Seyedmirzaei H, Salabat D, KamaliZonouzi S, Teixeira AL, Rezaei N. Risk of MS relapse and deterioration after COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024;
83:105472. [PMID:
38316078 DOI:
10.1016/j.msard.2024.105472]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Upper respiratory viral infections have long been considered triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and exacerbation. The possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on MS relapse and deterioration remain controversial.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to find relevant studies assessing changes in relapse rates or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) following COVID-19 in people with MS. Meta-analyses were performed, and to investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that COVID-19 was not associated with a rise in relapse rate (risk ratio (RR): 0.97, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.67, 1.41, p-value: 0.87) or a rise in EDSS (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.09, 95 % CI: -0.22, 0.03, p-value: 0.13). The analysis of EDSS changes indicated a significant heterogeneity (I2: 55 %, p-value: 0.01). Other analyses were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased risk of relapse and clinical deterioration in people with MS.
Collapse