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Yousef H, Malagurski Tortei B, Castiglione F. Predicting multiple sclerosis disease progression and outcomes with machine learning and MRI-based biomarkers: a review. J Neurol 2024; 271:6543-6572. [PMID: 39266777 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12651-3] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurological disorder with a highly heterogeneous clinical presentation and course of progression. Disease-modifying therapies are the only available treatment, as there is no known cure for the disease. Careful selection of suitable therapies is necessary, as they can be accompanied by serious risks and adverse effects such as infection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of MS, though MRI lesions have displayed only moderate associations with MS clinical outcomes, known as the clinico-radiological paradox. With the advent of machine learning (ML) in healthcare, the predictive power of MRI can be improved by leveraging both traditional and advanced ML algorithms capable of analyzing increasingly complex patterns within neuroimaging data. The purpose of this review was to examine the application of MRI-based ML for prediction of MS disease progression. Studies were divided into five main categories: predicting the conversion of clinically isolated syndrome to MS, cognitive outcome, EDSS-related disability, motor disability and disease activity. The performance of ML models is discussed along with highlighting the influential MRI-derived biomarkers. Overall, MRI-based ML presents a promising avenue for MS prognosis. However, integration of imaging biomarkers with other multimodal patient data shows great potential for advancing personalized healthcare approaches in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibba Yousef
- Technology Innovation Institute, Biotechnology Research Center, P.O.Box: 9639, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Brigitta Malagurski Tortei
- Technology Innovation Institute, Biotechnology Research Center, P.O.Box: 9639, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Filippo Castiglione
- Technology Innovation Institute, Biotechnology Research Center, P.O.Box: 9639, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Applied Computing (IAC), National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
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Paolicelli D, Borriello G, Clerici R, Colombo E, Croce D, D'Amico E, De Rossi N, Di Sapio A, Fenu G, Maimone D, Marfia GA, Moccia M, Perini P, Piscaglia MG, Razzolini L, Riccaboni M, Signoriello E, Agostoni G, Farina A, Mondino M, Berruto F, Tettamanti A, Donnaloja F, Tortorella C. Predicted Expenditure for Prescription Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis in the Italian Market Between 2023 and 2028: Results of the Oracle Project. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:1415-1430. [PMID: 39093539 PMCID: PMC11393242 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that leads to impaired cognitive function and accumulation of disability, with significant socioeconomic burden. Serious unmet need in the context of managing MS has given rise to ongoing research efforts, leading to the launch of new drugs planned for the near future, and subsequent concerns about the sustainability of healthcare systems. This study assessed the changes in the Italian MS market and their impact on the expenditures of the Italian National Healthcare Service between 2023 and 2028. METHODS A horizon-scanning model was developed to estimate annual expenditure from 2023 to 2028. Annual expenditure for MS was calculated by combining the number of patients treated with each product (clinical inputs) and the yearly costs of therapy (economic inputs). Baseline inputs (2020-2022) were collected from IQVIA® real-world data, while input estimation for the 5-year forecast was integrated with analog analyses and the insights of clinicians and former payers. RESULTS The number of equivalent patients treated in 2028 in Italy was estimated at around 67,000, with an increase of 10% versus 2022. In terms of treatment pattern evolution, first-line treatments are expected to reduce their shares from 47% in 2022 to 27% in 2028, and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors are expected to reach 23% of patient shares. Overall, expenditure for MS is estimated to decrease from €721 million in 2022 to €551 million in 2028, mainly due to losses of exclusivity and renegotiation of drug prices. CONCLUSION Despite the increase in the number of patients treated for MS and the launch of new molecules that will reach high market penetration, the model confirmed sustainability for the Italian National Healthcare Service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Borriello
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Elena Colombo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Croce
- Centre for Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, University Carlo Castanea - LIUC, Castellanza, Italy
| | - Emanuele D'Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicola De Rossi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia - P.O. Montichiari, Montichiari, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Department of Neurology and CRESM (Regional Referral Multiple Sclerosis Centre), University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Neurology, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Maimone
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, UOC Neurologia, Azienda Ospedaliera per l'Emergenza Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
