Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients receiving disease-modifying treatment in Poland.

The aim of this study was to collect and analyse data on relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in Poland. This observational, multicentre study with prospective data collection included RRMS patients receiving DMTs reimbursed by the National Health Fund (NFZ) in Poland, monitored by the Therapeutic Programme Monitoring System (SMPT). Demographic profiles, disability status, and treatment modalities were analysed. Data from 11,632 RRMS patients was collected (from 15,368 new prescriptions), including 10,649 patients in the first-line and 983 in the second-line therapeutic programme of DMTs. The proportion of females to males was 2.39 in the first-line and 1.91 in the second-line. The mean age at DMTs start was 36.6 years in the first-line and 35.1 in the second-line. The median time from the first symptoms to MS diagnosis was 7.4 months, and from MS diagnosis to treatment it was 18.48 months. A total of 43.4% of MS patients started DMT during the 12 months following diagnosis. There was a positive correlation between the duration from MS diagnosis to the start of DMT and a higher initial EDSS value [correlation 0.296 (p < 0.001)]. About 10% of patients stopped DMTs. In Poland, about one third of all MS patients are treated in both lines, and the choice of first-line treatment depends on the region of the country. In Poland there is a need to increase MS patient access to DMTs by improving the organisation of drug programmes.