A Qualitative Study of Facilitators, Barriers, and Gender Disparities in Academic Neurology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To understand the challenges and facilitators of a successful academic neurology research career broadly and to identify gender-based disparities specifically.

METHODS

In 2019, participants self-identifying as researchers, preregistered for the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, ≥7 years out of residency, and authors of ≥1 AAN meeting abstract submission (2006-2009) were selected to participate in the qualitative study (purposeful sampling strategy). To increase diversity, 15 participants were invited by members involved in the AAN until interviews were complete. The AAN at the time of the study asked gender using sex-based terms. Participants were asked predetermined and open-ended questions. Themes were generated using a flexible coding methodology.

RESULTS

Sixty neurologists (31 women, 29 men) participated in the focus groups and individual interviews. Six predetermined domains relevant to a successful neurology research career were explored: success definitions, facilitators, barriers, biases and harassment, mitigation strategies, and participant recommendations. Gender-based differences were noted during discussions focused on barriers and biases and harassment. Lack of women mentors, under-representation of women in senior faculty positions, and competing responsibilities when children are young were identified as barriers to women's success. Participants acknowledged that known gender disparities in compensation, academic promotion, and publications disproportionately affect women. Women shared more experiences of bias and harassment. Some men felt that gender-based biases were minimal to nonexistent. Participants shared their recommendations on ways to mitigate gender disparities and pursue a neurology research career. Leadership involvement locally and nationally in advocating and implementing change outside academic institutions was also mentioned as being valuable.

DISCUSSION

Our findings may not be generalizable to academic neurologists outside the United States. Women academic neurology researchers experienced disparities across several domains affecting success: lower compensation, fewer women mentors, bias, and harassment. Women are less likely to be promoted, have less research success, and job satisfaction. Shared experiences of bias and harassment among women neurology researchers indicate continuing opportunity for education among departments and colleagues for preventive measures. These qualitative results indicate gender disparities among US-based neurology researchers and highlight the importance of the continued need to work toward equality and equity in disparate gender-related issues in the careers of neurology researchers.

A 42-Year-Old Woman With Rapidly Expanding White Matter Lesions: From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings

A 42-year-old woman and active cocaine user complained of subacutely worsening blurred vision and imbalance. Examination of the brain MRI showed rapidly expanding white matter lesions. Brain biopsy was consistent with inflammatory demyelination. Given an unusual presentation and a history of cocaine use, a broad differential diagnosis was considered including neurologic toxidromes.

Multiple Sclerosis and Family Planning: A Survey Study of the Patient Experience

Background and Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly affects women in their childbearing years, necessitating discussion between patients and their MS treatment team around the issues of family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences. This study assessed the impact of a diagnosis of MS on women's reproductive decision-making and on their perception of counseling received surrounding pregnancy. It also sought to evaluate trends in pregnancy and postpartum experiences and determine whether experiences differed by race, ethnicity, and zip code.

Methods

Women with an MS diagnosis seen at the University of Virginia MS Clinic or at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) MS Clinic were invited to participate in a survey study. MS disease and pregnancy history, and, when appropriate, reasons for pregnancy avoidance were collected. Respondents who had >1 pregnancy following MS diagnosis were asked to evaluate the counseling they received from medical professionals and to share their pregnancy experiences including complications during pregnancy, delivery outcomes, and postpartum experience including breastfeeding.

Results

Of the 280 respondents, 76.6% were currently receiving MS specialty care. Most of them (79.3%) had not been pregnant following MS diagnosis. Of them, 20.1% indicated that this decision was driven by MS-related concerns: MS worsening with pregnancy (47%); ability to care for child secondary to MS (35%); passing MS onto child (19%); stopping disease-modifying therapies to attempt pregnancy (14%); lack of knowledge about options for pregnancy and MS (9%). Women with a more recent estimated decade of pregnancy were more likely to report neurologist counseling regarding MS and pregnancy (pregnancy before 2000: 40%, 2000-2010: 64.7%, 2010- present: 83.3%; χ2 0.020). Breastfeeding initiation was reported in 71.4% of postdiagnosis pregnancies (median duration 6 months, interquartile range 1.75-11).

Discussion

Over the past few decades, women with MS have received a wide range of evolving guidance surrounding family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Survey data suggest improvements in MS/pregnancy counseling and medical management in recent years, which may be driven by an increase in research in the field. There remains an important need and opportunity to improve counseling of women with MS who are considering pregnancy.

