasoid (85.7%). The current average age was (43.8 ys). The most common initial symptom was sensory (40%), followed by optical neuritis (25.7%). Expanded Disability Status Scale average score was 2.4. The relapsing-remitting form was predominant (88.6%), most (74.3%) were on immunomodulatory treatment and (40%) had college education. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MS in Uberaba (MG) is considered average in accordance to Kurtzke and Page and clinical features are consistent with most Brazilian studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hernan Inojosa ◽  
Undine Proschmann ◽  
Katja Akgün ◽  
Tjalf Ziemssen

The presence of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important hallmark for MS patients in the course of their disease. The transition from relapsing remitting (RRMS) to secondary progressive forms of the disease (SPMS) represents a significant change in their quality of life and perception of the disease. It could also be a therapeutic key for opportunities, where approaches different from those in the initial phases of the disease can be adopted. The characterization of structural biomarkers (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging or neurofilament light chain) has been proposed to differentiate between both phenotypes. However, there is no definite threshold between them. Whether the risk of clinical progression can be predicted by structural markers at early disease phases is still a focus of clinical research. However, several theories and pathological evidence suggest that both disease phenotypes are part of a continuum with common pathophysiological mechanisms. In this case, the clinical evaluation of the patients would play a preponderant role above destruction biomarkers for the early identification of disability progression and SPMS. For this purpose, the use of clinical tools beyond the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) should be considered. Besides established functional tests such as the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), patient's neurological history or digital resources may help neurologists in the decision-taking. In this article, we discuss arguments for the use of clinical markers in the detection of secondary progressive MS and the characterization of progressive disease activity.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ahmed M.B. Khedr ◽  
Olfat Gamil Shaker ◽  
Amr Hassan ◽  
Mona Hussein ◽  
Yasmine S. Kamal ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known to be a multifactorial disorder. Numerous observational studies have suggested the implication of multiple genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of MS. The aim of this work was to evaluate expression of the microRNA-22 (miRNA-22) level, in relation to vitamin D (VD) and VD receptor (VDR) levels in patients with MS during remission state. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This case-control study was conducted in 50 patients with clinically definite MS and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. miRNA-22 expression was assessed in both MS patients and controls using quantitative RT-PCR. The serum level of VD and VDR was assessed in both MS patients and controls using ELISA techniques. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The miRNA-22 level was significantly downregulated in MS patients in comparison to controls (<i>p</i> value &#x3c;0.001). MS patients had also significantly lower VD and VDR levels in comparison to controls (<i>p</i> value &#x3c;0.001 and &#x3c;0.001, respectively). Patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) have a significantly higher miRNA-22 level than patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) (<i>p</i> value = 0.042). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the miRNA-22 level and EDSS (<i>p</i> value = 0.033). There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between the miRNA-22 level and VDR level (<i>p</i> value = 0.002). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The miRNA-22 level was significantly downregulated in MS patients, but it had a positive correlation with disability status. Patients with SPMS have a significantly higher miRNA-22 level than patients with RRMS. VD and VDR levels were significantly lower in MS patients than controls. The miRNA-22 level was positively correlated with the VDR level.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. 144-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Senra Correa Carvalho ◽  
Osvaldo José Moreira Nascimento ◽  
Luciane Lacerda Franco Rocha Rodrigues ◽  
Andre Palma Da Cunha Matta

ABSTRACTObjectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate whether an association exists between the presence of TMD symptoms and the degree of MS-related disability. Materials and Methods: In all, 120 individuals were evaluated: 60 patients with a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and 60 age- and sex-matched controls without neurological impairments. A questionnaire recommended by the European Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders for the assessment of TMD symptoms was administered. For those who answered affirmatively to at least one of the questions, the RDC/TMD Axis I instrument was used for a possible classification of TMD subtypes. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was the measure of the degree of MS-related disability. Statistical Analysis Used: Fisher’s exact test was used to analyze the data. ANOVA was used to detect significant differences between means and to assess whether the factors influenced any of the dependent variables by comparing means from the different groups. Results: The prevalence of TMD symptoms in patients with MS was 61.7% versus 18.3% in the control group (CG). A diagnosis of TMD was established for 36.7% in the MS group and 3.3% in the CG (P = 0.0001). There were statistically significant differences between degrees of MS-related disability and the prevalence of TMD (P = 0.0288). Conclusions: The prevalence of both TMD and TMD symptoms was significantly greater in the MS group. EDSS scores and TMD prevalence rates were inversely related.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-376
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Tonetti ◽  
Federico Camilli ◽  
Sara Giovagnoli ◽  
Vincenzo Natale ◽  
Alessandra Lugaresi

Early multiple sclerosis (MS) predictive markers of disease activity/prognosis have been proposed but are not universally accepted. Aim of this pilot prospective study is to verify whether a peculiar hyperactivity, observed at baseline (T0) in early relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients, could represent a further prognostic marker. Here we report results collected at T0 and at a 24-month follow-up (T1). Eighteen RRMS patients (11 females, median Expanded Disability Status Scale-EDSS score 1.25, range EDSS score 0–2) were monitored at T0 (mean age 32.33 ± 7.51) and T1 (median EDSS score 1.5, range EDSS score 0–2.5). Patients were grouped into two groups: responders (R, 14 patients) and non-responders (NR, 4 patients) to treatment at T1. Each patient wore an actigraph for one week to record the 24-h motor activity pattern. At T0, NR presented significantly lower motor activity than R between around 9:00 and 13:00. At T1, NR were characterized by significantly lower motor activity than R between around 12:00 and 17:00. Overall, these data suggest that through the 24-h motor activity pattern, we can fairly segregate at T0 patients who will show a therapeutic failure, possibly related to a more active disease, at T1. These patients are characterized by a reduced morning level of motor activation. Further studies on larger populations are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.


