Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire: Results of a Pilot Study

Abstract

There is need for a brief but comprehensive objective assessment tool to help clinicians evaluate relapse symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their impact on daily functioning, as well as response to treatment. The 2-part Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) questionnaire was developed to achieve these aims. Part 1 consists of 7 questions that evaluate relapse symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), overall functioning, and response to treatment for previous relapses. Part 2 consists of 7 questions that evaluate treatment response in terms of symptom relief, functioning, and tolerability. The ARMS questionnaire has been evaluated in 103 patients with MS. The most commonly reported relapse symptoms were numbness/tingling (67%), fatigue (58%), and leg/foot weakness (55%). Over half of patients reported that ADL or overall functioning were affected very much (47%) or severely (11%) by relapses. Prescribed treatments for relapses included intravenous and/or oral corticosteroids (87%) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (13%). Nearly half of patients reported that their symptoms were very much (33%) or completely resolved (16%) following treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were sleep disturbance (45%), mood changes (33%), weight gain (29%), and increased appetite (26%). Systematic assessment of relapses and response to relapse treatment may help clinicians to optimize outcomes for MS patients.

The Relation between Eating Habits and Abdominal Fat, Anthropometry, PON1 and IL-6 Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…These eating habits (and derived anthropometric characteristics) may be related to variables associated with the disease itself. These include treatment, mainly based on the administration of immunomodulators, and glucocorticoids that produce changes in food intake and weight gain [36], based on an increase in the percentage of abdominal fat [37]. In addition, the role of interleukin IL-6 itself, linked to the pathogenesis of the disease, has an important role in energy homeostasis [38] and whose acute central administration reduces intake in the short term, while when it is chronic central administration, it induces a reduction in intake and a loss in fat mass [39].…”

How to run a multiple sclerosis relapse clinic

“…Others favour a standardised symptom questionnaire to capture the broad range of patients’ symptoms. 19 This can be administered while patients are waiting to be seen and serve to focus what can otherwise be a time-consuming consultation. The use of mobile computing technologies is increasingly adding value to healthcare.…”

A Prospective Observational Registry of Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse

“…The most common form of multiple sclerosis (MS) is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), where patients experience relapses with episodes of acute neurologic dysfunction followed by partial or complete recovery periods ( 1 , 2 ). Relapses in MS patients are associated with impaired daily abilities, residual disability, and reduced quality of life ( 1 , 2 ).…”