| | - Girolama A Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Perini
- Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria G Piscaglia
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Signoriello
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carla Tortorella
- Department of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Center, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Alabbadi I, Al-Ajlouny S, Alsoud Y, BaniHani A, Arar BA, Massad EM, Muflih S, Shawawrah M. The cost-of-illness of multiple sclerosis in Jordan. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39292516 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2406797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) imposes a significant financial burden on health-care systems. This study aims to determine the cost-of-illness (COI) for MS in Jordan, a country where data on the economic impact of MS are scarce. METHODS Data were collected for one year, annual COI was estimated using a cross-sectional snowball sampling design. Eligible patients completed a self-reported questionnaire to provide sociodemographic, physician visit, and diagnostic and laboratory test data. Indirect costs were estimated using an adjusted Human Capital Approach. RESULTS This study included 383 patients, (73% females, 61% between 26-45). Eighty % took disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and 40% had relapses in that year. One-third use non-DMTs and equipment for assistance. The average annual cost per patient was $11,719 (direct costs=$11,252, indirect costs=$467). The total annual cost for all participants was $748,299. The estimated cost of non-DMT, medical tools, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization per patient was $53, 51, 99, and 235 respectively. CONCLUSION High costs of DMTs state the necessity of resource optimization in Jordan public healthcare facilities. Such findings yield policy-informing actionable insights, suggesting strategic investments in more cost-effective DMTs with potential improvement in accessibility and reduction in the overall economic burden faced by both patients and governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alabbadi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Yazan Alsoud
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ayah BaniHani
- International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bayan A Arar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman M Massad
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Suhaib Muflih
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mays Shawawrah
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Malucchi S, Bava CI, Valentino P, Martire S, Lo Re M, Bertolotto A, Di Sapio A. In multiple sclerosis patients a single serum neurofilament light chain (sNFL) dosage is strongly associated with 12 months outcome: data from a real-life clinical setting. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12701-w. [PMID: 39313638 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12701-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a neuroaxonal cytoskeletal protein released into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and eventually into blood upon neuronal injury. Its detection in serum (sNFL) makes it a promising marker in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of a single dosage of sNFL in clinical practice. METHODS 626 consecutive relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients treated with disease modifying treatments (DMTs) for at least 12 months underwent a single sNFL dosage. 553 patients had NEDA-3 status (no relapses, no disability progression, no new/enlarging or contrast-enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging) in the 12 months prior blood sampling. sNFL levels were measured by single molecule array (Simoa™). Association between sNFL levels and NEDA-3 status at 12, 24, and 36 months was evaluated with logistic regression models adjusted for sex, EDSS, disease duration, and type of DMTs. RESULTS 469 out of the 553 NEDA-3 patients had normal sNFL level, whereas 42 had elevated level. The two groups did not differ regarding baseline characteristics. A very strong association between elevated sNFL levels and loss of NEDA-3 status within 12 months was found, with an odds ratio [OR] of 10.74 (95% CI 4.34-26.57); 15 and 10 patients with normal and elevated sNFL, respectively lost NEDA-3 (p < 0.001). The effect was not detected during the subsequent 13-24 and 25-36 months. CONCLUSIONS A single elevated sNFL is strongly associated with NEDA-3 loss within 1 year. Elevated sNFL in apparently stable patients suggests an ongoing disease activity below the detection threshold of standard parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Malucchi
- Department of Neurology and CRESM, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
| | | | - Paola Valentino
- NICO-Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Martire
- NICO-Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marianna Lo Re
- Department of Neurology and CRESM, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Antonio Bertolotto
- NICO-Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
- Koelliker Hospital, C.so Galileo Ferraris, 247/255, 10134, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Department of Neurology and CRESM, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
