Early treatment improves outcomes for MS.
Early treatment improves outcomes for MS.
Early Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis Linked to Lower Risk of Disability
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who receive treatment at the earliest signs of the disease may have a lower risk of disability later on, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. The study suggests that individuals diagnosed and treated within six months of symptom onset have lower odds of disability and disease progression.
MS is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks myelin, a fatty substance that insulates and protects the nerves. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.
The research team, led by Dr. Alvaro Cobo Calvo from the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia and the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain, examined the impact of early treatment in a study involving 580 patients. All participants had experienced their first episode of symptoms and received at least one disease-modifying drug.
The patients were divided into three groups based on the timing of their first treatment. The first group consisted of 194 individuals who received treatment within six months of symptom onset, the second group had 192 people who received treatment between six and 16 months after symptoms emerged, and the third group included 194 people who received treatment after more than 16 months elapsed.
Over a span of 11 years, the researchers monitored the participants’ disability levels and conducted brain scans to assess damage to the brain and spinal cord. Disability scores ranged from zero to 10, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
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The study revealed that individuals who received treatment earliest had a 45% lower risk of reaching a disability score of 3 by the end of the study compared to those who received treatment latest. A score of 3 reflects moderate disability in one of eight areas, such as motor function, vision, or thinking skills, or mild disability in three or four areas.
Among those who received treatment earliest, only 23% had a disability score of 3, while 43% of those who received treatment latest reached that level of disability.
Additionally, individuals who received the earliest treatment had a 60% lower risk of progressing to the next stage of the disease, known as secondary progressive MS, which is characterized by a steady worsening of disability. Only 7% of people from the earliest treatment group were diagnosed with secondary progressive MS, compared to 23% in the late treatment group.
Furthermore, those who received early treatment were 50% more likely to maintain stability at one year after their initial treatment compared to their late-treatment counterparts. The patients in the earliest treatment group also self-reported a lower disability progression rate and lower severity of disability.
Dr. Cobo Calvo emphasized the importance of early treatment, stating, “Our results support the robustness and effectiveness of very early treatment to halt long-term disability progression, and stress that earlier detection and treatment is encouraged.”
It is essential to note that the study only included patients between the ages of 16 and 50 at the time of their first symptoms. Therefore, the findings may not apply to individuals over the age of 50.
Early intervention and treatment play a significant role in managing MS effectively. The research highlights the benefits of timely diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms arise. By prioritizing early treatment, individuals with MS can potentially reduce their risk of disability and experience better long-term outcomes.
