Demographic and Clinical Features of Hospitalized Multiple Sclerosis Patients Undergoing a Rehabilitation Program at our Clinic

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as rehabilitation methods of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing an inpatient rehabilitation program. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 104 patients with MS from 2007 to 2012 undergoing a rehabilitation program in a special rehabilitation unit was performed. Sociodemographic data were recorded. Disease-related characteristics such as disease duration, initial symptoms, the type of MS, medications, and the results of imaging methods were recorded. The examination findings of the neuromuscular system, body involvement, and functional level were determined. The ambulatory status was evaluated using Functional Ambulation Scale, activities of daily living were evaluated using Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the neurologic status was determined using Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The orthosis and aid devices used for rehabilitation, applications for spasticity and neurogenic bladder status, and additional rehabilitation methods used were recorded. Results: The mean age was 40.53±9.40 years. Of a total of 104 patients, 68 (65.4%) were female and 36 (34.6%) were male. When the patients were grouped according to the score of GDDS, 40.4% were moderate and 59.6% were severely disabled. A one-unit increase in EDSS caused a 7.032 unit decrease in the FIM score (p=0.0001). A one-unit increase in EDSS caused a 0.017 unit increase in the duration of hospitalization (p=0.078). A oneunit increase in disease duration caused a 0.082 unit decrease in the FIM score (p=0.050). A one-unit increase in disease duration caused a 0.189 unit increase in the duration of hospitalization (p=0.0001). A one-unit increase in disease duration caused a 2.89 unit increase in number of hospitalizations (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Although MS is a progressive disease, rehabilitation applications play an enormous role in functional development. The course of rehabilitation should be planned individually for each patient.