Differential disease phenotypes and progression in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: comparative analyses of single Canadian and Saudi Arabian clinics

BMC Neurology

W. Roda¹  C. Power²  G. Blevins²  F. Giuliani²  M. Alluqmani³  M. Qqrmli⁴ 

[1] Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, 6-11 Heritage Medical Research Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, 6-11 Heritage Medical Research Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, University of Taibah, Medina, Saudi Arabia;Department of Medicine, University of Taibah, Medina, Saudi Arabia;

关键词: Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis;    Geography;    Disease progression;    Disease modifying therapy;    Statistical analyses;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12883-021-02317-2

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveRelapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) phenotypes differ widely although the variables contributing to this heterogeneity remain uncertain. To assess geographic and ethnic effects on RR-MS phenotypes, we investigated RR-MS patients in Canada and Saudi Arabia.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients followed in two MS Clinics was performed in Medina, Saudi Arabia and Edmonton, Canada. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient and analyzed using univariable and multivariable statistics. Univariable and multivariable linear regression were used to distinguish the significant clinical and demographic features and neurological systems associated with the change in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) between clinical assessments.ResultsPatients with treated RR-MS were recruited (n = 51, Saudi; n = 47, Canada) although the disease duration was longer in the Canadian cohort (5.6 ± 2.2 yr.) compared to the Saudi cohort (4.4 ± 1.4 yr.) (P < 0.05), annual relapse rate and EDSS change were higher in the Saudi cohort (P < 0.05). Infratentorial lesion-associated presentation differed (Canada, n = 23; Saudi, n = 13) among groups (P < 0.05). Spinal cord lesions on MRI were more frequently detected in Canadian (n = 23) compared to Saudi (n = 1) patients (P < 0.05). Patients within the Saudi cohort displayed a significantly greater change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between first and second assessments.ConclusionsDespite differences in geographic location, ethnicity, and predominance of infratentorial lesions in the Canadian group, the RR-MS phenotypes were similar although the Saudi cohort displayed a more severe disease course.

【 授权许可】

CC BY