Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, characterized by multifocal areas of demyelination. There is a knowledge gap in understanding the disease, particularly the progressive forms in different regions of the country, such as the Northeast. Objectives: To report the profile of progressive MS at a reference center in Ceará. Methods: This observational and cross-sectional study was conducted through a review of medical records and interviews at a Reference Center for Demyelinating Diseases in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. Results: From 283 patients with MS diagnosis according to the 2017 McDonald criteria, 36 (12.7%) had progressive phenotype, 20 (56%) secondary progressive and 16 (44%) primary progressive. From those 36 patients currently followed up, 25 (69.4%) were women, 19 (52.8%) were caucasian and 18 (50%) were high educated. The median follow-up time was five years and the peak prevalence was between the 4th and 5th decades. Regarding disability, 27.8% already used support in the first assessment (EDSS 6.0), and in the last assessment, considering the last EDSS recorded, the percentage of patients in need of support almost doubled: 52.8%. Regarding the first disease-modifying drugs (DMD), there was a prevalence of interferons, considering that it was the most used class in the 1990s. Considering the current DMD, there is a prevalence of monoclonal antibodies (47%), with Natalizumab (25%) and Ocrelizumab (22%). In a comparative analysis, there is a drop in the use of interferons (8%). Conclusion: Understanding the clinical-epidemiological profile of MS patients with a progressive phenotype is essential to guide the propaedeutic reasoning, guise the conduct and restructure the dynamics of health services.
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