Toward a Unified Definition of Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is the main driver of disability accumulation in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). We tested various PIRA definitions against the risk of long-term disability. METHODS: Patients with relapsing MS, first visit ≥January 1, 2000, ≥3 visits with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and ≥5-year follow-up were extracted from the Italian MS and Related Disorders Register on September 29, 2023. Eighteen PIRA definitions were obtained combining fixed or roving baseline, 24-week, 48-week confirmed or sustained disability accrual, no relapses ≤90 days before/≤30 days after the event (90d), ≤180 days before/≤30 days after the event, or absence of relapses from baseline to confirmation score (ABS). Predictive performance against the reaching of EDSS = 6.0 was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 30,203 patients were included. After a follow-up of 11.3 ± 4.3 years, PIRA ranged from 38.8% to 74.1%. EDSS = 6.0 was detected in 4,401 (15%) patients. Sensitivity of PIRA definitions against EDSS = 6.0 was higher using the 90d criterion (66.7%-69.4%), while the ABS criterion increased specificity (55.3%-62.2%). DISCUSSION: The definition of PIRA combining roving baseline, no relapses 90 days before and 30 days after the event and 24-week confirmation achieved the best predictive value and feasibility, supporting its use in routine practice and research.