Relationship between brain atrophy and disability: an 8-year follow-up study of multiple sclerosis patients

Brain atrophy measurement con Provide an estimate of the amount of tissue d estruction due to the pathologic processes in multiple sclerosis. The poten tial usefulness of atrophy as a marker of disease progression depends upon the concurrent and predictive relationships between atrophy and disability A follow-up study was Performed to measure atrophy and disability scores in patients from the Multiple Sclerosis Collaborative Research Group's phase III trial of IFN beta -1a (Avonex) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosi s. New data were obtained on 160 out of 172 eligible patients from the orig inal trial were enrolled in the follow-up study approximately 8 years after randomization. The follow-up visit consisted of several tests and question naires including a clinical exam to determine Expanded Disability Status Sc ore (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), and a magnet ic resonance imaging exam to calculate the brain parenchymal faction. Brain parenchymal fraction was correlated with both EDSS and MSFC at each of the four time Points for which data were available (baseline 1, 2 and 8 years) . Furthermore, the change in BPF was correlated with the changes in disabil ity scores from the end of the phase III trial to the follow-vp exam. These data suggest that brain atrophy may be a useful and clinically relevant ma rker of disease Progression in relapsing-remitting MS.