A younger age at diagnosis of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is associated with a greater impairment in information processing speeds in adulthood, compared with those with adult onset MS (AOMS), according to data from the comprehensive Longitudinal Investigations in MS at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study.
Investigators compared 51 POMS and 550 AOMS patients’ scores on Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL54), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and found:
• SDMT scores were significantly lower in POMS after adjusting for age, but not after adjusting for disease duration.
• Estimated group difference showed lower normative z scores in POMS than AOMS in unadjusted analysis and after adjusting for disease duration.
• No significant differences in health-related quality-of-life, fatigue, depression, or social support between POMS and AOMS measures.
Citation: Baruch NF, O'Donnell EH, Glanz BI, et al. Cognitive and patient-reported outcomes in adults with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2015. pii: 1352458515588781. [Epub ahead of print]