Multiple Sclerosis
Conditions
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis MS Relapsing-Remitting MS Secondary Progressive MS Primary Progressive MS
Brief summary
This study aims to understand differences in access to diagnosis and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving care in Libya. The study uses data from the Libyan Multiple Sclerosis Registry, which collects clinical and treatment information from patients at two tertiary neurology centres. The main focus is to examine how long it takes for patients to receive an MS diagnosis, who has access to high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies, and how these factors relate to disability levels. The results will help identify gaps in MS care within a conflict-affected health system and guide improvements in services for patients in Libya.
Interventions
DRUGDisease-Modifying Therapies
This is an observational study. No medications are assigned, administered, or modified by the study team. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are recorded only as exposure variables based on routine clinical care. All drugs listed in this record are prescribed independently by treating neurologists as part of standard care, and the study does not influence treatment decisions in any way.
Sponsors
University of Zintan
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2017 McDonald criteria * Receiving care at Tripoli University Hospital or Omar Askar Hospital * Able to provide written informed consent * Recorded EDSS score at registry entry * Availability of core demographic and diagnostic information
Exclusion criteria
* Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) * Age younger than 18 years * Absence of confirmed multiple sclerosis diagnosis * Missing key clinical variables required for primary analysis (EDSS, phenotype, or DMT information) * Declined or unable to provide informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate-to-Severe Disability (EDSS ≥3.0) | At registry entry | Disability measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Moderate-to-severe disability is defined as EDSS ≥3.0, assessed by trained neurologists using standardised procedures. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EDSS Ordinal Disability Categories | At registry entry | Disability severity categorised using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) into three groups: 0-2.5 (mild), 3.0-5.5 (moderate), and ≥6.0 (severe). EDSS scores are assessed by trained neurologists at the time of registry entry. |
Countries
Libya
Outcome results
None listed