Comorbidities Linked with Increased Disease Activity in Individuals with MS

Study results presented at the 40th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) demonstrated that higher comorbidity burden is associated with increased disease activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing comorbidities when treating patients with MS.

Researchers analyzed participant data from 17 phase 3 clinical trials of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that took place between 2006 and 2020. Using this data, they determined the number of cardiometabolic and psychological disorders along with a composite sum of comorbidities for the 16,794 participants. Evidence of disease activity (EDA), defined as having confirmed disability worsening, relapse activity, or any new lesions on MRI, was assessed over 2 years of follow up.

After 2 years of follow up, researchers found:

• EDA in 61% of participants (95% CI, 56.2 to 66.3%; I2=97.9)
• A 13% increased hazard of disease activity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24) in participants with ≥3 comorbidities compared with those with no comorbidity
• A 20% increased hazard of MS disease activity (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.36) in participants with ≥2 cardiometabolic conditions compared with those without cardiometabolic conditions
• An increased hazard of MS disease activity in those with increased number of psychological disorders and depression (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.21]) compared with those without depression