Recovery from MS relapses is variable. The factors influencing persistence of residual disability (RD) after a relapse are still to be thoroughly elucidated. This study out of the University of Turin in Italy, sought to assess RD after MS relapses and to define the factors associated with persistence of RD. The full article can be found in Acta Neurologica Scandinavica.

Data were retrospectively collected for all relapses in a population of patients with relapsing-remitting MS during 3 years. Relapse severity and RD after 1 year were calculated on Expanded Disability Status Scale basis. A multivariable analysis for factors influencing RD and relapse severity was performed (variables: age, gender, disease duration, oligoclonal bands, relapse severity, monosymptomatic/polysymptomatic relapse, immunomodulating treatment, incomplete recovery at 1 month).

A total of 174 relapses were assessed. Findings indicated that RD after 1 year was observed in 54.5% of relapses. As well, higher risk of RD was associated with occurrence of a severe relapse. Incomplete recovery at 1 month was highly predictive of RD at 1 year. Risk of a severe relapse was associated with those at least 30 years of age and inversely associated with the use of immunomodulating treatment. Incomplete recovery at 1 month is a predictor of long-term persistence of RD. Higher relapse severity is also associated with higher risk of RD. Risk of severe relapses is lower in patients treated with immunomodulating drugs. In order to better understand the full impact of RD, it is important to develop further studies, however it is clear that treatment with immunomodulating drugs reduces the risk of severe relapse which, in turn, reduces the risk of RD.

(Available from: http://www.pubmed.gov PMID: 18684216)

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