Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine

Background: Various forms of malnutrition have been reported among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the nutritional status and the dietary habits of this group of patients have not been investigated sufficiently. Methods: An exploratory cross sectional study was conducted among 76 relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients attending Kasr Alainy multiple sclerosis Unit (KAMSU) from December 2016 to March 2017 to assess the nutritional status, fatigue and disability among them. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including inquiry about the socioeconomic status and nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, patient generated subjective global assessment, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and hemoglobin level measurement. Disability and fatigue were assessed using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and modified fatigue Impact scale self-assessment (MFIS-5) respectively. Nutrient data were analyzed using national food composition tables. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 30±6 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 264 months (mean = 55.7±52 months). The mean EDSS score was 2.7±1.5 while the mean MFIS-5 score was 10.5±4.1. Malnutrition was prevalent among 67.1% (27.63% overweight, 36.84% obese and 2.63% underweight). Half of the investigated patients were anemic. Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, magnesium, potassium, calcium and Iron were consumed in less than the acceptable levels. While selenium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and copper were overconsumed. Conclusion: Overweight, obesity, anemia, and unacceptable dietary intake were prevalent among the RRMS patients attending the KAMSU. Nutrition care service is extremely needed for this group of patients

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