129 Multiple sclerosis relapse patterns in a population-based cohort. Issue 9 (12th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wynford-Thomas, Ray; Uzochukwu, Emeka; Harding, Katharine; Anderson, Valerie; Cauchi, Marija; Willis, Mark; Joseph, Fady; Pickersgill, Trevor; Robertson, Neil; Tallantyre, Emma
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: e2
• Publication Date: 2022-08-12
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-abn2.173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Rationale: Relapses remain a key outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS), are targeted by disease- modifying therapies (DMT), and guide treatment. As DMT prescribing continues to increase, it remains unclear what effect this has had on relapse frequency and phenotype over time. Aim: To examine relapse patterns using 20 years of longitudinal data and correlate with DMT use. Method: Prospectively collected relapse data from the South Wales MS registry was analysed from 2000- 2020. Relapse rate and phenotype according to DMT use were analysed across time epochs. Results: Of 6, 165 relapses in 1, 460 patients; 76% were in females and 15% occurred on DMT. Annualised relapse rates (ARR) showed a decreasing trend from 2000 (ARR=0.23) to 2020 (ARR=0.08). Using cross- sectional analysis of data from years 2005 versus 2020, rates of DMT exposure increased from 6% to 31%, and ARR was significantly associated with DMT use (p<0.01). Polysymptomatic relapses and relapses associated with full recovery, were both more likely to occur in people on DMT. Conclusion: Increasing use of DMTs was associated with decreasing ARR in this population-based MS cohort over 20 years. We also demonstrate that relapses occurring on DMTs appear to be associated with more favourable recovery.