Comorbidity in the multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders population: findings from an underserved, low income country, Zambia

Background: Comorbidities are common in multiple sclerosis (MS); little is known in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or outside high-income regions. Objective: Compare comorbidities in MS/NMOSD patients, Zambia. Methods: Comorbidities were compared for MS/NMOSD patients from Zambia's University Teaching Hospital using logistic regression. Results: Thirty-three were included (MS/NMOSD:17/16); 22 (67 %) females, mean age=35.6-years. Fifteen (46 %) had any comorbidity [MS/NMOSD:11/4], 14 physical (MS/NMOSD:10/4) and 6 psychiatric comorbidity (MS/NMOSD:5/1). Odds of any/any physical comorbidity was higher in MS versus NMOSD (age-adjusted odds ratio[aOR]=6.9;95 %CI:1.4–34.7,p=0.020/aOR=5.6;95 %:1.1–28.0,p=0.037). Conclusions: Physical comorbidity affected >2-in-5 MS/NMOSD patients and psychiatric disorders ∼1-in-5. Odds of any/any physical comorbidity were >five-fold higher in MS versus NMOSD.