Disability Progression In Multiple Sclerosis Research Articles

Glial cell injury and atrophied lesion volume as measures of chronic multiple sclerosis inflammation

BackgroundAtrophied lesion volume (aLV), a proposed biomarker of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) and transition into progressive MS (PMS), depicts chronic periventricular white matter (WM) pathology. Meningeal infiltrates, imaged as leptomeningeal contrast enhancement (LMCE), are linked with greater cortical pathology. ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between serum-derived proteomic data with the development of aLV and LMCE in a heterogeneous group of people with MS (pwMS). MethodsProteomic and MRI data for 202 pwMS (148 clinically isolated syndrome /relapsing-remitting MS and 54 progressive MS (PMS)) were acquired at baseline and at 5.4-year follow-up. The concentrations of 21 proteins related to multiple MS pathophysiology pathways were derived using a custom-developed Proximity Extension Assay on the Olink™ platform. The accrual of aLV was determined as the volume of baseline T2-weighted lesions that were replaced by cerebrospinal fluid over the follow-up. Regression models and age-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. ResultsOlder age (standardized beta = 0.176, p = 0.022), higher glial fibrillary acidic protein (standardized beta = 0.312, p = 0.001), and lower myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein levels (standardized beta = −0.271, p = 0.002) were associated with accrual of aLV over follow-up. This relationship was driven by the pwPMS population. The presence of LMCE at the follow-up visit was not predicted by any baseline proteomic biomarker nor cross-sectionally associated with any protein concentration. ConclusionProteomic markers of glial activation are associated with chronic lesional WM pathology (measured as aLV) and may be specific to the progressive MS phenotype. LMCE presence in MS does not appear to relate to proteomic measures.

Effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus natalizumab in progressive multiple sclerosis

BackgroundNatalizumab was not shown to modify disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). This matched observational study compared the effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) with natalizumab in progressive...

Waist Circumference and Body Mass Index as Predictors of Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: While obesity has been shown to elevate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a lack of strong evidence regarding its role in the disability progression and status of MS patients. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide comparative estimates of WC and BMI in patients with MS (PwMS) and to investigate potential associations between the waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) and demographic and specific MS characteristics. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a detailed search of the MEDLINE PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted. Results: A total of 16 studies were included. The pooled mean WC and BMI among PwMS was estimated to be 87.27 cm (95%CI [84.07; 90.47]) and 25.73 (95%CI [25.15; 26.31]), respectively. Meta-regression models established a significant bidirectional relationship between WC and the Expanded Disability Scale (EDSS) (p < 0.001) but not between BMI and EDSS (p = 0.45). Sensitivity analyses showed no association between WC and age (p = 0.48) and a tendency between WC and disease duration (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Although WC measurements classify PwMS as normal weight, BMI measurements classify them as overweight. Therefore, WC should complement BMI evaluations in clinical practice. Additionally, our findings highlight the significant association between abdominal fat, as indicated by WC, and disease progression. Considering the heightened risk of cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality among PwMS, we recommend integrating both WC and BMI as standard anthropometric measurements in routine clinical examinations and targeted prevention strategies for PwMS.

The prevalence and topography of spinal cord demyelination in multiple sclerosis: a retrospective study

