Objective: To study if there are different patterns of clinical activity - measured by the annual exacerbation rate (AER) - among
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), "early" secondary multiple sclerosis (SPMS) and "late" SPMS. Methods: A prospective 5-year
follow-up study in 80 MS patients has been carried out, calculating the AER and the mean expanded disability status scale (EDSS) change
rate (MCR). Results: A significant difference on the AER, among RRMS, early SPMS and late SPMS, has been found. Conclusions: The
SPMS has a high clinical inflammatory activity before and during its transformation from a RRMS. Multiple Sclerosis (2002) 8, 59-63
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