Prevalence of Rheumatologic Autoantibodies in MS Patients
Among 588 MS patients evaluated, 9.2% had confirmed rheumatologic diseases, primarily Sjögren syndrome. ANA was the most common autoantibody found (9.1%). Notably, only a few patients with isolated autoantibodies transitioned to rheumatologic disease over time. Furthermore, high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) usage was lower in those with both MS and rheumatologic disease compared to those with MS alone.
- Tags
- #Other
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Positive
Why it matters
This study highlights the occurrence of rheumatologic conditions in MS patients, which could influence treatment choices. Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing MS patients more effectively.
What this does not prove
The significance of rheumatologic autoantibody positivity remains unclear, and the progression from isolated positivity to full rheumatologic disease is rare, limiting direct implications for treatment decisions.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 588 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-26
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Patients diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria.
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceMultiple sclerosis and concomitant rheumatologic diseases: prevalence and management. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.108030
Supporting passages (14)
study phaseIn this hybrid retrospective-prospective study, patients diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and followed at a tertiary MS center between October 2021 and August 2026 were evaluated.
study designOBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rheumatologic autoantibody positivity and confirmed rheumatologic diseases in MS patients, evaluate the progression from isolated autoantibody positivity to clinically defined rheumatologic disease, and compare treatment patterns between patients with MS and concomitant rheumatologic disease (MS-Plus) and those with isolated MS.
subjectsRESULTS: Among 588 MS patients, 54 (9.2%) had concomitant rheumatologic disease, most commonly Sjögren syndrome (25.9%).
sample sizeRESULTS: Among 588 MS patients, 54 (9.2%) had concomitant rheumatologic disease, most commonly Sjögren syndrome (25.9%).
randomizedHigh-efficacy DMT use was significantly lower in MS-Plus patients compared with isolated MS (22.2%vs. 42.3%, p = 0.005).
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
research categoriesRheumatologic comorbidity is not uncommon in MS and may influence therapeutic decision-making.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-26
interventionDisease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were classified according to efficacy level.
primary endpointOBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rheumatologic autoantibody positivity and confirmed rheumatologic diseases in MS patients, evaluate the progression from isolated autoantibody positivity to clinically defined rheumatologic disease, and compare treatment patterns between patients with MS and concomitant rheumatologic disease (MS-Plus) and those with isolated MS.
findingsAmong 588 MS patients, 54 (9.2%) had concomitant rheumatologic disease, most commonly Sjögren syndrome (25.9%).
limitationsAlthough autoantibody positivity is relatively frequent, progression to overt rheumatologic disease appears rare.
populationMETHODS: In this hybrid retrospective-prospective study, patients diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and followed at a tertiary MS center between October 2021 and August 2026 were evaluated.
outcomeAlthough autoantibody positivity is relatively frequent, progression to overt rheumatologic disease appears rare.
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