Spinal cord pathology is a major determinant of irreversible disability in progressive multiple sclerosis. The demyelinated lesion is a cardinal feature. The well-characterised anatomy of the spinal cord and new analytic approaches allows the systematic study of lesion topography and its extent of inflammatory activity unveiling new insights into disease pathogenesis. We studied cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord tissue from 119 pathologically confirmed multiple sclerosis cases. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect demyelination (PLP) and classify lesional inflammatory activity (CD68). Prevalence and distribution of demyelination, staged by lesion activity, was determined and topographical maps were created to identify patterns of lesion prevalence and distribution using mixed models and permutation-based voxelwise analysis. 460 lesions were observed throughout the spinal cord with 76.5% of cases demonstrating at least 1 lesion. The cervical level was preferentially affected by lesions. 58.3% of lesions were inflammatory with 87.9% of cases harbouring at least 1 inflammatory lesion. Topographically, lesions consistently affected the dorsal and lateral columns with relative sparing of subpial areas in a distribution mirroring the vascular network. The presence of spinal cord lesions and the proportion of active lesions related strongly with clinical disease milestones, including time from onset to wheelchair and onset to death. We demonstrate that spinal cord demyelination is common, highly inflammatory, has a predilection for the cervical level, and relates to clinical disability. The topography of lesions in the dorsal and lateral columns and relative sparing of subpial areas points to a role of the vasculature in lesion pathogenesis, suggesting short-range cell infiltration from the blood and signaling molecules circulating in the perivascular space incite lesion development. These findings challenge the notion that end-stage progressive multiple sclerosis is ‘burnt out’ and an outside-in lesional gradient predominates in the spinal cord. Taken together, this study provides support for long-term targeting of inflammatory demyelination in the spinal cord and nominates vascular dysfunction as a potential target for new therapeutic approaches to limit irreversible disability.

Association between active and passive smoking and the clinical course of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

&lt;i&gt;Objective&lt;/i&gt;: Active and passive smoking are common environmental risk factors, but there is no definite conclusion about their effects on relapse and disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). &lt;i&gt;Methods&lt;/i&gt;: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients were included from four centers. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the clinical database, while data involving environmental exposures during daily life, relapse, and disability progression were obtained through telephone follow-up interviews. Determinants of relapse were assessed by Cox proportional models, and disability progression was assessed by linear regression. Kaplan‒Meier survival was used to estimate relapse within five years after the first attack. &lt;i&gt;Results&lt;/i&gt;: A total of 130 MS patients and 318 NMOSD patients were included in this study, and females accounted for 60% and 79.6%, respectively. MS patients with an active smoking history had a higher risk of relapse, for which the association became borderline significant after accounting for covariates (aHR=1.52, 95% CI=1.00, 2.31; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.052). The relapse risk between ever-smokers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day and smokers who smoked less than 10 cigarettes per day was not significantly different (aHR=0.96, 95% CI=0.63, 1.47; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.859). However, exposure to passive smoking was associated with a reduced risk of MS relapse (aHR=0.75, 95% CI=0.56, 1.00; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.044) compared with never-exposed patients. No associations were observed between active smoking/passive smoking and the risk of NMOSD relapse, but patients with a history of smoking were associated with a lower annual progression rate by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (aβ=−0.20, 95% CI=−0.38, −0.01; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.036) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) (aβ=−0.23, 95% CI=−0.44, −0.03; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.028). &lt;i&gt;Conclusion&lt;/i&gt;: Our research shows that active smoking increases the relapse risk of MS and has a negative impact on disability progression; thus, smoking cessation should be encouraged.

A wearable device perspective on the standard definitions of disability progression in multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of disability among young adults, but standard clinical scales may not accurately detect subtle changes in disability occurring between visits. This study aims to explore whether wearable device data provides more granular and objective measures of disability progression in MS. Methods: Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse in Central Nervous System Disorders (RADAR-CNS) is a longitudinal multicenter observational study in which 400 MS patients have been recruited since June 2018 and prospectively followed up for 24 months. Monitoring of patients included standard clinical visits with assessment of disability through use of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), as well as remote monitoring through the use of a Fitbit. Results: Among the 306 patients who completed the study (mean age, 45.6 years; females 67%), confirmed disability progression defined by the EDSS was observed in 74 patients, who had approximately 1392 fewer daily steps than patients without disability progression. However, the decrease in the number of steps experienced over time by patients with EDSS progression and stable patients was not significantly different. Similar results were obtained with disability progression defined by the 6MWT and the T25FW. Conclusion: The use of continuous activity monitoring holds great promise as a sensitive and ecologically valid measure of disability progression in MS.

