Treatment responses, disability outcomes and prognosis of a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis: Preliminary data from a dedicated MS clinic

Abstract

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the CNS which is an emerging neurological problem in Sri Lanka. We looked at treatment responses and disability outcomes of a cohort of 100 Sri Lankan patients with confirmed MS in terms of their EDSS, annualized relapse rates (ARR) and time to first relapse (TTFR) Objective To determine the disability outcomes and overall prognosis of Sri Lankan MS patients in terms of their demographic, clinical, radiological and treatment status. Methods 100 confirmed MS patients (McDonald 2010 & MAGNIMS 2016) attending the MS clinic at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka were randomly assessed using direct interviews and patient registries. AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG serology was negative in all. Results Majority were females (63%). Average age at onset was 29Y. Predominantly RRMS (75%). Mean EDSS 2.8 (Mean duration of follow-up 7.9y) with 81% having EDSS Conclusion MS patients in Sri Lanka had reasonably good outcomes in terms of disability and progression perhaps due to early diagnosis and treatment.