A role of cerebrovascular diseases in the progression of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

To identify the association between cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) among patients over 50 years old in two independent populations of Moscow and Tyumen. The study included 94 patients with MS in combination with CVD (main group) and 90 age-and sex-matched patients with MS without a vascular history (comparison group). An analysis of parameters such as disease duration, EDSS at different time points, disease progression index, duration of first remission in each population separately and in both populations together was carried out. The presence of CVD in patients with MS was associated with the presence of other diseases that are associated with an increased risk of developing cerebrovascular pathology. In the main group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the duration of the first remission and an increase in the disease progression index. In addition, other diseases and syndromes were identified in the main group that, in combination with CVD in patients with MS, could lead to a worsening of the course of MS. These included arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, chronic venous insufficiency, and regular use of proton pump inhibitors. Comorbid vascular pathology can affect the severity of MS from the very beginning of the disease. It can lead to a shorter duration of the first remission and a higher disease progression index, increasing the degree of disability. The combination of autoimmune-inflammatory, demyelinating, and vascular processes can worsen the prognosis for MS.