Open Access 01-12-2014 | Original Research
Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Patterns of Response to Disease-Modifying Therapies and Associated Factors: A National Survey
Published in: Neurology and Therapy | Issue 2/2014
Login to get accessAbstract
Introduction
Current treatments for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are only partially effective. The objective of this study was to characterize treatment response in RRMS patients in Portugal to 12-month therapy with first-line disease-modifying therapies.
Methods
In this retrospective study, neurologists at participating centers completed survey questionnaires using records of patients with RRMS who had received first-line treatment with one of five European Medicine Agency-approved agents in the 12 months prior to inclusion in the survey. Sub-optimal responders included patients treated for at least 1 year, and who had ≥1 relapse(s) or an increase of 1.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; if baseline EDSS was 0) or an increase of ≥0.5 points (baseline EDSS ≥1). Optimal responders included patients treated for at least 1 year without relapse and who had an increase of <1.5 points on EDSS (if baseline EDSS was 0) or no increase in EDSS (baseline EDSS ≥1).
Results
Data for 1,131 patients from 15 centers were analyzed. Twenty-six percent (95% confidence interval 23–28%) of patients had sub-optimal treatment response. Duration of therapy (P < 0.001), age at the start of therapy (P = 0.03), and baseline EDSS score (P < 0.001), were significantly different among treatments. Sub-optimal treatment response appeared to be related only to a more severe EDSS score at baseline and did not differ among therapies.
Conclusion
Neurologists should closely monitor patients to optimize treatment strategies and better control disease, improving prognosis.