Long-Term History of Treated MS at a Single Academic Center

To document long-term progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the modern treatment era, researchers recruited 471 patients between 2004 and 2005 from one center, who had annual assessments for the first 5 years and at least 10 years' total follow-up (median 17 years since disease onset). Disability progression was defined by worsening on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) that was sustained during the study. Medications were classified as platform therapy (injectable therapies and oral immunosuppressants) or high potency therapy (natalizumab, rituximab, mitoxantrone, and cyclophosphamide).

During the 10-year follow-up, 55% of participants experienced worsening on the EDSS (75% of those with progressive MS) and 5% of relapsing MS p…