![[feed]](/style/images/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon}
Tools
Tools
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Sex-specific analysis of early disease course and treatment in a German multiple sclerosis cohort |
| Creators: |
Poser, Philip Lennart  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4369-0633, Gisevius, Barbara, Tokic, Marianne, Fisse, Anne Lena ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0493-8656, Ladopoulos, Theodoros, Berthele, Achim, Giglhuber, Katrin, Flaskamp, Martina, Fleischer, Vinzenz, Bittner, Stefan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2179-3655, Lüssi, Felix, Bayas, Antonios, Meuth, Sven G., Heesen, Christoph, Trebst, Corinna, Wildemann, Brigitte, Then Bergh, Florian, Antony, Gisela, Kümpfel, Tania, Havla, Joachim ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4386-1340, Paul, Friedemann ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6378-0070, Nischwitz, Sandra, Tumani, Hayrettin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1647-6201, Zettl, Uwe, Hemmer, Bernhard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5985-6784, Wiendl, Heinz ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4310-3432, Zipp, Frauke, Timmesfeld, Nina, Gold, Ralf, Motte, Jeremias and Salmen, Anke ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4751-299X
|
| Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Understanding sex differences in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and initiation of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) is crucial for tailored approaches. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze sex-specific differences in early RRMS. METHODS: We analyzed data of therapy-naïve adults from the German NationMS cohort to describe first symptoms, onset relapse treatment, disability evolution, and DMT exposure separated by sex to investigate previously described sex differences. RESULTS: Relapse presentation and treatment were similar (p = n.s.). Time to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩾3.0 was comparable between sexes (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.32 (0.95-1.81)). DMT exposure did not differ (p = 0.60). Around 5.0% of both sexes received initial high-efficacy (HE) DMT. Younger age (odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 0.95 (0.92-0.98); p = 0.000847), higher baseline EDSS (1.79 (1.40-2.27); p = 0.00000218), and RRMS diagnosis (2.26 (1.28-4.17), p = 0.006703) were associated with initial HE-DMT, but not sex (0.99 (0.57-1.77), p = 0.943166). CONCLUSION: We did not observe major sex differences in early MS as described earlier regarding initial presentation and disability evolution suggesting a change of MS course. The decision for initial HE-DMT was influenced by younger age and higher EDSS, but not sex suggesting a lower sex bias regarding the initial treatment decision, yet only investigated in specialized academic MS centers. |
| Keywords: | Multiple Sclerosis, German NationMS Cohort, Sex, Disease-Modifying Treatment (DMT), Relapse |
| Source: | Multiple Sclerosis Journal |
| ISSN: | 1352-4585 |
| Publisher: | Sage Publications |
| Page Range: | 13524585261446846 |
| Date: | 1 June 2026 |
| Official Publication: | https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585261446846 |
| PubMed: | View item in PubMed |
Repository Staff Only: item control page