Progression risk stratification with six-minute walk gait speed trajectory in multiple sclerosis

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease progression has notable heterogeneity among patients and over time. There is no available single method to predict the risk of progression, which represents a significant and unmet need in MS.

Methods

MS and healthy control (HC) participants were recruited for a 2-year observational study. A latent-variable growth mixture model (GMM) was applied to cluster baseline 6-min walk gait speed trajectories (6MWGST). MS patients within different 6 MWGST clusters were identified and stratified. The group membership of these MS patients was compared against 2-year confirmed-disease progression (CDP). Clinical and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were compared between HC and MS subgroups over 2 years.

Results

62 MS and 41 HC participants completed the 2-year study. Within the MS cohort, 90% were relapsing MS. Two distinct patterns of baseline 6 MWGST emerged, with one cluster displaying a faster gait speed and a typical "U" shape, and the other showing a slower gait speed and a "flattened" 6 MWGST curve. We stratified MS participants in each cluster as low- and high-risk progressors (LRP and HRP, respectively). When compared against 2-year CDP, our 6 MWGST approach had 71% accuracy and 60% positive predictive value. Compared to the LRP group, those MS participants stratified as HRP (15 out of 62 MS participants), were on average 3.8 years older, had longer MS disease duration and poorer baseline performance on clinical outcomes and PROs scores. Over the subsequent 2 years, only the HRP subgroup showed a significant worsened performance on 6 MW, clinical measures and PROs from baseline.

Conclusion

Baseline 6 MWGST was useful for stratifying MS participants with high or low risks for progression over the subsequent 2 years. Findings represent the first reported single measure to predict MS disease progression with important potential applications in both clinical trials and care in MS.

Ketogenic diet in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Patient perceptions, post-trial diet adherence & outcomes

BACKGROUND

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are safe and tolerable in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). While many patient-reported and clinical benefits are noted, the sustainability of these diets outside of a clinical trial is unknown.

AIMS

Evaluate patient perceptions of the KD following intervention, determine the degree of adherence to KDs post-trial, and examine what factors increase the likelihood of KD continuation following the structured diet intervention trial.

METHODS

Sixty-five subjects with relapsing MS previously enrolled into a 6-month prospective, intention-to-treat KD intervention. Following the 6-month trial, subjects were asked to return for a 3-month post-study follow-up, at which time patient reported outcomes, dietary recall, clinical outcome measures, and laboratory values were repeated. In addition, subjects completed a survey to evaluate sustained and attenuated benefits following completion of the intervention phase of the trial.

RESULTS

Fifty-two subjects (81%) returned for the 3-month post-KD intervention visit. Twenty-one percent reported continued adherence to a strict KD and an additional 37% reported adhering to a liberalized, less restrictive form of the KD. Those subjects with greater reductions in body mass index (BMI) and fatigue at 6-months on-diet were more likely to continue on KD following trial completion. Using intention-to-treat analysis, patient-reported and clinical outcomes at 3-months post-trial remained significantly improved from baseline (pre-KD), though the degree of improvement was slightly attenuated relative to outcomes at 6-months on KD. Regardless of diet type following the KD intervention, dietary patterns shifted toward greater protein and polyunsaturated fats and less carbohydrate/added sugar consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the 6-month KD intervention study, the majority of subjects elected to continue on KD, though many pursued a more liberal limit for carbohydrate restriction. Those who experienced a greater reduction in BMI or fatigue were more likely to continue with strict KD. The 6-month KD intervention induced persistent changes to dietary habits in the months following study completion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov under registration number NCT03718247, posted on Oct 24, 2018. First patient enrollment date: Nov 1, 2018. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.

Serum neurofilament light chain in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients on a ketogenic diet

BACKGROUND

Ketogenic diets have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties which make these diets an attractive complimentary treatment approach for patients living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ketogenic diets on neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neuroaxonal injury.

METHODS

Thirty-nine subjects with relapsing MS completed a 6-month ketogenic diet intervention. NfL levels were assayed at both baseline (pre-diet) and 6-months on-diet. In addition, ketogenic diet study participants were compared to a cohort (n = 31) of historical, untreated MS controls.

