Assessing relapse in multiple sclerosis questionnaire: results of a pilot study

Amy Perrin Ross, Alona Williamson, Jennifer Smrtka, Tracy Flemming Tracy, Carol Saunders, Constance Easterling, John Niewoehner, Nicole Mutschler, Amy Perrin Ross, Alona Williamson, Jennifer Smrtka, Tracy Flemming Tracy, Carol Saunders, Constance Easterling, John Niewoehner, Nicole Mutschler

Abstract

There is need for a brief but comprehensive objective assessment tool to help clinicians evaluate relapse symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their impact on daily functioning, as well as response to treatment. The 2-part Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) questionnaire was developed to achieve these aims. Part 1 consists of 7 questions that evaluate relapse symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), overall functioning, and response to treatment for previous relapses. Part 2 consists of 7 questions that evaluate treatment response in terms of symptom relief, functioning, and tolerability. The ARMS questionnaire has been evaluated in 103 patients with MS. The most commonly reported relapse symptoms were numbness/tingling (67%), fatigue (58%), and leg/foot weakness (55%). Over half of patients reported that ADL or overall functioning were affected very much (47%) or severely (11%) by relapses. Prescribed treatments for relapses included intravenous and/or oral corticosteroids (87%) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (13%). Nearly half of patients reported that their symptoms were very much (33%) or completely resolved (16%) following treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were sleep disturbance (45%), mood changes (33%), weight gain (29%), and increased appetite (26%). Systematic assessment of relapses and response to relapse treatment may help clinicians to optimize outcomes for MS patients.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
New or worsening symptoms of current (new) relapse. ARMS: Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Adverse events associated with last relapse treatment. ARMS: Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Adverse events with treatment for current relapse. ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; ARMS: Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Correlations among total composite score and individual items (Total composite score calculated as the sum of scores from Questions 4, 5, and 6 from Part 2 of the ARMS questionnaire). ADL; activities of daily living; RSH: return to previous state of health; TCS: total composite score.

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Source: PubMed

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