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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Long-term survival of patients with multiple sclerosis in West France
E Leray1, S P Morrissey, J Yaouanq
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Pontchaillou, Rennes, France.
Abstract:
In France no data have been published about comparing survival in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with the general French population. We estimated survival probabilities in MS patients from a major centre for MS in West France. We also compared MS survival with the general population and assessed prognostic parameters. All patients with MS onset after January 1976 and classified as dead or alive on 1 January 2004 were included. One thousand eight-hundred and seventy-nine patients (sex ratio W: M 2.3; relapsing/progressive onset 77.4%/22.6%) fulfilled these criteria, disease duration ranged from one to 28 years. By 2004, 68 patients died (51 due to MS) and the 15 and 25-year survival probabilities were 96% and 88%. Male gender, progressive course (either primary or secondary), polysymptomatic onset, and increased annual relapse rate during the first two years of MS were related to a worse prognosis. After a mean follow-up duration of 12.7 years since clinical onset, MS increased the number of deaths compared with the general population. However taking into account disability status, we found that less disabled MS patients had a better survival and highly disabled patients a worse survival (eight-fold increase of mortality) compared with the French population.
Insights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) survival in France is comparable to the general population, but highly disabled patients face significantly increased mortality. Prognostic factors like male gender and progressive disease course indicate a worse outlook for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on multiple sclerosis (MS) survival rates in France compared to the general population.
- Understanding survival probabilities and prognostic factors is crucial for patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate survival probabilities in a cohort of French multiple sclerosis patients.
- To compare MS patient survival with the general French population.
- To identify prognostic parameters influencing survival in multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study including 1,879 MS patients with onset after January 1976.
- Survival probabilities were calculated and compared to the general French population.
- Prognostic factors including gender, disease course, onset symptoms, and relapse rates were assessed.
Main Results:
- 15-year and 25-year survival probabilities for MS patients were 96% and 88%, respectively.
- Male gender, progressive disease course, polysymptomatic onset, and higher initial relapse rates were associated with poorer prognosis.
- While MS patients showed increased mortality overall, less disabled patients had comparable survival, whereas highly disabled patients faced an eight-fold increase in mortality.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis survival in France is influenced by disability status, with significant mortality increases in highly disabled individuals.
- Early identification of prognostic factors can aid in managing patient care and expectations.
- Further research into disability management is essential to improve long-term outcomes for MS patients.