RESULTS

Baseline (pre-diet) mean NfL was 5.45 pg/ml (95% CI 4.59 - 6.31). After 6 months on ketogenic diet, mean NfL was not significantly changed (5.49 pg/ml; 95% CI 4.82 - 6.19). Compared to untreated MS controls (mean 15.17 pg/ml), NfL levels for the ketogenic diet cohort were relatively low. MS subjects with higher levels of ketosis (as measured by serum beta-hydroxybutyrate) exhibited greater reductions in NfL between baseline and 6-months on ketogenic diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketogenic diets do not worsen biomarkers of neurodegeneration in relapsing MS patients, with stable, low levels of NfL observed throughout the diet intervention. Subjects with greater biomarkers of ketosis experienced a higher degree of improvement in serum NfL.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER

NCT03718247 - "Utilization of the Ketogenic Diet in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS" https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247.

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors affecting the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS) and reviews the pathophysiologic characteristics of both relapsing and progressive MS.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of MS has increased in recent decades, and costs of care for patients with MS have risen dramatically. Black, Asian, and Hispanic individuals may be at risk for more severe MS-related disability. Multiple genetic MS risk factors have been identified. Factors such as low vitamin D levels and a history of Epstein-Barr virus, smoking, and obesity, especially during childhood, also influence MS risk. Traditionally thought to be a T-cell-mediated disease, recent research has highlighted the additional roles of B cells and microglia in both relapsing and progressive MS.

SUMMARY

Complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affect the risk for MS as well as the disease course. People of color have historically been underrepresented in both MS clinical trials and literature, but current research is attempting to better clarify unique considerations in these groups. MS pathology consists of the focal inflammatory lesions that have been well characterized in relapsing MS, as well as a more widespread neurodegenerative component that is posited to drive progressive disease. Recent advances in characterization of both the inflammatory and neurodegenerative aspects of MS pathophysiology have yielded potential targets for future therapeutic options.

Phase II study of ketogenic diets in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety, tolerability and potential clinical benefits

BACKGROUND

Dietary changes impact human physiology and immune function and have potential as therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the tolerability of a ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and define the impact on laboratory and clinical outcome metrics.

METHODS

Sixty-five subjects with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month prospective, intention-to-treat KD intervention. Adherence was monitored with daily urine ketone testing. At baseline, fatigue, depression and quality of life (QoL) scores were obtained in addition to fasting adipokines and MS-related clinical outcome metrics. Baseline metrics were repeated at 3 and/or 6 months on-diet.

RESULTS

Eighty-three percent of participants adhered to the KD for the study duration. Subjects exhibited significant reductions in fat mass and showed a nearly 50% decline in self-reported fatigue and depression scores. MS QoL physical health (67±16 vs 79±12, p<0.001) and mental health (71±17 vs 82±11, p<0.001) composite scores increased on-diet. Significant improvements were noted in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (2.3±0.9 vs 1.9±1.1, p<0.001), 6-minute walk (1631±302 vs 1733±330 ft, p<0.001) and Nine-Hole Peg Test (21.5±3.6 vs 20.3±3.7 s, p<0.001). Serum leptin was lower (25.5±15.7 vs 14.0±11.7 ng/mL, p<0.001) and adiponectin was higher (11.4±7.8 vs 13.5±8.4 µg/mL, p=0.002) on the KD.

CONCLUSION

KDs are safe and tolerable over a 6-month study period and yield improvements in body composition, fatigue, depression, QoL, neurological disability and adipose-related inflammation in persons living with relapsing MS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT03718247, posted on 24 October 2018. First patient enrolment date: 1 November 2018. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.

Relationship between balance confidence and social engagement in people with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationships among patient-reported balance confidence and social satisfaction and social participation in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

METHODS

75 ambulatory pwMS who had sustained at least two falls or near falls in the prior two months self-reported their balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) questionnaire) and social satisfaction and participation (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures). Correlations between the ABC and PROMIS measures were examined using Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

In a cross-sectional analysis, ABC scores and PROMIS scores for social satisfaction and social participation were statistically significantly correlated (ρ 0.37-0.54, p ≤ 0.001). The correlation between balance confidence and social satisfaction was consistently stronger at each time point than between balance confidence and social participation.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported balance confidence is associated with both social satisfaction and social participation in pwMS who fall. The causal direction of this relationship remains uncertain.

