The impact of multiple sclerosis on life expectancy (the experience of the Republic of Bashkortostan)

The results of the first analysis of life expectancy, mortality, and causes of death in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Republic of Bashkortostan (RB) are presented. Objective: to study life expectancy indicators and mortality patterns among MS patients in the RB. Material and methods. The assessment of indicators was based on data from the Republican Centre for MS (RCMS) registry at the G. G. Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital for the period 2005–2023. During this period, 2,967 patients (10,303 person-years) were treated at the RCMS, of whom 297 died. Life expectancy was assessed using the Gehan–Breslow test. Standardised mortality rates (SMR) were calculated. The causes of death were determined based on information from the Republican Medical Information and Analytical System of the RB. Results. In more than 70 % of cases, the cause of death may be related to MS and its complications. The overall SMR rate among patients was 1.92. The average life expectancy of MS patients is 19.1 years shorter than that of the general population. The median survival rate of patients was 32 years on average. The average life expectancy for women with MS was significantly higher than for men. Conclusion. In the RB, the presence of MS increases the risk of premature death and reduces the patient's life expectancy. The indicators studied in the republic reflect global patterns and trends.