Multiple Sclerosis Mortality and Patterns of Comorbidity in the United States from 1990 to 2001

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative condition that can result in cognitive and physical disability and shortened life expectancy. However, population-based information is lacking regarding the mortality burden from MS in the United States. We investigated trends in MS mortality rates and examined important comorbidities in the United States from 1990 to 2001. MS deaths were matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity with randomly selected deaths from other conditions for matched odds ratio comparisons. The overall age-adjusted mortality rate from MS was 1.44/100,000 population. MS mortality rates increased throughout the study period. MS mortality rates were higher in whites than in any other racial/ethnic group, followed by Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Asians and Pacific Islanders. Observed mortality rates were more than 10 times lower in Asians and Pacific Islanders than in whites. The odds of pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia/influenza being reported on the death certificate were higher in MS deaths than in matched controls.

Autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

“…If there is a raised post-micturition residual urinary volume, the most efficient, but incommodious therapy, is intermittent selfcatheterization [30]. α blockers can be used if the residual volume is not substantial but [43]. Antibiotics should be administered when the infection's symptomatic.…”

Six-Minute Walk Test for Persons with Mild or Moderate Disability from Multiple Sclerosis: Performance and Explanatory Factors

“…[1][2][3][4] Functional deficits and impairments, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and impaired ventilation, have long been recognized as major causes of morbidity and mortality in individuals with advanced MS. 5,6 Walking and stair climbing are critically important to maintaining community-level functioning and independence. 7 Tests of lower-extremity function are known to be strong predictors for risk of disability and hospitalization in older community-dwelling persons; [8][9][10][11] however, there are limited data on physical performance function in community-dwelling individuals with MS.…”

Immune Response to Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Receiving Long-term Daclizumab Beta

“…[6][7][8] Influenza in patients with MS can lead to hospitalizations and mortality. 9,10 Thus, it is important for physicians to have information about whether vaccinations can be performed safely and effectively during immunomodulatory treatment for MS.…”