Effect of comorbidities on the course of multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective The clinical condition of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients depends not only on the course of MS but also on their lifestyle and comorbidities. This study aimed to assess the effect of selected comorbidities, lifestyle-related factors and clinical data available at the time of MS diagnosis, on the disease activity and the disability progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients and methods Based on clinical relapses over a period of 12 months of observation and the results of MRI scans, 138 patients with RRMS were qualified into two groups: ‘active’ or ‘stable’ course of the disease. Patients from both groups were compared regarding the clinical data determined at diagnosis, comorbidities and lifestyle-related factors. Similar comparisons were carried out between patients with EDSS  Results No significant differences in comorbidities and lifestyle-related data between the stable and active group were detected. Arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, higher BMI values, older age and a lower education level, were found more frequently in patients with EDSS ≥ 3. Oligoclonal bands, multifocal clinical manifestation as the first relapse, higher EDSS score and many T2 MRI lesions at the diagnosis were detected significantly more often in the active group. Motor or brainstem/cerebellum damage symptoms as the first relapse were observed more frequently in patients with EDSS ≥ 3. Conclusions Cardiovascular diseases may exacerbate disability progression in MS patients. Relapses and radiological activity do not depend on chronic comorbidities. Clinical data available at the diagnosis may be useful in forecasting a distant course of MS.