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Multiple Sclerosis in a Multi-Ethnic Population in Houston, Texas: A Retrospective Analysis
Vicki Mercado1,2,3, Deepa Dongarwar3, Kristen Fisher4
1Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Biomedicines
|December 1, 2020
Summary
Early neurologist evaluation and avoiding smoking are key for better outcomes in African American and Hispanic patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These factors significantly reduce disability progression in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects over 2 million globally, with varied natural history across populations.
- African American (AA) and Hispanic patients often experience greater MS disease burden and earlier disability compared to White patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical presentation, MRI findings, treatment, disability, and relapse rates in AA and Hispanic MS patients.
- To identify factors influencing disability progression in these diverse MS populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart analysis of 112 African American and Hispanic patients at an MS center in Houston, Texas.
- Comparison of clinical presentation, MRI data, treatment regimens, disability progression (Expanded Disability Status Scale - EDSS), and relapse rates.
- Statistical analysis including odds ratios to assess the impact of neurologist evaluation and smoking on disability.
Main Results:
- Similarities in mean age, disability severity, and brain atrophy at diagnosis were observed.
- Early neurologist evaluation significantly decreased odds of greater disability (EDSS > 4.5) at last presentation (OR: 0.04).
- Active smoking significantly increased odds of greater disability at diagnosis and last encounter (OR: 2.44). Differences in treatment adherence were noted, but MRI lesion burden did not differ.
Conclusions:
- Early neurological assessment and smoking cessation are crucial modifiable factors for improving long-term outcomes in African American and Hispanic MS patients.
- While some clinical and imaging similarities exist, distinct factors like timely evaluation and smoking status significantly impact disability progression in these populations.
