Milder multiple sclerosis course in patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease

An association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to compare the disease course of patients with both MS and IBD with that of patients with isolated MS or isolated IBD. Sixty-six MS-IBD patients were identified and were matched with 25 I isolated MS and 257 isolated IBD controls. Main outcomes were scores using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in MS and extent of disease extension in IBD at last clinical evaluation. After a median 12 years of disease duration, the median EDSS and the percentages of patients reaching an EDSS of 3.0 and 4.0 were significantly lower in MS-IBD patients than in controls. MS had no impact on IBD. MS course appears to be milder in patients with concomitant IBD.