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Li J, Hutton GJ, Varisco TJ, Lin Y, Essien EJ, Aparasu RR. Factors associated with the initiation of high-efficacy disease-modifying agents over moderate-efficacy disease-modifying agents in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 91:105896. [PMID: 39342811 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With multiple treatment options, choosing the initial disease-modifying agent (DMA) could be crucial to managing multiple sclerosis (MS). Common treatment strategies recommend starting patients with moderate-efficacy disease-modifying agents (meDMAs), while others advocate initiating high-efficacy disease-modifying agents (heDMAs). However, limited real-world evidence exists regarding the factors associated with utilizing differing treatment strategies in the MS. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the factors associated with the initiation of heDMAs in comparison to meDMAs among patients with MS. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims Database. Adult (18-64 years) MS patients with ≥1 DMA prescription were identified from 2016 to 2019. Patients were classified as incident heDMA or meDMA users based on their earliest DMA prescription, with a 12-month washout period. All covariates were measured during the 12-month baseline before the index DMA date. A multivariable logistic regression model, guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model, was applied to examine the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with using heDMAs over meDMAs. RESULTS There were 10,003 eligible MS patients, with the majority of users being female (74.92 %), middle-aged adults (35-54 years, 58.97 %), and enrolled in the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO, 53.10 %) healthcare plan. Overall, 2293 (22.92 %) MS patients initiated heDMAs. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that male patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.46, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.30-1.64) had higher odds of initiating heDMAs. Meanwhile, patients with bladder dysfunction medications (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.21-1.61), fatigue medications (aOR: 1.77, 95 %CI: 1.44-2.17), and impaired walking (aOR: 1.62, 95 %CI: 1.42-1.86) were more likely to initiate treatment with heDMAs. In contrast, patients with higher Elixhauser comorbidities scores, sensory symptoms (aOR: 0.47, 95 %CI: 0.42-0.53), visual symptoms (aOR: 0.63, 95 %CI: 0.54-0.73), and brainstem symptoms (aOR: 0.81, 95 %CI: 0.67-0.97) were less likely to be prescribed with heDMAs. CONCLUSION The study found that approximately one in four MS patients initiated heDMAs. Both demographic and clinical factors influenced the selection of heDMA. More work is needed to understand the differential value of selecting heDMAs over meDMAs for personalizing DMA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieni Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Tyler J Varisco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, TX, USA; Prescription Drug Misuse Education and Research (PREMIER) Center, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ekere J Essien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rajender R Aparasu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, TX, USA.
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Kreiter D, Kalincik T, Hupperts R, Patti F, Spitaleri D, Foschi M, Surcinelli A, Maimone D, Yamout B, Khoury SJ, Lechner-Scott J, Ozakbas S, Gerlach O. Effectiveness of Disease-Modifying Treatment on Spinal Cord Lesion Formation in Relapse-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: An MSBase Registry Study. CNS Drugs 2024:10.1007/s40263-024-01115-x. [PMID: 39242483 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) have considerable impact on disability. High-efficacy disease-modifying treatments (hDMTs) are associated with greater reduction of relapses and new brain lesions compared to low-efficacy treatments (lDMTs). Knowledge on the impact of DMTs on cord lesion formation is limited as these outcome measures were not included in MS treatment trials. This study aims to investigate whether hDMTs reduce the formation of cord lesions more effectively than lDMTs. METHODS Patients with relapse-onset MS, a cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 6 months before/after initiation of their first DMT and ≥1 cord MRI at follow-up (interval > 6 months) were extracted from the MSBase registry (ACTRN12605000455662). Patients treated with hDMTs ≥90% or lDMTs ≥90% of follow-up duration were considered the hDMT and lDMT groups, respectively. Matching was performed using propensity scores. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazards of new cord lesions, brain lesions and relapses. RESULTS Ninety-four and 783 satisfied hDMT and lDMT group criteria, respectively. Seventy-seven hDMT patients were matched to 184 lDMT patients. In the hDMT group there was no evidence of reduction of new cord lesions (hazard ratio [HR] 0.99 [95% CI 0.51, 1.92], p = 0.97), while there were fewer new brain lesions (HR 0.22 [95% CI 0.10, 0.49], p < 0.001) and fewer relapses (HR 0.45 [95% CI 0.28, 0.72], p = 0.004). CONCLUSION A potential discrepancy exists in the effect of hDMTs over lDMTs in preventing spinal cord lesions versus brain lesions and relapses. While hDMTs provided a significant reduction for the latter when compared to lDMTs, there was no significant reduction in new spinal cord lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kreiter
- Department of Neurology, Academic MS Center Zuyd, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands.