Evaluation of Treatment Practices for Urinalyses and Urine Cultures at an Outpatient Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

Background

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disease flares that can be precipitated by the presence of infection. Discerning asymptomatic bacteriuria from urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with MS is complicated by lower urinary tract dysfunction, leading to potentially inappropriate antimicrobial use. In this study the antimicrobial treatment practices for positive urine cultures in patients with MS were evaluated.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective study, positive cultures in patients with MS were included. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients appropriately treated with or without antimicrobial therapy. Secondary end points included antimicrobial selection and urinalysis positivity.

Results

Two hundred thirty-six cultures from 139 patients were evaluated. Treatment was inappropriate in 81 of 201 treated cultures (40%). Frequency, nocturia, dysuria, and foul-smelling urine were reported by patients in 54 (23%), 10 (4%), 25 (11%), and 14 (6%) cultures, respectively. The antimicrobial selected was too broad in spectrum for 35 of 201 (17%). Of those, fluoroquinolones were the agents used in 33 of 35 cases (94%). A urinalysis was sent in 203 cases (86%), with 197 (84%) positive for at least one predefined positivity criteria.

Conclusions

Urinalyses and urine cultures are performed frequently in patients with MS, often independent of symptoms. Patients with MS could be treated for asymptomatic bacteriuria at higher rates than the general population, and traditional urinary symptoms may not be appropriate indicators of infection. Empirical therapy for UTI is frequently used in this population, often resulting in inappropriate and/or too broad of antimicrobial therapy.

Consensus Curriculum for Fellowship Training in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

Management of multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunologic disorders has become increasingly complex because of the expanding number of recognized neuroimmune disorders, increased number of therapeutic options, and multidisciplinary care management needs of people with multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunologic disorders. More subspecialists are needed to optimize care of these patients, and many fellowship programs have been created or expanded to increase the subspecialty workforce. Consequently, defining the scope and standardizing fellowship training is essential to ensure that trainees receive high-quality training. A workgroup was created to develop a consensus fellowship curriculum to serve as a resource for all current and future training programs. This curriculum may also serve as a basis for future accreditation efforts.

A Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study of ADS-5102 (Amantadine) extended-release capsules in people with multiple sclerosis and walking impairment

Background:

ADS-5102, a delayed-release, extended-release (DR/ER) amantadine, improved walking speed in MS in a Phase 2 trial.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to present primary results of a Phase 3, double-blind, ADS-5102 trial (INROADS) for walking speed.

Methods:

Adult participants with MS and walking impairment, not currently using amantadine or dalfampridine, underwent 4-week placebo run-in before randomization 1:1:1 to placebo, 137 or 274 mg/day ADS-5102 for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was the proportion of responders (20% increase in Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) speed) for 274 mg ADS-5102 versus placebo at end of double-blind (Study Week 16). Additional measures included Timed Up and Go (TUG), 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12).

Results:

In total, 558 participants were randomized and received double-blind treatment. Significantly more participants responded with 274 mg ADS-5102 (21.1%) versus placebo (11.3%). Mean T25FW speed also significantly improved (0.19 ft/s) versus placebo (0.07 ft/s). Other measures were not significant using prespecified hierarchical testing procedure. Adverse events led to discontinuation for 3.8% (placebo), 6.4% (137 mg ADS-5102), and 20.5% (274 mg ADS-5102).

Conclusion:

INROADS met its primary endpoint, showing a significantly greater proportion of participants with meaningful improvement in walking speed for 274 mg ADS-5102 versus placebo. Numeric dose response was seen for some secondary efficacy outcomes and adverse events.

Gait Speed Trajectory During the Six-Minute Walk Test in Multiple Sclerosis: A Measure of Walking Endurance

Background: The six-minute walk (6MW) test is a validated assessment method in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. While the total distance covered during six minutes (6MW^TD) is often used as the standard measurement of gait capacity (i.e., the maximum distance one can achieve), we hypothesize that endurance (i.e., ability to maintain speed over a prolonged time) can be inferred by the gait speed trajectory (GST) during the 6MW test (6MW^GST).

Objective: To characterize group differences in 6MW^GST between MS patients and healthy controls (HCs), and to assess information added by 6MW^GST for discerning between MS patients and HCs.

