The Saudi Arabian National Multiple Sclerosis Registry (NMSR): Initial Results Saudi MS Registry Study Group* (P2.390)

Background: In 2015, the Saudi multiple sclerosis (MS) registry group initiated the first nationwide MS registry to describe epidemiology, disease patterns and clinical characteristics. Design/Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected at medical centers via an online registry ( www.healthcareregistries.com ). Demographics, clinical characteristics (disease onset, diagnosis, symptoms at onset, disease course, relapse rate and disability measures), family history and treatment data were entered. Monitoring and a quality check were performed in representative samples at all centers. The study was approved by IRBs at all sites and consent was obtained from subjects. Results: By September 2017, 2,313 patients from 19 medical centers were enrolled. The female to male ratio was 2:1 and 70.5% were 21–40 years old. The mean ages at presentation and at first attack were 33.43 years and 27.71 years, respectively. The mean time to diagnosis was 1.4 years and 92.6% had a relapsing remitting course. A positive family history was found in 12.7%, of which 6% had affected sibling(s). Nearly 80% had no or minimal disability (EDSS<3). Among all disease courses, 83.1% and 87.6% of were treated for relapse(s) or with disease modifying therapy (DMTs) respectively. The leading DMTs were interferons (69.2%) followed by fingolimod (14.4%). Conclusions: Within 2 years, approximately 38% of the estimated MS patient in KSA were enrolled into the NMSR. The mean age of onset and time to diagnosis were similar to a meta-analysis of 52 studies in the MENA region. The characteristics of this cohort varied from international data in some aspects including a lower female to male ratio, lower EDSS scores, family history and DMTs. We expect, as additional subjects are registered, that these rates will change and approach similar regional and international statistics. This data base will generate information critical to rational therapeutic planning for Saudi MS patients. Study Supported by: The authors acknowledge the financial support from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) through grant no. AT-34-438. Disclosure: Dr. Al-Jumah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bunyan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alotaibi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cupler has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Sanofi; Novartis. Dr. Ishak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shami has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kareem has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kalakatawi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Altowaijri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Almejally has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al Gahtani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alrajeh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Mubarak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alawi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Al-Qureshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Almalki has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alhazzani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Noor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Althubaiti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alzahrani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saeedi has nothing to disclose.