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PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system and in industrialised countries is the most common cause of progressive neurological disability in working age persons. While treatable, there is substantial interindividual heterogeneity in disease activity and response to treatment. Currently, the ability to predict at diagnosis who will have a benign, intermediate or aggressive disease course is very limited. There is, therefore, a need for integrated predictive tools to inform individualised treatment decision making.ParticipantsEstablished with the aim of addressing this need for individualised predictive tools, FutureMS is a nationally representative, prospective observational cohort study of 440 adults with a new diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS living in Scotland at the time of diagnosis between May 2016 and March 2019.Findings to dateThe study aims to explore the pathobiology and determinants of disease heterogeneity in MS and combines detailed clinical phenotyping with imaging, genetic and biomarker metrics of disease activity and progression. Recruitment, baseline assessment and follow-up at year 1 is complete. Here, we describe the cohort design and present a profile of the participants at baseline and 1 year of follow-up.Future plansA third follow-up wave for the cohort has recently begun at 5 years after first visit and a further wave of follow-up is funded for year 10. Longer-term follow-up is anticipated thereafter.

GRAMPY'S SECRET my father never knew my aunt said never tell so i kept it for forty years until he died and she was gone and they were gone and [...]

Introduction Although the incidence is rare (<1%), patients receiving care in hospital maternity wards are at risk of developing pressure injuries. These injuries create a significant economic burden worldwide. Reported risk factors for pressure injuries include epidural analgesia, immobility during labour, and increased temperature and excessive moisture, especially during birthing. Traditionally used moisture management devices often damage skin integrity, further heightening the risk for pressure injury. Here we describe an innovative moisture management product designed to better meet women's needs during pregnancy and birth. Methods Clinicians worked together with the product manufacturer to develop an improved disposable absorbent sheet for moisture control before, during, and after birth. Pregnant women (n = 79) used either the disposable sheet or sanitary pads alone, or the disposable sheet in conjunction with sanitary pads for moisture control; in-patients and their midwives (n = 93) then completed surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of the various moisture control measures. Because multiple personnel caring for a single patient over the course of several shift changes, more surveys were completed by midwives than by patients. Four factors were considered during product evaluation: comfort, moisture management, mobility, and absorbency. Results Both midwives and patients rated the comfort level of the new disposable absorbent sheet with sanitary pads significantly higher than that of the disposable absorbent sheet or sanitary pads alone. Additionally, most patients reported that they were comfortable lying on the sheet and that using the sheet enabled them to worry less about embarrassing body fluid stains on their sheets or clothing. Similarly, the majority of midwives reported that the disposable absorbent sheet appeared to be comfortable and not restrictive. It also effectively managed moisture. Discussion This study demonstrates the efficacy of the new disposable absorbent sheet for moisture management in patients treated in hospital maternity wards. Clinical Significance Redesigning the disposable absorbent sheet for maternal moisture management in collaboration with clinical experts has heightened awareness of the importance of efficient and safe moisture management while facilitating a Wellness Model of Care within the maternity setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]