Relapse-associated worsening in apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In multiple sclerosis (MS), disability accrual can arise from relapse-associated worsening (RAW) and progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA). While genetic variants associated with increased MS severity have been identified, little is known on apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene. This study aims to investigate the impact of the ApoE ε4 allele (ApoE4) on disability accrual in relapsing MS patients. METHODS: 18 years, consecutively referred to the MS centre at the University of Florence, Italy, were recruited (n=160). Patients were classified as ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers. The first confirmed disability accrual (CDA) was defined as ≥24-week confirmed disability increase from roving baseline. PIRA was defined as a CDA with absence of relapses
Fields of Study & Subjects
Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
Sphingolipid Metabolism and Signaling
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Volume
- 97
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 774–779
- Publication date
- 30 April 2026
- Language
- EN