好色先生

好色先生

Explore the latest content from across our publications
Join The AAN

Log In

Forgot Password?
Create New Account

Loading... please wait

Abstract Details

Comparison of Symptom Distribution and Severity in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in Zambia
Multiple Sclerosis
P9 - Poster Session 9 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)
1-013

Characterize the cross-sectional prevalence and severity of symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in Zambia.  

MS is one of the most common neurological disorders globally. Epidemiological studies report rising rates in areas of lowest prevalence, including in sub-Saharan Africa, but limited literature exists on symptom burden and severity in people with MS and NMOSD in this region.   

We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of adults with MS, clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and NMOSD and collected demographics, disease characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between 2019 and 2023. For this study, we focused on the MS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) rating participants’ level of impairment with regard to common symptoms in MS and the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) to assess disability. Descriptive statistics are presented with comparison between subgroups using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum or Fisher’s exact tests. 

Of 39 participants, 22 had MS/CIS and 17 had NMOSD. The majority were women (64%) and Black (92%), with mean±standard  deviation (SD) age of 36.3±9.8 years. Most participants self-reported moderate disability with a median PDDS of 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1,5). The most commonly reported symptoms were difficulty completing daily activities (82%), walking (77%), balance (77%), and fatigue (68%). People with MS/CIS reported higher severity of cognitive (1 vs 0, p<0.001) and speech (0 [IQR: 0,1] vs 0 [IQR: 0,0], p=0.02) symptoms than those with NMOSD. Participants with NMOSD reported significantly higher severity of visual symptoms (4 vs 1.5, p=0.04) than participants with MS/CIS.

In a Zambian cohort of people with MS/CIS, and NMOSD, a wide array of symptoms were common, especially problems with ambulation, fatigue, and balance and moderate disability was common. These findings highlight the need for earlier diagnosis and more treatment options to improve outcomes among people with MS in Zambia and other similar low-resourced settings.
Authors/Disclosures
Alexandra C. Simpson, MD (Johns Hopkins Hospital)
PRESENTER 		Dr. Simpson has received research support from National MS Society.
Dominique Mortel, MD (Phoebe Neurology) Dr. Mortel has nothing to disclose.
Sarah Braun, MD (University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia) Sarah Braun has nothing to disclose.
Lorraine Chishimba, MBChB, MMED (University Teaching Hospital) Dr. Chishimba has nothing to disclose.
Mashina Chomba, MBChB (University of Zambia) Dr. Chomba has nothing to disclose.
Gloria Habanyama (University Teaching Hospital) No disclosure on file
Frighton B. Mutete, MBChB (Livingstone University Teaching Hospital) Dr. Mutete has nothing to disclose.
Naluca Mwendaweli, MMED (University Teaching Hospital) NALUCA MWENDAWELI has nothing to disclose.
Stanley Zimba, MBBS (University Teaching Hospital) Dr. Zimba 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.