BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes one of the major diseases that leads to neurological impairment and as a consequence also reduces ability to work. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze possible effects on work ability resulting from highly active anti-inflammatory treatment in MS. METHODS: We analyzed the effects of introducing an anti-inflammatory treatment, natalizumab, in MS, on factors related to work ability. This was done through a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to all patients in Sweden starting on natalizumab treatment between June 2007 and May 2008, identified via the Swedish National MS registry. RESULTS: MS patients who were receiving sickness benefit and were treated with natalizumab approximately doubled their working ability in relation to their total employment rate. We also documented a significant improvement of their ability to cope with work-related requirements after one year of natalizumab treatment, an improvement which was independent of the previous level of employment. Predictors of a positive effect on work ability were short disease duration, younger age and lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) grade at treatment onset. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the notion that early inflammatory control in MS is essential to preserve a healthy state in MS that counteracts the negative consequences of the disease both at a personal and at a societal level.
BACKGROUND:Multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes one of the major diseases that leads to neurological impairment and as a consequence also reduces ability to work. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze possible effects on work ability resulting from highly active anti-inflammatory treatment in MS. METHODS: We analyzed the effects of introducing an anti-inflammatory treatment, natalizumab, in MS, on factors related to work ability. This was done through a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to all patients in Sweden starting on natalizumab treatment between June 2007 and May 2008, identified via the Swedish National MS registry. RESULTS: MS patients who were receiving sickness benefit and were treated with natalizumab approximately doubled their working ability in relation to their total employment rate. We also documented a significant improvement of their ability to cope with work-related requirements after one year of natalizumab treatment, an improvement which was independent of the previous level of employment. Predictors of a positive effect on work ability were short disease duration, younger age and lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) grade at treatment onset. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the notion that early inflammatory control in MS is essential to preserve a healthy state in MS that counteracts the negative consequences of the disease both at a personal and at a societal level.
Authors: Tim Spelman; Tomas Kalincik; Vilija Jokubaitis; Annie Zhang; Fabio Pellegrini; Heinz Wiendl; Shibeshih Belachew; Robert Hyde; Freek Verheul; Alessandra Lugaresi; Eva Havrdová; Dana Horáková; Pierre Grammond; Pierre Duquette; Alexandre Prat; Gerardo Iuliano; Murat Terzi; Guillermo Izquierdo; Raymond M M Hupperts; Cavit Boz; Eugenio Pucci; Giorgio Giuliani; Patrizia Sola; Daniele L A Spitaleri; Jeannette Lechner-Scott; Roberto Bergamaschi; François Grand'Maison; Franco Granella; Ludwig Kappos; Maria Trojano; Helmut Butzkueven Journal: Neurol Clin Pract Date: 2016-04
Authors: Anne Wickström; Peter Sundström; Lucas Wickström; Charlotte Dahle; Magnus Vrethem; Anders Svenningsson Journal: Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin Date: 2015-09-22
Authors: Hanne Marie Bøe Lunde; Wenche Telstad; Nina Grytten; Lars Kyte; Jan Aarseth; Kjell-Morten Myhr; Lars Bø Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-07-23 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Tommaso Guerra; Antonella Pipoli; Rosa Gemma Viterbo; Nicola Manghisi; Damiano Paolicelli; Pietro Iaffaldano; Luigi Di Lorenzo Journal: Neurol Sci Date: 2022-03-23 Impact factor: 3.830