The natural history of multiple system atrophy: a prospective European cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal and still poorly understood degenerative movement disorder that is characterised by autonomic failure, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism in various combinations. Here we present the final analysis of a prospective multicentre study by the European MSA Study Group to investigate the natural history of MSA.

Methods

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MSA were recruited and followed up clinically for 2 years. Vital status was ascertained 2 years after study completion. Disease progression was assessed using the unified MSA rating scale (UMSARS), a disease-specific questionnaire that enables the semiquantitative rating of autonomic and motor impairment in patients with MSA. Additional rating methods were applied to grade gl

SUBMITTER: Wenning GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3581815 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature