Long-term Disability Trends in Multiple Sclerosis: Observational Study of Human Patients
In a 10-year study involving 391 self-enrolled MS patients in the Netherlands, disabilities related to daily activities increased over time, while some aspects of disability related to environmental support improved. Other disabilities remained stable, and QoL scores showed no change.
- Most relevant to
- Neurologist, HealthcarePolicy
Why it matters
These findings provide insights into the evolving nature of disability and quality of life in MS patients, potentially influencing healthcare and policy decisions.
What this does not prove
The study does not establish causation or the impact of interventions and may be subject to selection bias due to its self-enrolled cohort.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 391 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-09-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidenceLong-Term Disability and Quality of Life in MS Patients ↗
Supporting passages (9)
study designPATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective web-based study in a real-world population-based self-enrolled cohort; 6-month assessments by means of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP) and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaires; Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) analysis; predetermined anchor points 5, 8 and 10 years follow-up.
subjectsPATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective web-based study in a real-world population-based self-enrolled cohort; 6-month assessments by means of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP) and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaires; Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) analysis; predetermined anchor points 5, 8 and 10 years follow-up.
sample sizeRESULTS: Nation-wide 391 patients started (2011-2012), 272 participants were included in the MSIP and 267 in the MSQoL-54 analyses.
research categoriesThese findings at population level regarding the long-term course of disabilities and HRQoL in PwMS in the Netherlands in the era of (high) efficacy disease-modifying drugs may be useful for policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient organizations.
relevant ms typesThese findings at population level regarding the long-term course of disabilities and HRQoL in PwMS in the Netherlands in the era of (high) efficacy disease-modifying drugs may be useful for policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient organizations.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-21
follow uppredetermined anchor points 5, 8 and 10 years follow-up.
findingsCONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that in the Dutch MS population in the period 2011-2021 the limitations in activities of daily living and in basic movement activities worsened over time.
limitationsTitle: Disabilities and Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: Prospective 10-year Web-Based Study of a Population-Based Real-Life Cohort in the Netherlands.
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