SNAPSHOT
Progressive MS:
How Sex, Lifestyle, & Care Influence Disease Course
As described in the feature article, progressive multiple sclerosis( MS) is marked by the worsening of symptoms and disability over time. Few disease-modifying therapies( DMT) have been identified to treat people with progressive MS, and no approved therapies slow the progression of disability. NARCOMS participants with progressive MS provide a rich source of data that can be used to identify specific clinical, demographic, or life-style characteristics that may affect progression of disability or treatment response.
A total of 1,695 NARCOMS participants with progressive MS completed the Fall 2024 Survey. Of these, 1,298( 76 %) were women. Men and women in this group were similar in age, age at diagnosis, age at symptom onset, and disease duration. In addition, employment status, Patient-Determined Disease Steps( PDDS) scores, smoking history, and physical activity were similar between women and men with progressive MS.
In contrast, women and men with progressive MS showed differences in the use of DMT, comorbidities, alcohol consumption, and partner status( see infographic). As we discussed in a previous issue( NARCOMS Now 2024 Issue 4), these differences could be driven by unique challenges faced by women( i. e., menopause, osteoporosis), which can occur while the disability due to MS worsens. In addition, hormone therapy for fertility treatment, contraception, gender affirmation, and menopausal vasomotor symptoms( hot flashes and night sweats) may influence the course of MS. The specific challenges faced by women over their lifetimes with MS needs further study.
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