Characteristics of a Hispanic Multiple Sclerosis Population Cohort at a Large Academic Center (P1.388)

Abstract

Objective: To learn about the characteristics of the Hispanic population of multiple sclerosis patients, and to gather data on patient reported outcomes. Background: Overall, the literature on population characteristics of Hispanic patients with multiple sclerosis is lacking in comparison to that of the Caucasian and African American populations, in regards to both nature and severity of disease, treatments, and patient reported outcomes. This population represents a significant proportion of patients that is currently followed at our center. Methods: Retrospective chart review of multiple sclerosis patients seen in the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University of Colorado neurology practice. Patients were identified through the electronic health record (EPIC) . Information on patient demographics, age at time of diagnosis, clinical presentation, presence of spinal cord lesions, presence of urological symptoms and need for visits to urology, languages spoken, level of education, socioeconomic status, family history of multiple sclerosis, presence of EBV infection, current treatments being used, use of marijuana, use of Ampyra, and the use of stimulants was obtained. Additionally, patient reported outcomes dealing with reported levels of fatigue, urinary symptoms, and psychiatric symptoms were obtained. Comparisons will be made with age/gender matched non-Hispanic controls from our database Results: Overall, the medical records of approximately 55 patients followed at our clinic that have self-identified themselves as having Hispanic ethnicity are currently being evaluated. Initially, at least 15 patient reported outcomes have been completed, and a greater proportion of the population is attempting to be reached Conclusions: A greater understanding of the disease characteristics (age of onset, type of presentation, types of therapies used) in addition to disease co morbidities (urologic and psychiatric) are needed to better understand the nature of multiple sclerosis in this patient population

Disclosure: Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brooke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Masawi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wedeman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miravalle has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miravalle has nothing to disclose.