High throughput method for detecting murine brain atrophy using a clinical 3T MRI

BackgroundThere is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms by which the CNS is injured in multiple sclerosis (MS). Since Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection in SJL/J mice is an established model of progressive disability in MS, and CNS atrophy correlates with progressive disability in MS, we used in vivo MRI to quantify total ventricular volume in TMEV infection. We then sought to identify immunological and virological biomarkers that correlated with increased ventricular size.MethodsMice, both infected and control, were followed for 6 months. Cerebral ventricular volumes were determined by MRI, and disability was assessed by Rotarod. A range of immunological and virological measures was obtained using standard techniques.ResultsDisability was present in infected mice with enlarged ventricles, while infected mice without enlarged ventricles had Rotarod performance similar to sham mice. Ventricular enlargement was detected as soon as 1 month after infection. None of the immunological and virological measures correlated with the development of ventricular enlargement.ConclusionsThese results support TMEV infection with brain MRI monitoring as a useful model for exploring the biology of disability progression in MS, but they did not identify an immunological or virological correlate with ventricular enlargement.

The effect of ibudilast on thalamic volume in progressive multiple sclerosis

Background: Thalamic volume loss is known to be associated with clinical and cognitive disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). Objective: To investigate the treatment effect of ibudilast on thalamic atrophy more than 96 weeks in the phase 2 trial in progressive(MS Secondary and Primary Progressive Ibudilast NeuroNEXT Trial in Multiple Sclerosis [SPRINT-MS]). Methods: A total of 231 participants were randomized to either ibudilast (n = 114) or placebo (n = 117). Thalamic volume change was computed using Bayesian Sequence Adaptive Multimodal Segmentation tool (SAMseg) incorporating T1, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and fractional anisotropy maps and analyzed with a mixed-effects repeated-measures model. Results: There was no significant difference in thalamic volumes between treatment groups. On exploratory analysis, participants with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) on placebo had a 0.004% greater rate of thalamic atrophy than PPMS participants on ibudilast (p = 0.058, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.008 to <0.001). Greater reductions in thalamic volumes at more than 96 weeks were associated with worsening multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC-4) scores (p = 0.002) and worsening performance on the symbol digit modality test (SDMT) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In a phase 2 trial evaluating ibudilast in PMS, no treatment effect was demonstrated in preventing thalamic atrophy. Participants with PPMS exhibited a treatment effect that trended toward significance. Longitudinal changes in thalamic volume were related to worsening of physical and cognitive disability, highlighting this outcome’s clinical importance.

Neurofilament Light Chain Elevation and Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

Mechanisms contributing to disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) are poorly understood. Blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) level, a marker of neuroaxonal injury, correlates robustly with disease activity in people with MS (MS); however, data on the association between NfL level and disability accumulation have been conflicting. To determine whether and when NfL levels are elevated in the context of confirmed disability worsening (CDW). This study included 2 observational cohorts: results from the Expression, Proteomics, Imaging, Clinical (EPIC) study at the University of California San Francisco (since 2004) were confirmed in the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort (SMSC), a multicenter study in 8 centers since 2012. Data were extracted from EPIC in April 2022 (sampling July 1, 2004, to December 20, 2016) and SMSC in December 2022 (sampling June 6, 2012, to September 2, 2021). The study included 2 observational cohorts in tertiary MS centers. All participants of both cohorts with available NfL results were included in the study, and no eligible participants were excluded or declined to participate. Association between NfL z scores and CDW. CDW was defined as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) worsening that was confirmed after 6 or more months and classified into CDW associated with clinical relapses (CDW-R) or independent of clinical relapses (CDW-NR). Visits were classified in relation to the disability worsening events into CDW(-2) for 2 visits preceding event, CDW(-1) for directly preceding event, CDW(event) for first diagnosis of EDSS increase, and the confirmation visit. Mixed linear and Cox regression models were used to evaluate NfL dynamics and to assess the association of NfL with future CDW, respectively. A total of 3906 EPIC visits (609 participants; median [IQR] age, 42.0 [35.0-50.0] years; 424 female [69.6%]) and 8901 SMSC visits (1290 participants; median [IQR] age, 41.2 [32.5-49.9] years; 850 female [65.9%]) were included. In CDW-R (EPIC, 36 events; SMSC, 93 events), NfL z scores were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.35-1.07; P < .001) units higher at CDW-R(-1) in EPIC and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.14-0.49; P < .001) in SMSC compared with stable MS samples. NfL elevation could be detected preceding CDW-NR (EPIC, 191 events; SMSC, 342 events) at CDW-NR(-2) (EPIC: 0.23; 95% CI, 0.01-0.45; P = .04; SMSC: 0.28; 95% CI, 0.18-0.37; P < .001) and at CDW-NR(-1) (EPIC: 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11-0.44; P < .001; SMSC: 0.09; 95% CI, 0-0.18; P = .06). Those findings were replicated in the subgroup with relapsing-remitting MS. Time-to-event analysis confirmed the association between NfL levels and future CDW-R within approximately 1 year and CDW-NR (in approximately 1-2 years). This cohort study documents the occurrence of NfL elevation in advance of clinical worsening and may hint to a potential window of ongoing dynamic central nervous system pathology that precedes the diagnosis of CDW.