2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852110233
Author(s):  
Irene M Vavasour ◽  
Peng Sun ◽  
Carina Graf ◽  
Jackie T Yik ◽  
Shannon H Kolind ◽  
...  

Background: Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods can provide more specific information about various microstructural tissue changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. Quantitative measurement of T1 and T2 relaxation, and diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) yield metrics related to the pathology of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration that occurs across the spectrum of MS. Objective: To use relaxation and DBSI MRI metrics to describe measures of neuroinflammation, myelin and axons in different MS subtypes. Methods: 103 participants (20 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 33 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 30 secondary progressive MS and 20 primary progressive MS) underwent quantitative T1, T2, DBSI and conventional 3T MRI. Whole brain, normal-appearing white matter, lesion and corpus callosum MRI metrics were compared across MS subtypes. Results: A gradation of MRI metric values was seen from CIS to RRMS to progressive MS. RRMS demonstrated large oedema-related differences, while progressive MS had the most extensive abnormalities in myelin and axonal measures. Conclusion: Relaxation and DBSI-derived MRI measures show differences between MS subtypes related to the severity and composition of underlying tissue damage. RRMS showed oedema, demyelination and axonal loss compared with CIS. Progressive MS had even more evidence of increased oedema, demyelination and axonal loss compared with CIS and RRMS.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 685-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyla A. McKay ◽  
Helen Tremlett ◽  
John D. Fisk ◽  
Scott B. Patten ◽  
Kirsten Fiest ◽  
...  

Background: Depression and anxiety are common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as are adverse health behaviours, but the associations between these factors are unclear. Objective: To evaluate the associations between cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and depression and anxiety in MS in a cross-Canada prospective study. Methods: From July 2010 to March 2011 we recruited consecutive MS patients from four MS clinics. At three visits over two years, clinical and demographic information was collected, and participants completed questionnaires regarding health behaviours and mental health. Results: Of 949 participants, 75.2% were women, with a mean age of 48.6 years; most had a relapsing−remitting course (72.4%). Alcohol dependence was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.32–2.58) and depression (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05–2.23) adjusting for age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and smoking status. Smoking was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02–1.63) and depression (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04–1.78) adjusting for age, sex, EDSS, and alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence was associated with an increased incidence of depression but not anxiety. Depression was associated with an increased incidence of alcohol dependence. Conclusion: Alcohol dependence and smoking were associated with anxiety and depression. Awareness of the effects of adverse health behaviours on mental health in MS might help target counselling and support for those ‘at risk’.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Niedziela ◽  
Krystyna Pierzchała ◽  
Jolanta Zalejska-Fiolka ◽  
Jacek T. Niedziela ◽  
Ewa Romuk ◽  
...  

Background. In addition to the widely known effect of vitamin D3 (vitD3) on the skeleton, its role in the regulation of the immune response was also confirmed. Aim. The assessment of biochemical and densitometric markers of calcium-phosphate metabolism in the groups of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) selected due to the serum level of vitamin D3. Methods. The concentrations of biochemical markers and indices of lumbar spine bone densitometry (DXA) were determined in 82 patients divided into vitamin D3 deficiency (VitDd), insufficiency (VitDi), and normal vitamin D3 level (VitDn) subgroups. Results. The highest level of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the highest prevalence of hypophosphatemia and osteopenia were demonstrated in VitDd group compared to VitDi and VitDn. However, in VitDd, VitDi, and VitDn subgroups no significant differences were observed in the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ionized calcium (Ca2+) and in DXA indices. A negative correlation was observed between the level of vitamin D3 and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in the whole MS group. The subgroups were significantly different with respect to the EDSS scores and the frequency of complaints related to walking according to the EQ-5D. Conclusions. It is necessary to assess calcium-phosphate metabolism and supplementation of vitamin D3 in RRMS patients. The higher the clinical stage of the disease assessed with the EDSS, the lower the level of vitamin D3 in blood serum. Subjectively reported complaints related to difficulties with walking were reflected in the EDSS in VitDd patients.


2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ghezzi ◽  
C Pozzilli ◽  
M Liguori ◽  
M G Marrosu ◽  
N Milani ◽  
...  

Fifty-four subjects (36 females and 18 males) affected by clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and with onset of the disease at 15 years of age or before were prospectively studied in five Italian MS centres. Female/male ratio was 4.7 in subjects with age ≥12 years, suggesting a role of hormonal changes in triggering MS onset. The mean follow-up duration was 10.9-5.6 years. The functional systems more frequently involved at onset were the pyramidal and brainstem (both in 28% of cases). The onset was monosymptomatic in 31 subjects (57%). The course was relapsing-remitting in 39 subjects (72%) and relapsing-progressive in 15 (28%). Disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): the mean score after 8 years of follow up was 3.5 (-2.5). The score was <4 in 68% of cases, between 4 and 6 in 8% of cases, > 6 in 24% of cases. Disability after 8 years was highly predicted by disability in the first year (p=0.008). There was a tendency to a worse prognosis in relation to the number of relapses in the first 2 years (p=0.08). The outcome was not influenced by the characteristics of symptoms at onset, age and gender.


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