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Abstract Details

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of an MS and NMO Registry Cohort in Ghana
Multiple Sclerosis
P9 - Poster Session 9 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)
1-006
To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with MS and NMO/NMOSD at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.
There is limited epidemiological data on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) in sub-Saharan Africa.

 
This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Ghana from April 2022 to August 2024.
A total of 51 patients were included: 34 (66.7%) with MS and 17 with NMO
/NMOSD. Among MS patients, 62% were female, with an average age of 34.0 years.  97% were of African ancestry. 97% had relapsing-remitting MS. The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 4.8 years. Optic neuritis (41.2%) was the most common initial symptom, followed by hemiparesis (14.7%) and sensory symptoms (9%). On average, patients consulted 2 sub-specialists before diagnosis, with general practitioners (50%) and ophthalmologists (41%) being the most common. The average EDSS score was 3.4. Vitamin D levels were measured in 12 patients, with an average of 21.35 ng/ml. Of the patients, 35% were on disease-modifying therapies, with 92% on ocrelizumab and 8% on rituximab.
Among NMO/NMOSD patients, 76.5% were female, with an average age of 31.0 years. All were of African ancestry, and 59% had a positive aquaporin-4 antibody. The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 1.4 years. Paraparesis (35%) was the most common first symptom, followed by optic neuritis (29%) and sensory symptoms (18%). Patients consulted an average of 2 sub-specialists before diagnosis, with general practitioners (53%) and ophthalmologists (24%) being the most common. The average EDSS score was 4.4. All patients were on treatment, with 76.5% on steroids; for steroid-sparing therapy, 53% were on azathioprine, and 29% were on rituximab
This study highlights diagnostic delays and limited treatment access for MS and NMOSD in Ghana, emphasizing the need for earlier diagnosis and improved access to treatment.
Authors/Disclosures
Fiifi Duodu, MD (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical department)
PRESENTER 		Dr. Duodu has nothing to disclose.
Nana Boakye Agyeman Badu-Prempeh, MD (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health) Ms. Badu-Prempeh has nothing to disclose.
Prince K. Pekyi-Boateng, MBBS Dr. Pekyi-Boateng has nothing to disclose.
Ruth Agyekum Ruth Agyekum has nothing to disclose.
Albert K. Akpalu, MD (School of Medicine and Dentistry) Dr. Akpalu has nothing to disclose.
Deanna Saylor, MD, MHS (Johns Hopkins Hospital) Dr. Saylor has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for 好色先生. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from 好色先生. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and 好色先生al Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.