Treatment Patterns and Unmet Need for Patients with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: Survey Results from 2016 to 2021.

Much of the current literature on treatment patterns and disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) does not distinguish between the relapsing-remitting and progressive subtypes (including primary [PPMS] and secondary progressive MS [SPMS]), or between active/nonactive disease. Current treatment options for progressive MS are limited, with only one approved product for PPMS and none specifically for nonactive SPMS. Here we report treatment patterns, disability progression, and unmet needs among patients with active and nonactive PPMS and SPMS. The annual, cross-sectional survey from the Adelphi Disease Specific Program was used to collect physician-reported data on US adult patients with PPMS and SPMS, including active and nonactive disease. Treatment patterns (including the proportion of patients who were untreated with a disease-modifying therapy [DMT]), disability progression, and unmet need are described from 2016 to 2021. Data were collected for 2067 patients with progressive MS (PPMS, 1583; SPMS, 484). A substantial proportion of patients were untreated across all groups, and this was highest for nonactive PPMS (~ 43%). The proportion of untreated patients generally declined over time but remained high in 2018-2021 (~ 10-38%). Among treated patients, the proportion receiving infusions increased over time to ~ 34-46%, largely driven by ocrelizumab use after approval. Disability progression was reported for most patients (> 50%), including many who were receiving a DMT. Across all disease subtypes, when physicians were asked about the greatest unmet need with current DMTs, they most frequently cited effectiveness (~ 63-87%), and specifically slowing disease progression (~ 32-59%). This analysis of physician-reported data reveals that patients with progressive MS, particularly those with nonactive disease, frequently remain untreated or continue to decline despite treatment with available DMTs. Thus there is an enduring need for safe and effective treatments for this underserved population.

The association between disability progression, relapses, and treatment in early relapse onset MS: an observational, multi-centre, longitudinal cohort study

The indirect contribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses to disability worsening outcomes, and vice-versa, remains unclear. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are potential modulators of this association. Understanding how these endo-phenotypes interact may provide insights into disease pathogenesis and treatment practice in relapse-onset MS (ROMS). Utilising a unique, prospectively collected clinical data from a longitudinal cohort of 279 first demyelinating event cases followed for up to 15 years post-onset, we examined indirect associations between relapses and treatment and the risk of disability worsening, and vice-versa. Indirect association parameters were estimated using joint models for longitudinal and survival data. Early relapses within 2.5 years of MS onset predicted early disability worsening outcomes (HR = 3.45, C.I 2.29–3.61) per relapse, but did not contribute to long-term disability worsening thereinafter (HR = 0.21, C.I 0.15–0.28). Conversely, disability worsening outcomes significantly contributed to relapse risk each year (HR = 2.96, C.I 2.91–3.02), and persisted over time (HR = 3.34, C.I 2.90–3.86), regardless of DMT treatments. The duration of DMTs significantly reduced the hazards of relapses (1st-line DMTs: HR = 0.68, C.I 0.58–0.79; 3rd-line DMTs: HR = 0.37, C.I 0.32–0.44) and disability worsening events (1st-line DMTs: HR = 0.74, C.I 0.69–0.79; 3rd-line DMTs: HR = 0.90, C.I 0.85–0.95), respectively. Results from time-dynamic survival probabilities further revealed individuals having higher risk of future relapses and disability worsening outcomes, respectively. The study provided evidence that in ROMS, relapses accrued within 2.5 years of MS onset are strong indicators of disability worsening outcomes, but late relapses accrued 2.5 years post onset are not overt risk factors for further disability worsening. In contrast, disability worsening outcomes are strong positive predictors of current and subsequent relapse risk. Long-term DMT use and older age strongly influence the individual outcomes and their associations.

The socioeconomic impact of disability progression in multiple sclerosis: A retrospective cohort study of the German NeuroTransData (NTD) registry.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressively debilitating neurologic disease that poses significant costs to the healthcare system and workforce. To evaluate the impact of MS disease progression on societal costs and quality of life (QoL) using data from the German NeuroTransData (NTD) MS registry. Cross-sectional cohort study. The cost cohort included patients with MS disability assessed using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in 2019 while the QoL cohort included patients assessed using EDSS and EuroQol-5 Dimension 5-Levels between 2009 and 2019. Direct and indirect medical, and non-medical resource use was quantified and costs derived from public sources. Within the QoL cohort (n = 9821), QoL worsened with increasing EDSS. Within the cost cohort (n = 7286), increasing resource use with increasing EDSS was observed. Societal costs per patient, excluding or including disease-modifying therapies, increased from €5694 or €19,315 at EDSS 0 to 3.5 to €25,419 or €36,499 at EDSS 4 to 6.5, and €52,883 or €58,576 at EDSS 7 to 9.5. In multivariate modeling, each 0.5-step increase in EDSS was significantly associated with increasing costs, and worsening QoL. This study confirms the major socioeconomic burden associated with MS disability progression. From a socioeconomic perspective, delaying disability progression may benefit patients and society.

The importance of the patient's perspective in decision-making in multiple sclerosis: Results of the OwnMS patient perspectives study.

Research is needed to identify the unmet disease education and communication needs of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) to support informed decision-making, enable self-management and maintain independence for PwMS for as long as possible. An Expert Steering Group co-developed two studies for PwMS aged 18 years and over: a qualitative, online, patient community activity and a quantitative anonymised online survey. The quantitative survey was conducted in the UK from 12 September 2019 to 18 November 2019 amongst PwMS recruited via the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Trust newsletter and their closed Facebook group. Questions explored the goals, desires, and knowledge gaps of PwMS. Self-reported data from people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were collated and reviewed, and discussed by the Steering Group. This paper presents descriptive statistics of the quantitative survey findings. The sample consisted of 117 participants with RRMS. Most respondents (73%) had personal goals related to lifestyle and many (69%) were concerned about maintaining independence. More than half of respondents were worried about planning for the future in relation to income (56%), housing (40%) and most respondents also indicated MS had a negative impact on their lives, including their work life (73%) and social life (69%). Limited occupational support was forthcoming (17% were not provided with any support and only 27% report their work environment being adjusted to suit their needs). The ability to plan for the future and to understand the course of MS were highlighted as key priorities by respondents. A positive trend was observed between those who felt able to plan for the future and their knowledge of MS progression. The proportion of patients who report knowing a 'great deal' about MS prognosis and disability progression was low (16% and 9%, respectively), suggesting an increased role for clinical teams to provide information and education for PwMS. Communication between respondents and their clinical teams highlighted the role of specialist nurses for PwMS to provide holistic, informative support and demonstrated the level of comfort that PwMS have in discussing less clinical topics with these providers. This UK nationwide survey highlighted some of the unmet needs in disease education and communication in a subgroup of UK patients with RRMS, which can impact quality of life. Discussing goals and planning alongside prognosis and disability progression with MS care teams may enable people with RRMS not only to make informed treatment decisions, but also to self-manage and plan for the future, factors which are important to maintain independence.

A Comparison of Two Analytical Approaches for the Quantification of Neurofilament Light Chain, a Biomarker of Axonal Damage in Multiple Sclerosis.

