# A Comparative Study of Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Two Regional Centers in Denmark and Romania

## TL;DR

This study compares the characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients in Denmark and Romania, highlighting differences in symptoms and treatments.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into how regional factors influence MS patient profiles and treatment approaches.

## Key findings

- Females constituted a higher percentage in both centers, with 69.2% in Denmark and 65.7% in Romania.
- Pyramidal symptoms at onset were more common in Romania, while sensory symptoms were more frequent in Denmark.
- High-efficacy disease-modifying therapies were used by 58.3% of Danish patients but only 29.4% of Romanian patients.

## Abstract

Background: Environmental factors are known to influence the clinical presentation of patients with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients treated at two diverse geographical settings. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational cohort study was conducted in two MS centers: the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center (DMSC) in Copenhagen, Denmark and the Regional MS Center in Târgu Mureș, Romania. We compared patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics between MS centers, including sex distribution, current age, MS onset age, latest EDSS scores, symptomatology at disease onset, MS phenotype and type of ongoing DMT. Results: In both cohorts, sex distribution was similar, with females constituting 69.2% in DMSC, and 65.7% in Târgu Mureș. Pyramidal symptoms at MS onset were predominant among Targu Mures patients (32.7%), while sensory symptoms were more frequent among DMSC patients (33%). Progressive forms of MS were more prevalent in Târgu Mureș (22.6%) compared to DMSC (9.9%). High-efficacy DMTs were on use by 58.3% patients in DMSC and only by 29.4% patients in Târgu Mureș, who were mostly on low-efficacy DMTs (54.4% vs. 12.4% in DMSC). Conclusions: The study highlights both shared and distinct characteristics of MS patients treated in these two centers. These findings underscore the importance of regional considerations in the management and treatment of MS.