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Published on: March 4, 2014
[Multiple system atrophy: prognostic factors in the "MSA-Aquitaine" cohort]
E Krim1, F Yekhlef, V Chrysostome
1Département de Neurologie, Groupe Hospitalier Sud, CHU de Bordeaux.
Introduction:
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a common cause of atypical parkinsonism, of poor prognosis. MSA is associated with short survival but data stemming from clinical or pathological studies are sparse and contrasted. Factors predicting survival in MSA are not fully established. We investigated the survival and prognostic factors of MSA in the cohort "MSA-Aquitaine".
Methods:
This was a retrospective study of an unselected cohort of patients included throughout Aquitaine based on the Consensus Conference statement concerning MSA diagnostic criteria, with prospective follow-up on mortality. All patients received a standard clinical examination and disease history was collected through medical records and interviews of patients. Survival was ascertained by telephonic calls.
Results:
From 1 November 1998 to 1 April 2002, we diagnosed 86 patients (43 men and 43 women) with "probable" or "possible" MSA. Median survival from study inclusion was 2.4 years and was 10.2 years from clinical onset, very similar to the other series. Low age at study, diabetes, dysphagia, Hoehn and Yahr stage 5 can predict shorter survival in patients with MSA.
Conclusion:
We confirm that the prognosis for MSA patients is poor and that some factors may predict shorter survival.
Insights
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurological disorder with a poor prognosis. Key factors like younger age at diagnosis, diabetes, swallowing difficulties, and advanced disease stage predict shorter survival in MSA patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Context:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a common cause of atypical parkinsonism with a generally poor prognosis.
- Existing data on survival and prognostic factors in MSA are limited and sometimes contradictory.
- Understanding survival predictors is crucial for managing MSA patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate survival duration and identify prognostic factors in a cohort of patients with Multiple system atrophy (MSA).
- To analyze clinical and demographic data to determine factors associated with survival in MSA patients.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 86 probable or possible MSA patients (1998-2002) in Aquitaine was conducted with prospective mortality follow-up.
- Median survival was 2.4 years from study inclusion and 10.2 years from clinical onset.
- Lower age at study, diabetes, dysphagia, and Hoehn and Yahr stage 5 were identified as predictors of shorter survival.
Impact:
- This study confirms the poor prognosis associated with Multiple system atrophy (MSA).
- Identified prognostic factors can aid clinicians in predicting survival and tailoring patient care.
- Contributes valuable data to the limited body of knowledge on MSA survival.
