MS research update - 30 April 2010
- Research suggests disability progression in MS is a two-stage process
- Study investigates MS personality characteristics
Research suggests disability progression in MS is a two-stage process
The rate and extent of disability progression in people with MS is largely unpredictable. Beyond the broad patterns of disability progression associated with the different subtypes of MS, there are few clues as to how an individual's disability may progress. The authors of this study test the hypothesis that disability progression in MS is a two-stage process.
The study authors defined two phases in the course of MS: phase 1 describes the time between initial onset of MS and reaching point 3 on the EDSS disability scale (point 3 demonstrated by moderate or mild disability with no walking problems); phase 2 describes the time from reaching point 3 to reaching point 6 on the EDSS disability scale (point 6 demonstrated by the requirement of a walking aid such as a cane or crutch). With the aim of identifying factors predictive of disability progression, the researchers undertook analysis of the records of 2,054 people with MS - 1,609 with a relapsing onset and 445 with a progressive onset of MS.
Where the initial onset of MS was relapsing, age at MS onset, level of recovery after the first relapse, and the number of relapses experienced in the first two years, influenced the level of disability progression during phase 1. However, disability progression during phase 2 bore no relation to disability progression during phase 1 irrespective of whether initial disease onset was relapsing or progressive.
The study authors claim these findings support the concept of disability progression in MS as a two-stage process with a first stage that is probably linked to specific sites of inflammation and a second stage that is independent of inflammation.
Leray E, Yaouanq J, Le Page E, et al.
Evidence for a two-stage disability progression in multiple sclerosis.
Brain 2010; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Study investigates MS personality characteristics
Previous research has investigated personality changes that may occur in people with MS. This study explored the personality characteristics in a sample of people with MS with a particular focus on how personality influences style of coping with life stresses.
51 people with MS took part in the study and undertook a standardised personality test. Analysis of the personality test results revealed some notable patterns. The researchers report that 71% of the sample showed a problem-solving style that involves simplifying situations. These people looked to immediate practical solutions rather than engaging in long deliberation of multiple options. Further analysis of the test results revealed that a similar proportion of participants possessed low self-esteem; when comparing themselves with others they often felt that they did not 'measure up'.
This study offers some interesting insight into personality characteristics of people with MS but further investigation is needed to determine the validity and usefulness of such findings.
Ožura A, Erdberg P, Šega S.
Personality characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients: a Rorschach investigation.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 2010 [Epub ahead of print].