Clinical Features And Progression In Multiple System Atrophy An Analysis Of 39 Patients

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical features,progression and prognosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA)MethodA retrospective review of the medical records of 39 consecutive patients diagnosed as probable or possible MSA according to Gilman diagnostic criteria. One aspect of activities of daily living (ADL) (aid-requiring walking) was used to assess the early progression of disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis was also used to estimate the difference between subgroups.Resultsthe median time from initial symptom to combined motor and autonomic dysfunction was 1 year (range 0-9),median intervals from onset to aid-requiring walking was 2.5 years (range 0.5-10.5). The patients impaired both of motor and autonomic systems progressed fast within 3 years from onset of the disease (P< 0.01).Onset in older individuals showed increased risk of aid-requiring walking(P<0.01).ConclusionMSA is a chronic and progressive disease with multiple systems affected. The onset age and interval from initial symptom to both dysfunctions of motor and autonomic systems may predict progression of functional deterioration in MSA.