title: [Spanish multi-centre observational study of the first attacks suggestive of multiple sclerosis: the PREM cohort].
abstract: Recent studies have shown the need to optimise the management of patients after a first attack suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim is to determine whether the results from follow-ups in these studies are reproducible within a Spanish multi-centre context.
  
  
  
  The PREM study (observational prospective Spanish multi-centre study at 24 months) included patients in the first three months following a first event suggestive of MS with at least two typical lesions in a magnetic resonance scan. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was obtained and the presence of attacks was evaluated basally and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months; a magnetic resonance scan was performed basally and at 6 and 24 months so as to be able to calculate the brain volume and the volumes of the lesions (T1, T2 and T1 after administering gadolinium). McDonald and Poser criteria were evaluated during the follow-up. A subgroup of patients was followed up for a total period of four years.
  
  
  
  Altogether 110 patients (67% females) with a mean age of 30.2 years were included in the study; 22 patients dropped out of the study before it finished. Poser criteria were met by 19% and 45% of patients at 6 months and 24 months, respectively; 63% and 71% satisfied McDonald criteria. The EDSS decreased significantly (-0.94; p < 0.001) and development of atrophy was observed (-1.2%; p < 0.001) at 24 months.
  
  
  
  Results of the follow-up of patients with first attacks suggestive of MS within a Spanish multi-centre context are wholly comparable with those from international clinical trials performed in these patients.
authors: Unidad de Neuroinmunología Clínica, Centre d’Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya, Espana. jsastre-garriga@cem-cat.org
authors: Jaume
authors: J
authors: Sastre-Garriga
authors: Alex
authors: A
authors: Rovira
authors: Inmaculada
authors: I
authors: Bonaventura
authors: Joaquín
authors: J
authors: Escudero-Torrella
authors: Miguel
authors: M
authors: Marco-Igual
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Aymerich
authors: Clara
authors: C
authors: de Andres
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Lacruz
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Escartin
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Olascoaga
authors: Dulce
authors: D
authors: Solar
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: Farres
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Arroyo-Gonzalez
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Montalban
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013030:Spain; D015996:Survival Rate; D055815:Young Adult