This prospective study combining non conventional MRI techniques, neuropsychological screening tools, and a neurophysiological work-up using a sensitive and validated battery, will evaluate the predictive value of these measures and will explore the changes of the cognitive scores from baseline.
Neurologists are in need for reliable and robust predictive factors enabling to predict disease evolution and treatment response. Moreover, recent studies suggested that the evolution patterns of cognitive status in MS could be mixed, contradicting the concept that cognitive impairment in MS will inevitably increase over time. The main aim of this prospective study is to investigate the predictors of disease evolution, as measured by the EDSS score, using a multiparametric assessment combining neuropsychological tests (BCcogSEP battery), MRI-derived metrics (volumetric brain parameters, tractography, diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking), patient-reported outcome measures, and neurophysiological tools (multimodal evoked potentials), and to explore the evolutionary patterns of cognitive status (changes from baseline). The investigators planned to include 50 patients with active RRMS and initiating a new disease-modifying treatment. Yearly assessment starting from study inclusion will be performed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
neuropsychological assessment, PRO measures, non-conventional MRI metrics
CHU UCL Namur site Godinne
Yvoir, Namur, Belgium
RECRUITINGPredictors of disease evolution
EDSS score worsening from baseline
Time frame: 3 years
evaluation of evolutionary patterns of cognitive status (impaired vs non impaired)/changes from baseline
changes from baseline in cognitive scores
Time frame: 3 years
baseline predictors of future cognitive impairment
abnormal cognitive performances based on cognitive scores (using BCcogSEP battery)
Time frame: 3 years
alteration in strategic white matter tracts at the early stages of RRMS, in patients with and without cognitive impairment
fractional anisotropy
Time frame: 3 years
predictive role of mEPS in predicting future disability
the Global Evoked Potential (GEP) score at study entry (baseline); EDSS score changes from baseline
Time frame: 3 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.