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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Change in disability in patients with multiple sclerosis: a 20-year prospective population-based analysis
C Hirst1, G Ingram, R Swingler
1Department of Neurology, UHelen Durham Neuro-inflammatory Centre, niversity Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|February 28, 2008
Summary
Long-term multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes reveal significant disability progression in most patients. Early disease indicators like lower baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores predict greater worsening over two decades.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Understanding the natural history of multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for predicting long-term patient outcomes.
- Data reflecting the entire disease course are essential for accurate prognostication and informed clinical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine morbidity data from a 1985 prevalent cohort after 20 years.
- To identify factors influencing long-term outcome in multiple sclerosis patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a population-based cohort of 379 patients with definite or probable MS, established in 1985.
- Re-evaluation of morbidity and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores after a 20-year interval (2005).
Main Results:
- Of 379 patients, 221 (58.3%) died, and 149 (39.3%) were alive in 2005.
- Mean EDSS score increased from 5.15 in 1985 to 8.01 in 2005 for surviving patients.
- Lower baseline EDSS, higher pyramidal scores, and more affected functional systems predicted greater disability worsening.
Conclusions:
- Long-term epidemiological studies are vital for understanding MS progression.
- Development of clinically relevant measures is needed to predict MS outcomes and guide therapeutic management.
