Recommendations for observational studies of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
Abstract
Objective:To reach consensus about the most relevant comorbidities to study in multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to incidence, prevalence, and effect on outcomes; review datasets that may support studies of comorbidity in MS; and identify MS outcomes that should be prioritized in such studies.Methods:We held an international workshop to meet these objectives, informed by a systematic review of the incidence and prevalence of comorbidity in MS, and an international survey regarding research priorities for comorbidity.Results:We recommend establishing age- and sex-specific incidence and prevalence estimates for 5 comorbidities (depression, anxiety, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes); evaluating the effect of 7 comorbidities (depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic lung disease, and autoimmune diseases) on disability, quality of life, brain atrophy and other imaging parameters, health care utilization, employment, and mortality, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disease duration as potential confounders; harmonizing study designs across jurisdictions; and conducting such studies worldwide. Ultimately, clinical trials of treating comorbidity in MS are needed.Conclusion:Our recommendations will help address knowledge gaps regarding the incidence, prevalence, and effect of comorbidity on outcomes in MS.
Description
Keywords
Epidemiology, Medical/Systematic disease, Multiple sclerosis
Citation
Marrie, R. A., Miller, A., Sormani, M. P., Thompson, A., Waubant, E., … Trojano, M. (2016). Recommendations for observational studies of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 86(15), 1446–1453. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000002474