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Comorbidity and cardiovascular risk factors in multiple sclerosis
Mahdi Barzegar1,2, Sara Samadzadeh3,4,5, Kosar Kohandel6
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are common in this population, often linked to disability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their risk factors.
- Investigating comorbidity prevalence in patients with MS (pwMS) is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of comorbidities, particularly CVD, in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the association between comorbidity, disability, and cardiovascular risk in pwMS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and prospective study of two MS cohorts (Tehran and Isfahan).
- Biomedical parameters measured, including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR).
- 10-year Framingham risk score (FRS) calculated for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Main Results:
- 38.4% of pwMS had at least one comorbidity; 11.3% had multiple comorbidities.
- Comorbidity prevalence increased with age and was associated with higher disability (EDSS ≥ 4).
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) found in 13.7% and insulin resistance (IR) in 41.6% of assessed pwMS.
Conclusions:
- Patients with MS exhibit a high prevalence of comorbidities, linked to disability and elevated cardiovascular risk.
- Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are frequently observed in patients with multiple sclerosis.
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