Neurofilament light chain (NfL), is a neuron-specific cytoskeletal protein detected in extracellular fluid following axonal damage. Extensive research has focused on NfL quantification in CSF, establishing it as a prognostic biomarker of disability progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our study used a new commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit and Single Molecular Array (Simoa) advanced technology to assess serum NfL levels in MS patients and Healthy Controls (HC). Verifying the most accurate, cost-effective methodology will benefit its application in clinical settings. Blood samples were collected from 54 MS patients and 30 HC. Protocols accompanying the kits were followed. The ELISA thershold was set as 3 S.D. above the mean of the HC. For Simoa, the Z-score calculation created by Jens Kuhle's group was applied (with permission). Samples exceeding the threshold or z-score ≥1.5 indicated subclinical disease activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to find strong-positive correlation between ELISA and Simoa for the quantification of NfL in serum (r = 0.919). Despite the strong correlation, Simoa has better analytical sensitivity and can detect small changes in samples making it valuable in clinical settings. Further research is required to evaluate whether serum NfL quantification using ELISA could be utilized to predict disability progression.

Physical fitness moderates the association between brain network impairment and both motor function and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis.

Neurodegeneration leads to continuous accumulation of disability in progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Exercise is considered to counteract disease progression, but little is known on the interaction between fitness, brain networks and disability in MS. The aim of this study to explore functional and structural brain connectivity and the interaction between fitness and disability based on motor and cognitive functional outcomes in a secondary analysis of a randomised, 3-month, waiting group controlled arm ergometry intervention in progressive MS. We modelled individual structural and functional brain networks based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used linear mixed effect models to compare changes in brain networks between the groups and explore the association between fitness, brain connectivity and functional outcomes in the entire cohort. We recruited 34 persons with advanced progressive MS (pwMS, mean age 53years, females 71%, mean disease duration 17years and an average walking restriction of < 100m without aid). Functional connectivity increased in highly connected brain regions of the exercise group (p = 0.017), but no structural changes (p = 0.817) were observed. Motor and cognitive task performance correlated positively with nodal structural connectivity but not nodal functional connectivity. We also found that the correlation between fitness and functional outcomes was stronger with lower connectivity. Functional reorganisation seems to be an early indicator of exercise effects on brain networks. Fitness moderates the relationship between network disruption and both motor and cognitive outcomes, with growing importance in more disrupted brain networks. These findings underline the need and opportunities associated with exercise in advanced MS.

A review on multiple sclerosis prognostic findings from imaging, inflammation, and mental health studies.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is commonly used to detect where chronic and active lesions are in multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI is also extensively used as a tool to calculate and extrapolate brain health by way of volumetric analysis or advanced imaging techniques. In MS patients, psychiatric symptoms are common comorbidities, with depression being the main one. Even though these symptoms are a major determinant of quality of life in MS, they are often overlooked and undertreated. There has been evidence of bidirectional interactions between the course of MS and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. In order to mitigate disability progression in MS, treating psychiatric comorbidities should be investigated and optimized. New research for the prediction of disease states or phenotypes of disability have advanced, primarily due to new technologies and a better understanding of the aging brain.

