Multiple sclerosis characteristics in African American patients in the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium

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.