Clinical features of 314 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Esclerosis múltiple recurrente remitente en el sector público de salud de chile. descripción clínica de 314 pacientes

Abstract

Background: Immunomodulatory drugs (IMD), Interferon β1a, β1 b and glatiramer acetate are available in the Chilean public health system since June 2008 for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). Diagnostic confirmation and programmed follow up of these patients is carried out at a public national reference center. Aim: To describe the epidemiological and clinical features of 314 patients evaluated in this center between 2008 and 2012. Patients and Methods: Review of clinical records, to obtain information about demographic background, medical history, expanded disability status scale of Kurtzke (EDSS), multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC), intensity fatigue scale of Krupp, Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BNR-R) and anxious-depressive manifestations using Hamilton and Beck questionnaires. Results: The ages of patients ranged from 12 to 63 years and 67% were women. The initial symptoms were sensory disturbances in 20%, motor al