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Updated: May 23, 2025
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Multiple sclerosis relapse incomplete recovery and associated factors - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Filipa Ladeira1, Mafalda Soares2, Patrícia Faustino2
1Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Integrated Responsibility, Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos, Unidade Local de Saúde São José, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Objectives:
We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the frequency of incomplete recovery from multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and a systematic review to evaluate the influence of six factors on incomplete recovery: relapse severity, age, sex, disease duration, disease-modifying treatment use, and the presence of contrast-enhancing lesions at relapse.
Methods:
We searched Scientific databases to identify suitable publications. Our outcome was MS relapse incomplete recovery, defined as a post-relapse EDSS measured at least 6 months after the event higher than the pre-relapse EDSS. We synthesized the rate of incomplete recovery using meta-analysis (random effect model). and summarized the effect estimates (or HR) for demographic and clinical factors.
Results:
We included 13 studies (with a total of 19,920 patients and 27672 relapses having at least six month of follow up) . The pooled rate of incomplete recovery was 0.42 (95 % confidence interval 0.31 to 0.54). The subgroup systematic review identified that relapse severity was the most consistent and strongest predictor of incomplete recovery, with odds ratios ranging from 2.4 to 17.2. Other factors were less consistently associated with relapse recovery.
Conclusion:
This systematic review indicates that relapse recovery is often incomplete, with relapse severity being the strongest and most consistent predictor of incomplete recovery.
Insights
Incomplete recovery after multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses is common, affecting 42% of patients. Relapse severity is the most significant factor influencing recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses can lead to incomplete neurological recovery.
- Understanding factors influencing recovery is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of incomplete recovery from MS relapses.
- To systematically review factors impacting incomplete recovery.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 13 studies (19,920 patients, 27,672 relapses).
- Defined incomplete recovery as a sustained increase in EDSS score (≥6 months post-relapse).
- Systematic review of demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Pooled rate of incomplete recovery was 42% (95% CI: 31%–54%).
- Relapse severity was the strongest predictor (ORs 2.4–17.2).
- Other factors showed less consistent associations.
Conclusions:
- Incomplete recovery from MS relapses is frequent.
- Relapse severity is the primary determinant of incomplete recovery.
