Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39935206›Full record

ArticleBrain and behavior2025

Evolving Patterns of Initial RRMS Treatment in Finland (2013-2022): Insights From a Nationwide Multiple Sclerosis Register.

Henrik Ahvenjärvi, Elina Jokinen, Matias Viitala, Henri Autio, Anne M Portaankorva, Merja Soilu-Hänninen, Johanna Krüger, Mervi Ryytty

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Brain and behavior, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Henrik AhvenjärviResearch Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3641-3504
Elina JokinenNovartis Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland.
Matias ViitalaStellarQ Ltd, Turku, Finland.
Henri AutioNovartis Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland.
Anne M PortaankorvaResearch Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Merja Soilu-HänninenClinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6930-0229
Johanna KrügerResearch Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Mervi RyyttyResearch Unit of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.

Funding

Novartis Finland LtdThe Finnish Cultural Foundationthe Finnish MS FoundationThe Finnish Neurological Societythe University of Oulu Scholarship Foundation
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is changing. There are limited data about initial treatment of RRMS in Finland.

objectiveOur objectives were to study the trends of initial disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for patients with RRMS from 2013 to 2022, treatment delays, factors associated with DMT choice, DMT switch patterns, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

methodsThis retrospective register study used secondary data from the Finnish MS register. The DMTs were classified into medium-efficacy DMTs (meDMTs; beta interferons, glatiramer acetate, fumarates, and teriflunomide) and high-efficacy DMTs (heDMTs; alemtuzumab, cladribine, daclizumab, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, and rituximab).

resultsThe inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 2479 individuals. From 2013 to 2022, the proportion of heDMTs as the initial therapy increased by 5.3-fold from 6.9% to 43.7% (p < 0.001). Median diagnostic delay decreased from 10.1 to 4.6 months (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic did not cause treatment delays. Higher disease activity and younger age were associated with the choice of heDMT as the initial DMT. heDMTs were the preferred second DMT in patients switching due to lack of efficacy.

conclusionIn Finland, the treatment of RRMS has shifted toward earlier diagnosis and earlier initiation of heDMTs, likely improving the prognosis of the patients.

Indexed as

Immunologic FactorsMultiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-RemittingAdultCOVID-19FemaleFinlandHumansMaleMiddle AgedRegistriesRetrospective StudiesImmunologic FactorsCOVID‐19delayed diagnosisdrug therapymultiple sclerosisroutinely collected health data

Identifiers

PMID39935206
PMCPMC11813979

What Socratic holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.