Characteristics of multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disease in an Asian American population

Race and ancestry influence the course of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Explore clinical characteristics of MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in Asian American patients.

Chart review was performed for 282 adults with demyelinating disease who self-identified as Asian at a single North American MS center. Demographics and clinical characteristics were compared to non-Asian MS patients and by region of Asian ancestry.

Region of ancestry was known for 181 patients. Most (94.7%) preferred English, but fewer East Asian patients did (80%, p = 0.0001). South Asian patients had higher neighborhood household income (p = 0.002). Diagnoses included MS (76.2%) and NMOSD (13.8%). More patients with NMOSD than MS were East and Southeast Asian (p = 0.004). For MS patients, optic nerve and spinal cord involvement were similar across regions of ancestry. Asian MS patients were younger at symptom onset and diagnosis than non-Asian MS patients. MS Severity Scale scores were similar to non-Asian MS patients but worse among Southeast Asians (p = 0.006).

MS severity was similar between Asian American patients and non-Asian patients. Region of ancestry was associated with differences in sociodemographics and MS severity. Further research is needed to uncover genetic, socioeconomic, or environmental factors causing these differences.