A retrospective study on the clinico-demographic profile of multiple sclerosis patients in various tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore city of South India

Abstract

Objectives. To study the risk factors, clinical presentations, course of the disease, investigations and management practices in MS. Materials and methods. Records of 23 patients diagnosed with MS using the McDonald diagnostic criteria were analysed. Outcomes. The mean age at diagnosis was 34.6±17.1 years. 17 (73.9%) patients were females. Early and late onset MS were present among 2 (8.7%) and 4 (17.4%) patients respectively. The most common symptom at diagnosis was paraesthesia [9 (39.1%)]. Motor symptoms and sensory symptoms at the time of diagnosis were present among 9(39.1%) patients each. 20 (87%) patients had motor system involvement, 9 (39.1%) had sensory system involvement, 12 (52.2%) had cranial nerve involvement, 4 (17.4%) had sphincter dysfunction and 2 (8.7%) had cerebellar involvement. Relapsing and remitting MS (RRMS) were present among 18 (78.3%) patients. Oligoclonal bands were present among 17 (73.9%) patients. Vitamin D levels in the blood were found deficient among 4 (80%) out of 5 patients with available reports of the same. Juxtacortical region was the most common [9 (39.1%)] site of involvement. Steroids were used for management among majority [12 (52.2%)] of the patients. Non-pharmacological methods for management constituted only physiotherapy which was advised among 13 (56.5%) patients. Improvement in treatment outcome were seen among 19 (82.6%) patients. Conclusions. Almost three fourth of the patients were females. RRMS was the most common course of the disease. Juxtacortical region was the most common site involved. Steroids were most commonly used for management. More non-pharmacological methods need to be introduced for MS management.