Delays in multiple sclerosis diagnosis in the United Kingdom (DIMES) – A multicentre observational study

<h3>Background</h3> Early recognition and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is predicated on efficient diagnostic pathways. Factors underlying diagnostic delays remain understudied. <h3>Methods</h3> DIMES is an original, observational study in the UK. A collaborative network was used to capture data directly from clinical records. Individuals diagnosed with MS between July and December 2022 were eligible. We captured symptoms, investigations, and sociodemographic characteristics of patients, and evaluated factors associated with diagnostic delay through regression models. <h3>Results</h3> 505 patients across 24 UK centres were included. Age (mean 41.6 years, +/- 13.1), sex (69% female), ethnicity (59% white), and MS type (81% relapsing-remitting) distributions matched contemporary registries. The most common presenting symptoms were sensory 59%, motor 45%, and visual 29%. Mean time from referral to neurology, to diagnosis, was 9.08 months. Mean time from symptoms prompting referral to neurology, to diagnosis, was 10.2 months. The most common source of referral was primary care (40%). Older age, non-MS-specialist diagnosing clinic, and history of MS mimic/misdiagnosis, were associated with diagnostic delay (all p&lt;0.01). <h3>Discussion</h3> Demographic and clinical factors associated with MS diagnostic delay appear to be relatively limited; however increased access to specialist clinics has the potential to streamline services.