Methods: We performed a secondary data analysis on a cross-sectional cohort of 40 MS and 20 HC subjects with three repeated 6MW tests. We modeled 6MW^GST using a linear mixed-effects model with time in minutes and replicated walks nested within individuals. We compared the discernibility of 6MW^GST with that of conventional metrics using likelihood ratio tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis on logistic regression models.

Results: MS subjects showed a concave, quadratic GST during 6MW tests, slowing down more than the HC subjects, especially at the beginning of 6MW tests. Despite accelerating at the end of the 6MW, MS subjects were unable to attain or surpass their initial 6MW gait speeds. 6MW^GST added useful information (p = 0.002) to the conventional metrics (e.g., 6MW^TD) for discerning between MS and HC subjects, and increased the area under the ROC curve from 0.83 to 0.93 (p = 0.037).

Conclusions: The distinctive 6MW^GST pattern of MS patients provided increased discernibility compared with currently used gait metrics. Both gait capacity measured by the 6MW^TD, and gait endurance measured by parameters of 6MW^GST, are significant functional indicators for the MS population.

Efficacy and Safety of 2 Fingolimod Doses vs Glatiramer Acetate for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Doses of fingolimod lower than 0.5 mg per day were not investigated during the fingolimod clinical development program. Whether lower doses of fingolimod might retain efficacy with fewer safety risks remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fingolimod, 0.5 mg, and fingolimod, 0.25 mg, compared with glatiramer acetate and to assess whether these doses of fingolimod show superior efficacy to glatiramer acetate in adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

INTERVENTIONS

Fingolimod, 0.5 mg, or fingolimod, 0.25 mg, orally once per day or glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, subcutaneously once per day.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Multiple Sclerosis Study Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Two Doses of Fingolimod Versus Copaxone (ASSESS) was a phase 3b multicenter randomized rater-blinded and dose-blinded 12-month clinical trial conducted between August 9, 2012, and April 30, 2018 (including the time required to recruit participants). A total of 1461 patients aged 18 to 65 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were screened, and 1064 participants were randomized. These participants had at least 1 documented relapse during the previous year or 2 documented relapses during the previous 2 years and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0 to 6 at screening. Data were analyzed between September and November 2018.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The superiority of the fingolimod doses was tested hierarchically, with fingolimod, 0.5 mg, vs glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, tested first, followed by fingolimod, 0.25 mg, vs glatiramer acetate, 20 mg. The primary end point was the reduction in annualized relapse rate (ARR). Magnetic resonance imaging parameters, safety, and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1461 adult patients screened, 1064 participants (72.8%) were randomized (mean [SD] age, 39.6 [11.0] years; 792 women [74.4%]) to 3 treatment groups: 352 participants received fingolimod, 0.5 mg, 370 participants received fingolimod, 0.25 mg, and 342 participants received glatiramer acetate, 20 mg. In total, 859 participants (80.7%) completed the study. Treatment with fingolimod, 0.5 mg, was superior to treatment with glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, in reducing ARR (40.7% relative reduction); the relative reduction with fingolimod, 0.25 mg, was 14.6%, which was not statistically significant (for fingolimod, 0.5 mg, ARR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.11-0.21; for fingolimod, 0.25 mg, ARR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29; for glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, ARR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20-0.34). Treatment with both fingolimod doses (0.5 mg and 0.25 mg) significantly reduced new or newly enlarging T2 and gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions compared with treatment with glatiramer acetate. Adverse events were reported in similar proportions across treatment groups (312 participants [90.4%] in the fingolimod, 0.5 mg, group, 323 participants [88.3%] in the fingolimod, 0.25 mg, group, and 283 participants [87.3%] in the glatiramer acetate group).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Fingolimod, 0.5 mg, demonstrated superior clinical efficacy compared with glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, and had a superior benefit-risk profile compared with fingolimod, 0.25 mg, in adult participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01633112.

Smoking Cessation Considerations for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Background:

Comprehensive care of people with multiple sclerosis integrates disease modifying therapy, symptom management and minimization of risk factors for disease progression. Cigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor associated with development and progression of disease and increased disability. However, little is known about specific factors that affect smoking cessation in patients with multiple sclerosis or how to integrate smoking cessation into specialized multiple sclerosis care.

Methods:

Twenty-nine active smokers with multiple sclerosis were surveyed at the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis clinic at the University of Virginia Health. Demographics, smoking history, multiple sclerosis history, interest in quitting, barriers to quitting and cessation modalities of interest were collected, specifically interest in working with a clinical pharmacist for cessation.

Results:

Seventy-six percent of individuals believed that there was no relationship between smoking and MS diagnosis and 52% were unaware of any relationship between smoking and disease progression. Less than half of patients (41%) reported receiving counseling from a primary care physician or neurologist about the importance of smoking cessation. Common barriers to quitting included enjoyment of smoking (76%) and cravings (55%). Seventy-six percent of patients expressed interest in utilizing pharmacotherapy and 37% were interested in working closely with a clinical pharmacist.

Conclusions:

It is critical that providers caring for patients with multiple sclerosis assess smoking status and educate smokers about the relationship between smoking and disease progression. Efforts should be made to better understand patient-specific barriers to quitting and preferred methods of treatment, including pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to smoking cessation that includes a clinical pharmacist may aid in the development of individualized care plans with frequent monitoring to improve patient success.

Retrospective cohort study of the relationship between systolic blood pressure variability and multiple sclerosis disability

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability and patient-reported outcome measure of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of individuals with MS who completed a patient-determined disease steps (PDDS) scale between 2011 and 2015 at an MS specialty clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with MS for whom both a completed PDDS scale and ≥3 SBP measures within the prior 12 months of the survey were available.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Participants were grouped into three classes of disability (no or mild (PDDS 0-1), moderate (2-3), severe (4-7)). SBP variability was calculated as within-subject SD using all SBP measures taken during the past 12 months. SBP variability was analysed by Tertile groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-two subjects were included in this analysis. Mean PDDS score was 2.22±1.89. Compared with subjects in Tertile 1 (lowest variability), the odds of being in a higher disability group was 3.5 times higher (OR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.08 to 11.25; p=0.037) in Tertile 2 and 5.2 times higher (OR=5.19; 95% CI: 1.53 to 17.61; p=0.008) in Tertile 3 (highest variability), independent of mean SBP, age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index and comorbidities (p for trend=0.008). Mean PDDS scores were 1.52±1.18 in Tertile 1, 2.73±1.02 in Tertile 2 and 2.42±0.89 in Tertile 3 after adjusting for the same covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a significant gradient relationship between SBP variability and MS-related disability. More research is needed to determine the underlying pathophysiological relationship between SBP variability and MS disability progression.

Patient-specific factors modulate leukocyte response in dimethyl fumarate treated MS patients

OBJECTIVE

Determine if patient-specific factors modulate absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), neutrophil count (ANC), and/or Neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) treated patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients who initiated DMF between 2013-2018. A multicenter study of two MS clinics: Charlottesville, VA (UVA) and Dallas, TX (DaVA).

RESULTS

103 patients (67-UVA, 36-DaVA) met eligibility. At baseline, the DaVa population was younger (mean±sd: 38.6±9.0 vs 42.2±12.5, p 0.152) and had a higher proportion of males (61% vs. 35%), consistent with a veteran cohort. Pre-treatment, all other laboratory parameters were similar between the two groups. On treatment there was a 30% lowering of mean ALC, with 3% having grade-3 lymphopenia (ALC < 500). Sustained neutropenia occurred in 3.9% of patients and was more common in males. Over 50% of patients had a high NLR at baseline, with a further 44% increase in NLR on-treatment. Age was significantly predictive of lymphopenia, with grade-3 lymphopenia found in 33% of patients ≥ 55 years. Neutropenia was more common in males. Serum BG (sBG) has modest correlation to leukocyte parameters. BMI was not correlated with any leukocyte-related outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-specific factors, specifically-age, sex, and serum blood glucose, modulate leukocyte response and ratios in DMF treated MS patients. Age appears to be a relevant predictor of lymphopenia and should be a factor in treatment decision making. Neutropenia, independent of lymphopenia, can occur and males may be at increased risk. High sBG may impact leukocyte count and ratios in MS patients and merits further study, particularly in patients with diabetes. NLR is abnormal in MS and increased with DMF-treatment, the clinical implications of this will require further study.

Evaluation of multiple sclerosis disability outcome measures using pooled clinical trial data

OBJECTIVE

We report analyses of a pooled database by the Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium to evaluate 4 proposed components of a multidimensional test battery.

