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Updated: May 4, 2026
12:35
Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: March 17, 2012
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Long-term survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based study
Elisabetta Pupillo1, Paolo Messina, Giancarlo Logroscino
1Department of Neurosciences, IRCSS, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research, Milan.
Annals of Neurology
|January 3, 2014
Summary
Long-term survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) varies. Younger age, spinal onset, male gender, and suspected ALS predict longer survival in patients with this neurodegenerative disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Understanding long-term survival and its predictors is crucial for patient care and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine long-term survival rates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- To identify predictors of prolonged survival in a population-based cohort.
Main Methods:
- A population-based incident cohort from Lombardy, Italy (1998-2002) was followed until 2013.
- Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess survival and identify predictors.
- Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) evaluated excess mortality.
Main Results:
- 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 76.2%, 23.4%, and 11.8%, respectively.
- Independent predictors of longer survival included younger age, possible/suspected ALS diagnosis, spinal onset, and symptom duration >12 months.
- SMR at 10 years was 5.4, higher in women and those under 75.
Conclusions:
- ALS outcomes significantly vary based on clinical presentation (phenotype).
- Younger patients, those with spinal onset, male gender, and suspected ALS diagnosis experience longer survival.
- Men with ALS over 75 show 10-year survival comparable to the general population.
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