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A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Analysis of NAMCS data for multiple sclerosis, 1998-2004.
Jagannadha R Avasarala1, Cormac A O'Donovan, Steve E Roach
1Kansas Neurological Consultants, Wichita, KS 67218, USA. javasarala@yahoo.com
BMC Medicine
|April 7, 2007
Summary
This study analyzed immunomodulatory agent (IMA) prescribing patterns for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in US outpatient settings from 1998-2004. Findings indicate a need for improved IMA utilization strategies in MS management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Prescribing patterns of immunomodulatory agents (IMAs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) in US outpatient settings remain understudied.
- This research addresses the knowledge gap by analyzing retrospective data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prescribing patterns of IMAs in US outpatient settings for MS patients.
- To analyze patient demographics and treatment trends during the study period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data from 1998 to 2004.
- Examined MS patient visits by specialist type, patient demographics, and IMA treatment status.
Main Results:
- An estimated 6.7 million MS outpatient visits occurred between 1998-2004, with neurologists seeing the majority.
- While overall IMA usage showed no significant trend, interferon-1a use declined, and interferon-1b and glatiramer acetate use increased.
- A substantial proportion of MS patients, particularly those seen by non-neurologists, were not on IMA treatment.
Conclusions:
- Current strategies for IMA use in outpatient MS management require enhancement.
- Further research and interventions are necessary to optimize IMA prescribing and patient outcomes.
