Primary progressive multiple sclerosis: evidence for uncoupling disease progression and inflammation

Objective: In MS patients following a primary progressive course (PPMS), there is limited evidence concerning the underlying mechanisms responsible for clinical deterioration. We therefore performed an exploratory longitudinal study to gain insight into the evolution of neurological disability in relation to MRI and immunological parameters. Methods: Ten patients with PPMS were serially investigated at three time points over 18 months for clinical deficits using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite score (MSFC). In parallel, brain MRI was performed to assess…