Decision-making trends in therapeutic interventions for multiple system atrophy: a 24-year retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Managing multiple system atrophy (MSA) presents significant challenges.
• Invasive interventions for MSA are less understood compared to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing treatment decisions in advanced MSA.
• To identify trends in invasive and non-invasive treatment choices.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 128 MSA patients (2000-2024).
• Analysis focused on treatment period and patient age at onset.
• Data collected from Hyogo Chuo National Hospital, Japan.

Main Results:

• Tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV) use declined significantly after 2014.
• Younger patients increasingly favored TIV and tracheostomy post-2014.
• Enteral nutrition use rose among older patients.

Conclusions:

• A shift in invasive treatment preferences for MSA was observed in Japan.
• Younger patients are opting for more invasive methods like TIV.
• Older patients are leaning towards less invasive options, highlighting personalized care needs.