Long-term results of the first line DMT depend on the presence of minimal MS activity during first years of therapy: data of 15 years observation

Abstract

There are still few prospective longitudinal studies of DMT in MS that show long-lasting effects. The data of longitudinal observation for 15 years on a group of 69 MS patients constantly receiving glatiramer acetate (GA) are presented. The increase in relapse rate and EDSS progression were associated in a subgroup of patients with the presence of at least one relapse during the first 5 years of observation. Only total absence of clinical activity, according to NEDA definition, during at least the first 5 years of therapy might be classified as the “optimal” response to GA.