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01-05-2021 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

The prevalence of comorbidities in patients with multiple sclerosis: population-based registry data

Authors: Gorica D. Maric, Tatjana D. Pekmezovic, Sarlota T. Mesaros, Olivera S. Tamas, Jovana B. Ivanovic, Vanja N. Martinovic, Marko M. Andabaka, Aleksa Lj. Jovanovic, Nikola D. Veselinovic, Darija B. Kisic-Tepavcevic, Jelena S. Drulovic

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Background

Comorbidities occur frequently in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the most common comorbidities in the population of MS patients in Belgrade, Serbia.

Material and methods

Data on diagnosed and fully documented comorbidities were taken from the Belgrade MS population registry. The list of explored comorbidities included cardiovascular, malignant, and autoimmune diseases; psychiatric disorders; epilepsy; and type 2 diabetes. In the data analysis, crude, age- and gender-specific, and age-adjusted prevalence was calculated. Additionally, comorbidities were analyzed in patients with various MS phenotypes.

Results

The most prevalent group of comorbidities were psychiatric (prevalence (Prev) = 20.59%, 95% CI 19.10–22.17) and cardiovascular comorbidities (Prev = 15.23%, 95% CI 13.93–16.63). The most prevalent single comorbidities were depression (Prev = 11.82%, 95% CI 10.64–13.11) and hypertension (Prev = 11.41%, 95% CI 10.25–12.68). Type 2 diabetes was significantly more prevalent in patients with primary progressive MS compared with the patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS (p < 0.001). We found statistically significant positive correlation between number of comorbidities and progression index (p < 0.001). Patients treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) had significantly higher risk of developing comorbidity, after treatment initiation, compared with those who were untreated (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated high prevalence of comorbidities in persons with MS, with psychiatric and cardiovascular diseases being the most common. Furthermore, our findings confirmed the association of comorbidities with progression of disability and emphasized their role in treatment decision-making in MS.

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Title: The prevalence of comorbidities in patients with multiple sclerosis: population-based registry data
Authors: Gorica D. Maric
Tatjana D. Pekmezovic
Sarlota T. Mesaros
Olivera S. Tamas
Jovana B. Ivanovic
Vanja N. Martinovic
Marko M. Andabaka
Aleksa Lj. Jovanovic
Nikola D. Veselinovic
Darija B. Kisic-Tepavcevic
Jelena S. Drulovic
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Type 2 Diabetes
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04727-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The prevalence of comorbidities in patients with multiple sclerosis: population-based registry data

Abstract

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

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