Evaluation of frequency, severity, and independent risk factors for recurrence of disease activity after fingolimod discontinuation in a large real-world cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Clinical and radiological signs of recurring disease activity (RDA) have been described in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) after discontinuation of fingolimod (FGL).

OBJECTIVE

To describe frequency, severity and potential risk factors for RDA after FGL discontinuation in a large real-world cohort of pwMS.

METHODS

Post-FGL RDA was defined as evidence of clinical and/or radiological activity within 6 months after FGL discontinuation. Relapses with Expanded Disability Status Scale increase ⩾2 points and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity with at least five cerebral gadolinium-enhancing lesions and/or ⩾6 cerebral new T2 lesions were defined as severe recurring disease activity (sRDA). Using a multivariate logistic model, we explored the influence of age, disease duration, sex, clinical, and MRI activity under FGL on the occurrence of RDA.

RESULTS

We identified 110 pwMS who discontinued FGL. Thirty-seven (33.6%) developed post-FGL RDA and 13 (11.8%) also fulfilled criteria for sRDA. Younger age at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.10,  < 0.01], shorter disease duration (OR = 1.17,  < 0.01), and MRI activity under FGL (OR = 2.92,  = 0.046) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of post-FGL RDA.

CONCLUSION

Individual risk assessment and optimal treatment sequencing can help to minimize the risk of post-FGL RDA. Early switch to highly effective disease-modifying therapy might reduce occurrence of post-FGL RDA.