Multiple sclerosis characteristics in A frican A merican patients in the New York State Multiple Sclerosis C onsortium

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in A frican A merican (A A) patients in the New York State Multiple Sclerosis C onsortium (NYSMSC) patient registry. The NYSMSC is a group of 18 MS centers throughout New York State organized to prospectively assess clinical characteristics of MS patients. AA s comprise 6% (329) of the total NYSMSC registrants (5602). Demographics, disease course, therapy, and socioeconomic status were compared in A A registrants versus nonA frican A mericans (NA A). There was an increased female preponderance and a significantly younger age at diagnosis in the AA group. A A patients were more likely to have greater disability with increased disease duration. No differences were seen in types of MS and use of disease modifying therapies. O ur findings suggest a racial influence in MS. Further genetic studies that consider race differences are warranted to elucidate mechanisms of disease susceptibility.