Application of Rasch Analysis for Measurement of Disability in Multiple Sclerosis (P9-3.018)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To use Rasch analysis to create a linear, validated scale of patient-reported outcomes to measure disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). <h3>Background:</h3> Measuring disability progression in MS is vital to patient management and clinical research. The gold-standard in MS is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). However, it has significant limitations. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are a promising additional measurement of MS disability progression. Data on validity are lacking. We aim to create a linear, validated scale measuring MS disability by analyzing patient responses to a preliminary PRO using Rasch analysis. We compare our findings to the EDSS and MS functional composite (MSFC). <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Participants aged 18 – 65 with all MS subtypes are recruited from the Atlanta VA and Emory MS Clinics. A preliminary questionnaire with 140 questions, EDSS, and MSFC are administered. Participants complete a post-visit questionnaire within 7 days for test-retest reliability. Rasch analysis will be performed on questionnaire data and items will be removed based on fit. Correlational analyses with EDSS and MSFC are performed. We will recruit 250 participants. <h3>Results:</h3> 44 participants have completed the preliminary questionnaire. The mean (SD) age is 50.1 (10.2) with 68.2% females and 31.8% males. 54.6% of participants self-identified as black, 43.2% white and 2.3% mixed. 50% receive anti-CD20 therapy. Median EDSS score is 3.75 with a range of 1.0–7.0 and mean MSFC score is −1.75 (2.7). Total questionnaire score correlated moderately with EDSS (r=0.69) and less with MSFC (r=−0.34). Test-retest reliability studies strongly correlate (n=27, r= 0.95). Rasch analysis data will follow. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our sample represents a wide range of demographics, disability, and treatments and is similar to published MS cohorts. Preliminary analysis demonstrated good construct validity compared to EDSS and reliable test-retest. This linear scale may aid in monitoring disability progression in MS patients. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Azad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tarr has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fournier has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Springer Journals. The institution of Dr. Fournier has received research support from Veterans Affairs. The institution of Dr. Fournier has received research support from Department of Defense. The institution of Dr. Fournier has received research support from Amylyx. The institution of Dr. Fournier has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Fournier has received research support from MT Pharma. The institution of Dr. Tyor has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Tyor has received research support from VHA. The institution of Dr. Tyor has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Tyor has received research support from VHA. The institution of Dr. Tyor has received research support from NIH.

Loss of gyrification is associated with disability progression in multiple sclerosis (P10-3.006)

Loss of gyrification is associated with disability progression in multiple sclerosis (P10-3.006)

Diurnal Step Count Patterns in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (P3-3.011)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Determine the relationship of diurnal step count patterns with disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). <h3>Background:</h3> Worsening Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and longer Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) times generally correspond to increased MS disability and correlate with lower daily physical activity. Patterns of diurnal physical activity and MS disability progression are understudied. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Participants (n=577) in the SPI2 study of MD1003 (high dose biotin) in progressive MS underwent EDSS and T25FW every three months with up to 27 months of follow up. A Fitbit flex (or flex2) continuously monitored step counts per minute. Recorded data was analyzed using the function-on-scalar regression technique where EDSS, T25FW and other patient demographics were used to predict per-patient diurnal step counts. <h3>Results:</h3> From 12pm to 8pm, EDSS (mean R2 = 0.36±0.02) outperformed T25FW (mean R2 = 0.26±0.02) in predicting mean diurnal step count curves per patient after adjusting for sex, age, and BMI. Including EDSS and T25FW increased mean R2 to 0.39±0.02. Men took 5.2% more steps than women from 12am to 7am on average, while women took 5.1% more steps than men from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 4.3% more from 7:30pm to 10pm on average (all p&lt;0.001). The impact of age was strongest from 3pm to 10pm, where each year of age corresponded to 0.44% fewer steps (p&lt;0.0001). From 10am to 11pm, every one-point increase in BMI translated to 1.3% fewer steps (p&lt;0.0001). Mean diurnal step count had midday troughs in summer, evening troughs in winter, and morning peaks in spring (all p&lt;0.001). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The association between lower physical activity and disability metrics is not uniform throughout the day, and changes with the seasons. These results highlight the need for consistency in timing of clinical evaluation in research, and provide important insight into specific times of day that may be preferable for effective rehabilitation interventions. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Navani has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Datavant. Dr. Block has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Atara. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for EMD Serono. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sanofi. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for TG Therapeutics. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Autobahn. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Avotres. The institution of Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Alexion. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Gossamer Bio. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Horizon. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neuron23. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Boston Pharma. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Hexal/Sandoz. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Siemens. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Therini. Dr. Cree has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Immunic AG. The institution of Dr. Cree has received research support from Genentech. Dr. Cree has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Prof. Abbasi-Asl has received research support from NIH. Prof. Abbasi-Asl has received research support from Weill Neurohub.

Association of Higher Ocrelizumab Exposure With Reduced Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis.

Association of Higher Ocrelizumab Exposure With Reduced Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis.