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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Longitudinal changes in social functioning in mildly disabled patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Francesco Patti1, Maria Pia Amato, Maria Trojano
1Multiple Sclerosis Centre Sicilia Region, First Neurology Clinic, University Hospital, and Department of Neurology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. patti@unict.it
Purpose:
To report longitudinal changes in and explore the influence of cognition on social functioning in mildly disabled patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Methods:
Italian patients (18-50 years) with RRMS and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤4.0 were assigned to interferon β-1a, 44 or 22 μg subcutaneously three times weekly, and underwent annual assessments for social functioning (Environmental Status Scale [ESS]) over 3 years.
Results:
Baseline total ESS score did not differ between patients with and without cognitive impairment (P = 0.505). Total ESS score remained low (<2.0) and stable over 3 years in the whole study population, but worsened slightly when assessed by assigned treatment or treatment and baseline cognitive status (both P = 0.004), driven mostly by changes in the 'transportation' and 'financial/economic status' subscales. The strongest independent predictor of worsening ESS score was baseline EDSS score. Test-retest analyses confirmed that total ESS score and most subscales changed little over 3 years.
Conclusion:
ESS scores remained low and changed minimally over 3 years, reflecting the mild physical disability and good cognitive performance in this patient population. Determining the influence of cognitive function and treatment on longitudinal changes in social functioning requires further studies.
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