Early Multiple Sclerosis Assays "Can Predict Long-Term Prognosis"

Studies have shown that first-person MS tests can be used to predict long-term prognosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is already a key element in the diagnosis and management of MS.

But a 15-year study of people with clinically isolated syndrome (SIC) who can develop multiple sclerosis suggests that they can also predict future disability.

The MS Society said more information would help patients choose a treatment.

The organization, which funded the study in the journal Brain, added that better knowing their state of health would also reduce the uncertainty of patients.

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Dr. Susan Kohlhbad, director of research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society, said, "For a newly diagnosed person who gets a list of 14 treatments, who has no information on how their SP could evolve, it's really complicated.

"We know that the sooner you receive treatment, the better the long-term results.

"So, know early what type and what type of disability you might have is really helpful in making decisions about treatment and lifestyle choices."

Melanie Ellis participated in the study, but not because it was going to tell her more about her own prognosis.

"I had lost my vision with one eye and they asked me to participate – at the time, I did not even know that I had MS, I think that." if you can help and it will not hurt you, go ahead, "she says.

Ellis, 53, from North London, was later diagnosed with recurrent / relapsing MS.

She said that if the long-term prognosis had been available, she would have wanted to know.

"Not everyone will want to know how their MS will evolve, but I'm the kind of person who likes to know it.

"If you know what's going on, you can at least take care of it, rather than sitting around waiting for something terrible to happen.

"If someone can tell you" it's the likely impact ", it means you can live your life and plan for the future."

"More effective treatment"

More than 100,000 people in the UK live with MS. The disease affects daily activities such as walking, talking and eating, even if the condition of each person evolves differently and to varying degrees.

MRIs are already being used to show if the myelin sheath is damaged, as well as the layer surrounding the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

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In this study, specialists followed 164 people diagnosed with CIS – neurological symptoms that may, but not always, progress to MS – for an average of 15 years.

Analyzes were also conducted one and three years after the CIS episode.

The prognosis was worse for those with both brain inflammation and spinal cord injury.

In addition, early lesions of the spinal cord also indicated that a patient would develop the secondary progressive form of MS, which currently does not benefit from any treatment and whose disability worsens in any way. constant.

However, early treatment can reduce the risk of developing secondary progressive MS.

Dr. Wallace Brownlee, of the Institute of Neurology at UCL, who led the research, said that standard MRIs – available in all hospitals – could help newly diagnosed people with MS to make more informed choices about treatment.

"Currently, we treat multiple sclerosis, put patients on treatment, and consider scaling up or trying a more intensive treatment if it does not work.

"But with that, we might be able to identify people early, which could mean more effective treatment in the beginning."