Abstract Details

Title The Prevalence of Gustatory Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis Versus Neuromyelitis Optica

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-004

Objective This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of taste disturbance in a large sample of patients with MS and NMOSD.

Background The gustatory pathway might be affected during the course of both Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) depending on the location of the lesion. Conclusive findings for taste impairment in either disease is lacking; raising the need for further studies.

Design/Methods Medical records of 5190 MS and 163 NMOSD patients from MS and NMOSD database of the MS Center were reviewed. Patients with confirmed gustatory dysfunction in the setting of MS or NMO, were recruited for analysis. SPSS software version 26 was used for descriptive analysis and comparing the prevalence of taste dysfunction between MS and NMO patients.

Results 47 MS patients (42 women) with mean age of 37.7±11.8 years old and 5 NMO patients (5 women) with a mean age of 36.7±9.3 years old were included for analysis. The prevalence of gustatory dysfunctions was significantly higher in NMOSD patients (1% vs 3%, P = 0.02). Mean EDSS was 1.5 in both groups. Periventricular and brain stem lesions were most common imaging findings in MS patients with taste dysfunction and all 5 NMO patients had brainstem or spinal lesions.

Conclusions Given the high prevalence of taste impairment in not only MS patietns , but also NMO patients, particularly in early stages of the disease, it is highly recommended to conduct taste assessment during initial visit and monitor the symptoms throughout the course of the diseases.

Authors/Disclosures
David P. Lerner, MD (One Brooklyn Health) PRESENTER	Dr. Lerner has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Shadi Ghourchian, MD (SUNY Downstate At One Brooklyn Health - Brookdale Hospital)	Dr. Ghourchian has nothing to disclose.
Masoud Etemadifar	No disclosure on file
Ahmadreza Jannesari (Isfahan University of Medical Sciences)	No disclosure on file
Hosein Nouri	No disclosure on file
Mehri Salari	No disclosure on file
Farzaneh Montazeri	No disclosure on file

��ɫ��

��ɫ��