NEDA measure 'could be used to predict MS activity'

A tool that assesses disease activity may be a useful outcome measure of disease-modifying therapy as well as a treatment goal in clinical practice, a new study reveals.

According to research on patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), 'no evidence of disease activity' (NEDA) at two years can predict disability at seven years almost as well as at five years, Medscape reports.

NEDA is a composite measure of disease activity, including relapses, disability progression and MRI activity.

Some 219 patients with clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing-remitting MS aged 18 to 65 took part in the research. They underwent a clinical examination every six months and yearly MRIs, although not all patients contributed at each time point.

The researchers found 46 per cent had NEDA for clinical and MRI measures at one year, at two years 27.5 per cent maintained NEDA, but only 7.9 per cent sustained NEDA after seven years. 

Although it was difficult to maintain over time, the study concluded the NEDA measure may help gauge a patient's long-term prognosis.