Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes a degree of disability in young adults which hampers everyday activities. The aetiology and predisposing factors are unknown.
Objective: To find the degree of disability (DD) and index of progression (IP) together with the possible associated prognostic factors in MS patients of the Spanish Multiple Sclerosis Association (AEDEM).
Material and methods: Transverse design based on the population (AEDEM) by means of a representative sample (N = 158), taken randomly from those not suffering an exacerbation of MS. A telephone survey was carried out using the 'Minimum Dossier of Invalidity of MS' (eliminating variables concerning neurological dysfunction). The relationship between DD and IP, with different variables, was compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. Variables associated with the evolution of DD were measured in terms of the Odds Ratio.
Results: The response rate was 150 (94.9%), 10 (6.7%) were rejected, giving a total of 140 patients. 55% of the patients considered themselves to be independent to some degree, in that they had no difficulty with everyday activities. Difficulty with walking was the 'most disabling problem' of 47.1%. Progression of the disorder (IP) depended on the frequency of exacerbations (r = 0.63). The variables associated with a raised DD are: suffer more than 5 exacerbations (OR: 3.73), have had the illness for more than 15 years (OR = 3.29) and a current age of over 35 years old (OR = 2.86).
Conclusions: The reduction in number and frequency of exacerbations or their prevention may reduce progression of the disorder and disability in daily life.