Multimodal evoked potentials measure and predict disability progression in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

In 37 patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a multimodal EP score (mEPS) and clinical scores (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC)) were obtained prospectively over 24 months. Changes in mEPS correlated with changes in EDSS (Spearman's rho = 0.69, p < 0.0001) and MSFC (rho = -0.41, p < 0.02). Patients with relevant EDSS progression (n = 7) showed stronger mEPS deterioration than clinically stable patients (10.8 +/- 3.2 versus 1.3 +/- 0.8, p < 0.005). Baseline mEPS was not significantly correlated with baseline EDSS but with EDSS after 24 months (rho = 0.39, p < 0.02). The data suggest that serial mEPS measure and moderately predict clinically relevant disease activity in the therapeutically most relevant early stage of RRMS.