Investigating the Relationship Between Visual Evoked Potentials, Neurological and Neuropsychological Status in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Neurology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 maximum latency is a known predictor of fatigue and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The precise relationship between VEP, neurological impairment, and neuropsychological status in MS remains incompletely understood.
• This study aimed to elucidate these associations in primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations among VEP P100 maximum latency, neurological impairment (EDSS), and neuropsychological status in PPMS patients.
• To explore the interplay between neurophysiological markers and clinical/cognitive deficits in MS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cross-sectional study involving 25 PPMS patients and 30 controls.
• Neurological status assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
• Neuropsychological assessment included the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), DASS-21, and MSIS-29.

Main Results:

• PPMS patients exhibited significantly prolonged P100 maximum latencies and poorer 9HPT performance, alongside higher FSS scores compared to controls.
• In multivariable analyses, disease duration was independently associated with EDSS.
• P100 maximum latency showed a non-significant association with EDSS after adjusting for sex and disease duration.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the complex interplay between neurophysiological (VEP), neuropsychological, and neurological status in MS.
• VEP P100 latency may offer insights into MS pathophysiology, though its direct association with EDSS requires further investigation.
• The study contributes to understanding MS heterogeneity and potential biomarkers.