Background PPMS (primary progressive multiple sclerosis) patients represent less than 10% of MS patients in Argentina, men and women were similarly affected and most of them had a severe functional impairment. More rapid progression has been reported in males, but this is not the case in all datasets. The main objective of our study was to determine the time to EDSS (Expanded disability Status Scale) 4, 6 and 7 in PPMS patients. We also compared the times to reach these EDSS in men and women and aimed to identify factors associated with the disability progression. Method This cohort of patients with diagnosis of PPMS (n = 253) was selected from follow-up recorded in the RelevarEM registry database. Result The median times to EDSS 4, 6 and 7 were 24 (IQR 12-48), 72 (IQR 36-96) and 96 (IQR 60-120) months, respectively. Comparison of the survival curves to EDSS 4, 6 and 7 according to gender did not show significant differences (p = 0.33, p = 0.55 and p = 0.59). There is no evidence of an association between the clinical adjustment variables (sex, age >40 years at diagnosis, EDSS > 3 at onset and multifocal MS symptoms at disease onset) and the time of arrival at the EDSS 4, 6 and 7. Conclusion Severe disability was observed six years after the onset of symptoms. No association was found between the studied factors and the time to arrival to severe disability.Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.
About The Expert
Ricardo Alonso
Orlando Garcea
Juan Ignacio Rojas
Marina Alonso
Luciana Lázaro
Pablo López
Magdalena Casas
Verónica Tkachuk
Judith Steinberg
Andrés Barboza
Alejandra Martínez
Célica Ysrraelit
Jorge Correale
Mariano Marrodan
Aníbal Chertcoff
Norma Deri
Jimena Miguez
Liliana Patrucco
Edgardo Cristiano
Claudia Pestchanker
Emanuel Silva
Carlos Vrech
Gisela Zanga
Felisa Leguizamón
Edgar Carnero Contentti
Adriana Carra
Carolina Mainella
Berenice Anabel Silva
References
PubMed