Article

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has provided important contributions to
our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the characteristics of the
modern VHA MS population have not been adequately characterized. Our objectives
were to compare and contrast characteristics of the VHA MS population with other
contemporary MS cohorts.
A cross-sectional, mail-based survey of a stratified,
random sample of 3,905 VHA users with MS was conducted. Detailed demographic and
clinical data were collected as well as patient-reported outcomes assessing
disability and quality of life. A total of 1,379 Veterans were enrolled into the
MS Surveillance Registry (MSSR). Respondents did not differ from nonrespondents
with regard to demographics or region. When compared to several other
contemporary MS cohorts, some demographic differences were noted; however, the
age of MS onset and diagnosis, subtype distribution, and most prevalent symptoms
were very similar across MS cohorts. The MSSR appears to be representative of the
general MS population. Combining the extensive VHA health services encounter data
with the MSSR provides a rich and unique cohort for study.

Langue : ANGLAIS