Implementation of the first adolescence-to-adulthood transition programme for Multiple Sclerosis in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION

Structured transition programmes have shown benefits in chronic paediatric conditions, but no transition models for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been documented in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implementation of an adolescence-to-adulthood transition programme for patients with paediatric-onset MS (POMS) in Argentina.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted involving patients aged 18 to 24 years with MS onset before the age of 18, currently followed at the MS centre. The European Quality of Life - 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), the MS International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQoL), and the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire 5 (TRAQ-5) were administered.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included, 36.4% (n = 12) enrolled in the hospital transition programme. Significant differences were observed in TRAQ-5 and MusiQoL scores between those who had and had not participated in the transition programme (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002), with a positive correlation between both scales (p < 0.0001). TRAQ-5 scores increased significantly at the end of the transition period (p = 0.0005). In multiple linear regression, participation in the transition programme was significantly associated with higher MusiQoL scores (adjusted R² = 0.331).

CONCLUSION

Transition programmes improve quality of life, autonomy, and self-management in young adults with MS.