Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune mediated disease of the central nervous system, mostly affecting young adults with mean age of 30 years, twice as high in women compared to men. The etiology of MS is not fully elucidated. MS symptoms are directly related to demyelination and axonal loss, along with other psychological symptoms, can result in functional limitations, disability and reduced quality of life (QoL). The QoL assessments in patients with a chronic disease may contribute to improving treatment and could even be of prognostic value. The goals of this study were to compare the QoL of Iraqi patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS),using three different diseases modifying therapies(DMTs) administered orally, subcutaneously, and by slow infusion; namely, fingolimod,interferonB-1b, and natalizumab, respectively. And to assess the role of disability status, educational status, occupational status, MS duration, and treatment duration as a predictor for the QoL. Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) questionnaire version 4 was used to assess QoL. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were tested by univariate and multivariate regression analyses to assess the contribution of these predictors to QoL. No significant differences were found in symptoms, thinking/fatigue subscales and FAMS total scores among the three DMTs. In conclusion: Iraqi MS patients using InterferonB-1b, fingolimod or natalizumab have a comparable low level of QoL. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) is negatively associated with QoL of MS patients in all of the three therapies, while other predictors such as occupational status, educational status, smoking habit and MS duration have different impact in different treatments.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, mostly affecting young adults with mean age of 30 years, twice as high in women as compared to men [1,2] MS prevalence differ by different geographic regions [3]
The goals of this study were to compare the quality of life (QoL) among Iraqi patients with Relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) using one of three different disease modifying therapies (DMTs), administered orally, subcutaneously, and by slow infusion; namely, fingolimod, interferonβ-1b, and natalizumab, respectively
The socio-demographic characteristics for subjects (N=200) participated in the study are illustrated in table1
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, mostly affecting young adults with mean age of 30 years, twice as high in women as compared to men [1,2] MS prevalence differ by different geographic regions [3]. Relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS):- affects about 85% of MS patients and marked by flareups (relapse or exacerbation of symptoms followed by periods of remission, when symptoms improve or disappear)(8,9). 2. Primary progressive MS (PPMS):-affects approximately 10% of MS patients and symptoms continue to worsen gradually from the beginning. The disease course continues to worsen with or without periods of remission[8,9]. 4. Progressive-relapsing MS:- is a rare form, affecting fewer than 5% of patients. Progressive-relapsing MS:- is a rare form, affecting fewer than 5% of patients It is progressive from the start, with intermittent flare-ups of worsening symptoms along the way and has no periods of remission[8]
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Schedule a callMore From: Iraqi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ( P-ISSN 1683 - 3597 E-ISSN 2521 - 3512)
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