Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the long-term clinical and demographic characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to predict disease prognosis.
 Materials and Methods: Two hundred and seventy-five MS patients diagnosed using the Poser or McDonald criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were categorized based on their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores: below 4 (group 1) and 4 or above (group 2).
 Results: The average patient age was 55.45 ± 9.63 years, with a disease duration of 26.76 ± 6.08 years. The initial EDSS scores increased from 2.56 ± 2.36 to 4.23 ± 1.8 after 20 years. Of the patients, 69.1% had EDSS scores of 4 or higher after 20 years. Notably, patients with supratentorial and spinal cord involvement at onset had higher EDSS scores. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher initial EDSS score, no full recovery after the first attack, and a longer duration between attacks were associated with a higher risk of an EDSS score of 4 or above. 
 Conclusion: Thisr study shows that an increase in the initial EDSS score is predictive of long-term disability in patients with MS. Having information on long-term, real-life data in MS is highly valuable in terms of understanding the course of the disease, its monitoring, and treatment selection.
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