Impact of multiple sclerosis relapse: The NARCOMS participant perspective

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Research
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Acute relapses are a significant concern in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting both epidemiology and individual patient well-being.
• Previous research indicates residual disability and patient-reported inefficacy of relapse treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the multifaceted impact of MS relapses on patients.
• To assess the efficacy of relapse treatments and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A relapse-specific survey was administered to 1000 participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry.
• Participants reported at least one relapse in the past 12 months.

Main Results:

• Thirty percent of respondents found relapse treatments ineffective at one and three months post-relapse.
• Over half of respondents missed work or school days (average 12.7 days), and 68% reported impact on household tasks.
• Common symptoms included fatigue, lower extremity weakness, sensory issues, and walking difficulties. 20.4% utilized healthcare facilities; 53.3% received corticosteroids, with over half experiencing adverse events.

Conclusions:

• MS relapses have substantial impacts on patients' daily lives, socioeconomic status, and healthcare utilization.
• Despite adverse events with corticosteroid treatment, patient decisions on future treatments were not significantly dictated by them.
• There is a need for improved clinical attention, follow-up, and potentially enhanced relapse treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis.