Journal Article

Clinical and demographic characteristics of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in Argentina: Argentinean registry cohort study (RelevarEM)

Cristiano Edgardo, Tavolini Dario, Luetic Geraldine, Lázaro Luciana, Silva, Emanuel, Cohen, Leila, Quarracino Cecilia, Pita, Cecilia, Tkachuk Verónica, Saladino, María Laura, Barboza, Andres, Silva, Berenice, Volman, Gabriel, Vrech Carlos, Carra Adriana, Menichini, María Laura, Zanga Gisela, Alonso, Ricardo, Garcea Orlando, Fernández, Liguori Nora, Steinberg, Judith, Eizaguirre Bárbara, Rojas, Juan Ignacio, López, Pablo, Hryb Javier, Deri Norma, Divi, Pablo, Pappolla Agustín, Carnero Contentti Edgar, Alves, Pinheiro Amelia, Patrucco Liliana, Miguez Jimena, Balbuena, María Eugenia

2020

Overview

BackgroundPrimary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is an infrequent clinical form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Scarce information is available about PPMS in Latin America. The aim of this work is to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of PPMS patients in Argentina.Material and methodsRelevarEM is a longitudinal, strictly observational registry in Argentina. Clinical and epidemiological data from PPMS patients were described.ResultsThere were 144 cases of PPMS. They represented 7% of MS patients. The mean age was 44.1 years. The female:male ratio was 1.08. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 5.5 and the mean disease evolution time was 10.6 years. Oligoclonal bands were found in 72.9%. At the time of diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord lesions in 82.6% and contrast-enhancing brain lesions in 18.1% of patients. Almost one third of patients were treated with a disease-modifying drug, and ocrelizumab was the most frequently used (55.8%).ConclusionsPPMS is an infrequent subtype of MS and its recognition is of the highest importance as it has its own evolution, treatment, and prognosis. The importance of our research resides in providing local data and contributing to a better understanding of PPMS and its treatment in Latin America.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Cohort analysis / Epidemiology / Immunomodulators / Magnetic resonance imaging / Monoclonal antibodies / Multiple sclerosis / Neuroimaging / Neurosciences / Patients / Spinal cord