Aim Given the impact of vascular comorbidities (VC) on the diagnosis,
treatment, and outcome of multiple sclerosis (MS), we
examined the incidence and correlation of VC and risk factors
for vascular disease in people with MS (PwMS) compared to the
general population, and the impact on the physical disability of
patients.
Methods Cross-sectional study involved 100 patients with MS
and 50 healthy people from the general population, matched by
sex and age. The values of demographic, biochemical, and anthropometric
parameters, the presence of VC and risk factors for
vascular diseases in both groups, and clinical parameters in PwMS
were analysed. Statistical analysis included methods of descriptive
statistics, χ2 test, Student’s t-test, analysis of variance, correlation
and regression analysis.
Results Groups differed by a higher frequency of transient ischemic
attack in the control group (p=0.024), and the treatment of
hypertension (p=0.038) and smoking frequency (p=0.044) in the
MS group. Normal triglycerides levels were statistically significantly
more prevalent in the MS group (p=0.000). Total body
weight and BMI were statistically significantly higher in the control
group (p=0.000). The increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale
(EDSS) score was associated with higher levels of total (p=0.001)
and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p=0.003), and activated
partial thromboplastin time APTT (p=0.002).
Conclusion In PwMS it is necessary to pay attention to the higher
frequency of smoking than in general population, and the impact
of total cholesterol, LDL and APTT levels as significant parameters
that affect physical disability.
