ECTRIMS 2023 | Prognostic factors in multiple sclerosis

Burcu Zeydan, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN provides a comprehensive overview of the established prognostic factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). These factors are categorized into four key groups: demographic factors and co-morbidities, clinical features, radiological biomarkers, and laboratory biomarkers. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity are linked to prognosis. Moreover, modifiable factors like low vitamin D levels, smoking, and obesity, along with co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and psychiatric disorders, are associated with a worse prognosis. Clinical features indicating a poor prognosis include a higher relapse rate, especially early in the disease course, relapse location in the brain or spinal cord, and poor relapse recovery. Imaging biomarkers include high T2 lesions, spinal cord or infratentorial lesions, T1 blackholes, and brain and spinal cord atrophy. Lastly, laboratory biomarkers linked to a poor prognosis include CSF oligoclonal bands, often utilized as a substitute for dissemination in time (DIT), a diagnostic criterion for MS. This interview took place at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress 2023 in Milan, Italy.

These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.