METHODS

Standardized data on 12,776 participants, comprising demographics, multiple sclerosis disease characteristics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, performance measures, and Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS), were pooled from control and treatment arms of 14 clinical trials. Analyses of Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Low Contrast Letter Acuity (LCLA), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) included measurement properties; construct, convergent, and known group validity; and longitudinal performance of the measures individually and when combined into a multidimensional test battery relative to the EDSS and SF-36 to determine sensitivity and clinical meaningfulness.

RESULTS

The performance measures had excellent test-retest reliability and showed expected differences between subgroups based on disease duration and EDSS level. Progression rates in detecting time to 3-month confirmed worsening were lower for T25FW and 9HPT compared to EDSS, while progression rates for LCLA and SDMT were similar to EDSS. When the 4 measures were analyzed as a multidimensional measure rather than as individual measures, progression on any one performance measure was more sensitive than the EDSS. Worsening on the performance measures analyzed individually or as a multidimensional test battery was associated with clinically meaningful SF-36 PCS score worsening, supporting clinical meaningfulness of designated performance test score worsening.

CONCLUSION

These results support the use of the 4 proposed performance measures, individually or combined into a multidimensional test battery as study outcome measures.

Body mass index trajectories in pediatric multiple sclerosis

AIM

To characterize growth trajectories of children who develop multiple sclerosis compared to typically developing, regional peers and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) normative values.

METHOD

This case-control study collected weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in 40 consecutive pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (28 females, 12 males), in addition to 120 typically developing peers (84 females, 36 males), identified and matched for year of birth, sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. BMI values were converted to z-scores based on CDC reference values and were compared with respect to age between our two cohorts and by years relative to multiple sclerosis onset for cases.

RESULTS

Median age for the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis was 15 years. BMI z-scores are significantly higher for patients with multiple sclerosis compared to typically developing, demographically-matched peers and CDC standards. These significant differences in BMI are noted from 4 years of age and onward. Height trajectories were similar among case and control individuals and CDC normative values.

INTERPRETATION

BMI in pediatric multiple sclerosis is markedly higher, beginning in early childhood, years before the clinical-onset of the disease.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Children with multiple sclerosis are significantly more overweight than typically developing peers at the time of diagnosis. Body mass index trajectories are significantly higher years before the clinical manifestation(s) of multiple sclerosis.

The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test as outcome measures in pediatric multiple sclerosis

Background

There is an increasing number of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials occurring; however, data validating outcome metrics that accurately capture functional disability within pediatric cohorts are limited.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to distinguish functional disability in pediatric MS patients.

Methods

A total of 20 pediatric MS patients and 40 age and sex-matched controls completed the SDMT and MSFC components: a timed 25-foot walk (T25FW); 9-hole peg test (9HPT); and paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT). Z scores for MS patients were created for each test based on control means. MS patients underwent Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) examination.

Results

Pediatric MS patients exhibited low levels of disability on EDSS, median [range]: 1.5 [1.0–3.0]. Compared with controls, MS patients performed significantly lower on SDMT (p = 0.0002) and all MSFC components: T25FW (p = 0.001), 9HPT (p = 0.01), and PASAT (p = 0.004). SDMT and MSFC performance were not correlated with EDSS.

Conclusions

Despite low levels of neurologic disability as measured by EDSS, pediatric patients with MS exhibit impaired performance in leg function, upper limb fine motor function, and auditory/visuospatial processing speeds, supporting the value of the MSFC and SDMT in this population. Longitudinal studies are needed to further validate their utility.

Pilot study of a ketogenic diet in relapsing-remitting MS

Objective

To assess the safety and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet (KD^MAD), a type of ketogenic diet (KD), in subjects with relapsing MS while exploring potential benefits of KDs in MS.

Methods

Twenty subjects with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month, single-arm, open-label study of the KD^MAD. Adherence to KD^MAD was objectively monitored by daily urine ketone testing. Fatigue and depression scores and fasting adipokines were obtained at baseline and on diet. Brain MRI was obtained at baseline and 6 months. Intention to treat was used for primary data analysis, and a per-protocol approach was used for secondary analysis.

Results

No subject experienced worsening disease on diet. Nineteen subjects (95%) adhered to KD^MAD for 3 months and 15 (75%) adhered for 6 months. Anthropometric improvements were noted on KD^MAD, with reductions in body mass index and total fat mass (p < 0.0001). Fatigue (p = 0.002) and depression scores (p = 0.003) were improved. Serologic leptin was significantly lower at 3 months (p < 0.0001) on diet.

