Detecting disability using self-reported and clinical assessments in early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Looking for a complementary approach

Disability accrual is mainly driven by progression independent of relapse activity, which is present even in early stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and sometimes overlooked. This multicenter, non-interventional study evaluated whether patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) could capture disability in 189 early-stage RRMS patients (mean age: 36.1 +/- 9.4 years, 71.4% female, mean disease duration: 1.4 +/- 0.8 years, median EDSS: 1.0). The 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), NeuroQoL Upper Extremity (NeuroQoL-UE), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-5) were used to assess hand function, gait, and cognition, respectively. These functions were at least mildly affected in this early-stage population, finding significant correlations between PROMs and clinical assessments. PROMs could enable early-stage RRMS patients to communicate their perceived disability in different domains, assisting clinicians in disease monitoring and decision making.

Automated summary

This multicenter, non-interventional study examined whether patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) could capture disability in early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. The study found that disability progression occurs independently of relapse activity, even in the early stages of RRMS. PROMs can assist clinicians in disease monitoring and decision-making by allowing early-stage RRMS patients to communicate their perceived disability in different domains.