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Comorbidity, socioeconomic status and multiple sclerosis

Ra Marrie1, R Horwitz, G Cutter

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. rmarrie@hsc.mb.ca

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 30, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Comorbidity is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and arthritis being most frequent. Risk factors include older age, male sex, African American race, and lower socioeconomic status.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease with significant morbidity.
  • The influence of comorbid conditions on MS progression and outcomes remains largely unknown.
  • Comorbidities are prevalent in the general population and linked to adverse health events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence, types, and demographic predictors of comorbidities in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
  • To establish a baseline understanding of the comorbidity burden in the MS population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry.
  • Surveyed 16,141 eligible participants about physical comorbidities, with 8,983 (55.7%) responding.

Main Results:

  • 36.7% of respondents reported at least one physical comorbidity.
  • Most common comorbidities included hypercholesterolemia (37%), hypertension (30%), and arthritis (16%).
  • Increased comorbidity risk was associated with older age, male sex, African American race, and lower socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

  • Comorbidity is a common issue among individuals with multiple sclerosis.
  • Socioeconomic status is a significant factor associated with comorbidity in MS patients.

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