Conclusions

KD^MAD is safe, feasible to study, and well tolerated in subjects with relapsing MS. KD^MAD improves fatigue and depression while also promoting weight loss and reducing serologic proinflammatory adipokines.

Classification of evidence

The study is rated Class IV because of the absence of a non-KD control group.

Understanding the Physiological Significance of Four Inertial Gait Features in Multiple Sclerosis

Gait impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) can result from muscle weakness, physical fatigue, lack of coordination, and other symptoms. Walking speed, as measured by a number of clinician-administered walking tests, is the primary measure of gait impairment used by clinical researchers, but inertial gait features from body-worn sensors have been proven to add clinical value. This paper seeks to understand and differentiate the physiological significance of four such features with proven value in MS to facilitate adoption by clinical researchers and incorporation in gait monitoring and analysis systems. In addition, this information can be used to select features that might be appropriate in other forms of disability. Two of the four features are computed using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm: The "DTW Score" is based on the usual DTW distance, and the "Warp Score" is based on the warping length. The third feature, based on kernel density estimation (KDE), is the "KDE Peak" value. Finally, the "Causality Index" is based on the phase slope index between inertial signals from different body parts. Relationships between these measures and the aforementioned gait-related symptoms are determined by applying factor analysis to three common, clinical walking outcomes, then correlating the inertial measures as well as walking speed to each extracted factor. Statistically significant differences in correlation coefficients to the three extracted clinical factors support their distinct physiological meaning and suggest they may have complimentary roles in the analysis of MS-related walking disability.

Phase 2 Trial of Ibudilast in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

There are limited treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis. Ibudilast inhibits several cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and toll-like receptor 4 and can cross the blood-brain barrier, with potential salutary effects in progressive multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in a phase 2 randomized trial of oral ibudilast (≤100 mg daily) or placebo for 96 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the rate of brain atrophy, as measured by the brain parenchymal fraction (brain size relative to the volume of the outer surface contour of the brain). Major secondary end points included the change in the pyramidal tracts on diffusion tensor imaging, the magnetization transfer ratio in normal-appearing brain tissue, the thickness of the retinal nerve-fiber layer, and cortical atrophy, all measures of tissue damage in multiple sclerosis.

RESULTS

Of 255 patients who underwent randomization, 129 were assigned to ibudilast and 126 to placebo. A total of 53% of the patients in the ibudilast group and 52% of those in the placebo group had primary progressive disease; the others had secondary progressive disease. The rate of change in the brain parenchymal fraction was -0.0010 per year with ibudilast and -0.0019 per year with placebo (difference, 0.0009; 95% confidence interval, 0.00004 to 0.0017; P=0.04), which represents approximately 2.5 ml less brain-tissue loss with ibudilast over a period of 96 weeks. Adverse events with ibudilast included gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

In a phase 2 trial involving patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, ibudilast was associated with slower progression of brain atrophy than placebo but was associated with higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects, headache, and depression. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and others; NN102/SPRINT-MS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01982942 .).

Development of a gait module to complement the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale: a mixed methods study

Background and objective

The 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) is a patient-reported outcome instrument that quantifies the progressive loss of walking ability from the patient perspective. However, previous psychometric analyses indicated floor and ceiling effects across the multiple sclerosis severity spectrum. This study aimed to address floor effects by creating a gait module that can be used in conjunction with the MSWS-12 for better measurement of treatment benefit in the higher functioning multiple sclerosis population.

Methods

We used a step-wise mixed methods study design, with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients (wave 1, n=88; wave 2, n=30), combining qualitative (concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews) and quantitative (Rasch Measurement Theory) data collection and analytical techniques and consultation interviews with three neurologists specializing in multiple sclerosis.

Results

Thirty-seven walking ability concepts were identified, and a five-domain conceptual framework was created. Draft items were generated and refined with patient and neurologist input. Draft items covered gait-related concepts such as dragging, shuffling, limping, tripping and falling. Rasch measurement theory psychometric analysis indicated administering MSWS-12 plus gait items improved measurement precision in targeted populations with better walking ability.

Conclusion

Study findings indicate that new gait items could improve sensitivity to detect clinical change in walking ability for higher functioning multiple sclerosis patients.