Longitudinal evolution of motor and non-motor symptoms in early-stage multiple system atrophy: a 2-year prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: The progression of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) and the sensitivity of each item of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) to change remain unclear in Chinese patients with early-stage multiple system atrophy (MSA). We investigated the evolution of motor symptoms and NMS in early-stage MSA and the sensitivity of each item included in the UMSARS to change over a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Motor symptoms and NMS were recorded at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups based on the UMSARS and the NMS scale. Generalized estimating equation models were used. The sensitivity of an item included in the UMSARS to change was assessed by calculating a standardized effect using the mean annual change divided by the standard deviation of the change. RESULTS: We enrolled 246 consecutive patients with MSA and 97 MSA completed the 2-year follow-up. The mean total UMSARS score increased by 11.90 and 22.54 points at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. UMSARS-I items associated with motor functions were more sensitive to change and those associated with autonomic dysfunction showed less sensitivity to change. Items 4 (tremor at rest), 5 (action tremor), and 3 (ocular motor dysfunction) of the UMSARS-II were less sensitive to change. The prevalence and severity of NMS significantly increased over the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant progression in motor symptoms and NMS in patients with early-stage MSA. Our results provide useful information to support the revision of the UMSARS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12916-022-02645-1.