Limited data on the course, progression, and treatment of MS in African Americans from clinical trials is available. A recent study summarized the current data and calls for advancing the care of multiple sclerosis in African Americans.
Few studies have outlined the effects of a various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and social determinants of health on the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The lack of data in this area may be linked to the underrepresentation of ethnic and racial minority groups in MS clinical trials. Although previous reviews suggest that MS is more common in Whites, emerging evidence suggests that minority populations with MS may experience greater severity of disease and limited treatment response.
A narrative review, published in the journal Neurology, summarizes the current clinical data on the progression and timeline of MS in African Americans. In tandem with the National African Americans with Multiple Sclerosis Registry (NAAMSR), researchers laid out their mission and objectives to advance the treatment and care of African Americans with MS.
According to the review, African Americans with MS tend to suffer from earlier mortality than other patients with MS. Non-Hispanic African Americans less than 55 years of age have higher mortality rates than Whites and other minority populations. One study examined in the review found that African Americans with MS exhibit more severe disease at baseline than White patients with MS and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. In addition, African Americans with MS may suffer from faster progression and poorer outcomes of the disease than White patients with MS.
The authors of the review seek to promote the awareness of genetic, environmental, social, and cultural factors that have an impact on MS in African Americans. The medical community can do its part by educating patients on available treatment options and increasing clinical trial participation.
Source:
Okai, A. F., Howard, A. M., Williams, M. J., Brink, J. D., Chen, C., Stuchiner, T. L., Baraban, E., Jeong, G., & Cohan, S. L. (2022). Advancing Care and Outcomes for African American Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology, 98(24), 1015-1020. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000200791
