Effectiveness of disease-modifying agents in ameliorating multiple sclerosis - A cross-sectional observational study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) - A chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system is notorious for causing progressive neurological deterioration. This affects the quality of life of these patients and their productivity. Various oral and injectable disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are available for the treatment of MS. In spite of availability of many drugs, the quality of life of these patients continues to be perturbing. The present study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of common therapy in MS.

A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. Seventy-one MS patients on DMDs were recruited. Relevant clinical details were collected from the electronic medical records, and a quality-of-life questionnaire was administered telephonically. Assessment of drugs being prescribed, treatment effectiveness, and adverse drug reactions were calculated as frequency and percentage.

Female cases were 64.8%. 77.5% were relapsing-remitting type of MS. The initial presenting complaints varied from visual disturbances in 28.16%, paresthesia in 25.35%, and ataxia in 21.12%. No relapse episodes were reported in 21.12% of cases. 33.8% faced physical disabilities and 9.9% cognitive disabilities. 2.81% cases opined that their quality of life is good.

Drug therapy is beneficial in providing remission and reducing relapse rates in MS. DMDs are effective in reducing the debilitating symptoms and preventing the progression of the disease, when begun immediately after the diagnosis is made.