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Prognostic factors in ALS: a comparison between Germany and China
Johannes Dorst1, Lu Chen2, Angela Rosenbohm3
1Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinik Ulm, RKU, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany. johannes.dorst@uni-ulm.de.
Prognostic factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are similar in Chinese and German patients. Younger age of onset, spinal onset, higher BMI, and slower progression indicate a better prognosis for ALS patients in both populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) prognosis varies globally.
- Key prognostic factors identified in Caucasian populations include age of onset, type of onset, BMI, and progression rate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prognostic factors for ALS in Chinese patients.
- To compare these factors with those observed in German patients.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of two hospital-based registries: German Network for Motor Neuron Diseases (3100 ALS patients) and a Chinese registry (2101 ALS patients, 2003-2015).
Main Results:
- Disease progression was slightly slower in China (ALS-FRS-R score loss of 0.50 points/month vs. 0.55 points/month in Germany, p<0.0001).
- Patient survival rates were similar between China and Germany (p>0.05).
- Younger age of onset, spinal onset, higher BMI, and slower progression were significant positive prognostic factors in both Chinese and German ALS patients (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Established prognostic factors for ALS in Caucasians are applicable to Chinese patients.
- Despite potential genetic and phenotypic differences, findings from Caucasian interventional studies on prognostic factors like body weight may be transferable to Chinese ALS patients.
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