Patient-reported outcomes are worse for progressive-onset multiple sclerosis than relapse-onset multiple sclerosis, particularly early in the disease process

Abstract

Background and purpose: Treatments for progressive-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) are lacking. To improve the disease management for progressive-onset MS, the differences between relapse-onset MS and progressive-onset MS in patient-reported disability, progression and symptoms were examined. Methods: A total of 1985 participants of the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study were included. Associations between onset type and outcomes were assessed with negative binomial regression. Results: The severity of 17 of the 19 outcomes was significantly higher for progressive-onset MS patients than relapse-onset MS patients, including perspectives from disability, progression over the last y..