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Department of Neurology, Neuroimmunology Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, CORe, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raymond Hupperts
- Department of Neurology, Academic MS Center Zuyd, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, GF Ingrassia, Catania, Italy
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, AOU Policlinico G Rodolico-San Marco, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Spitaleri
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, MS Center, Neurology Unit, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Surcinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, MS Center, Neurology Unit, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Davide Maimone
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, UOC Neurologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
| | - Bassem Yamout
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Harley Street Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Samia J Khoury
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter New England Health, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Serkan Ozakbas
- Izmir University of Economics, Medical Point Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Association, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oliver Gerlach
- Department of Neurology, Academic MS Center Zuyd, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Woodfin S, Hall S, Ramerth A, Chapple B, Fausnacht D, Moore W, Alkhalidy H, Liu D. Potential Application of Plant-Derived Compounds in Multiple Sclerosis Management. Nutrients 2024; 16:2996. [PMID: 39275311 PMCID: PMC11397714 DOI: 10.3390/nu16172996] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration, resulting in significant disability and reduced quality of life. Current therapeutic strategies primarily target immune dysregulation, but limitations in efficacy and tolerability highlight the need for alternative treatments. Plant-derived compounds, including alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. By modulating immune responses and promoting neuroregeneration, these compounds offer potential as novel adjunctive therapies for MS. This review provides insights into the molecular and cellular basis of MS pathogenesis, emphasizing the role of inflammation in disease progression. It critically evaluates emerging evidence supporting the use of plant-derived compounds to attenuate inflammation and MS symptomology. In addition, we provide a comprehensive source of information detailing the known mechanisms of action and assessing the clinical potential of plant-derived compounds in the context of MS pathogenesis, with a focus on their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Woodfin
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Sierra Hall
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Alexis Ramerth
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Brooke Chapple
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Dane Fausnacht
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Agriculture, Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA 24088, USA
| | - William Moore
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Hana Alkhalidy
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Filippi M, Pagani E, Turrini R, Bartezaghi M, Brescia Morra V, Borriello G, Torri Clerici V, Mirabella M, Pasquali L, Patti F, Totaro R, Gallo P, Rocca MA. Effects of fingolimod on focal and diffuse damage in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis - The "EVOLUTION" study. J Neurol 2024; 271:6181-6196. [PMID: 39073436 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12590-z] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In multiple sclerosis (MS), MRI markers can measure the potential neuroprotective effects of fingolimod beyond its anti-inflammatory activity. In this study we aimed to comprehensively explore, in the real-word setting, whether fingolimod not only reduces clinical/MRI inflammatory activity, but also influences the progression of irreversible focal and whole brain damage in relapsing-remitting [RR] MS patients. METHODS The "EVOLUTION" study, a 24-month observational, prospective, single-arm, multicenter study, enrolled 261 RRMS patients who started fingolimod at 32 Italian MS centers and underwent biannual neurological assessments and annual MRI evaluations. Study outcomes included the proportions of evaluable RRMS patients achieving at 24 months: (1) no new/enlarging T2-hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions and/or clinical relapses; (2) a modified classification of "No Evidence of Disease Activity 4" ("modified NEDA-4") defined as no new/enlarging T2-hyperintense WM lesions, clinical relapses, and 6-month confirmed disability progression, and a yearly percentage lateral ventricular volume change on T2-FLAIR images < 2%; (3) less than 40% of active lesions at baseline and month 12 evolving to permanent black holes (PBHs). RESULTS At month 24, 76/160 (47.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 39.8%;55.2%) RRMS patients had no clinical/MRI activity. Thirty-nine of 170 RRMS patients (22.9%; 95% CI = 16.6%;29.3%) achieved "modified NEDA-4" status. Forty-four of 72 RRMS patients (61.1%; 95% CI = 49.8%;72.4%) had less than 40% of active WM lesions evolving to PBHs. The study confirmed the established safety and tolerability profile of fingolimod. DISCUSSION By comparing our results with those from the literature, the EVOLUTION study seems to indicate a neuroprotective effect of fingolimod, limiting inflammatory activity, brain atrophy and PBH development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, Department of Neuroscience (NSRO), Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Borriello
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale per la Sclerosi Multipla, Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Mirabella
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Centro Di Ricerca Sclerosi Multipla (CERSM), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Pasquali
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Università Di Catania, Sez. Neuroscienze, Catania, Italy
| | - Rocco Totaro
- Demyelinating Disease Center, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Department of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre-Veneto Region (CeSMuV), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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9
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Gross RH, Corboy J. De-escalation and Discontinuation of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:341-353. [PMID: 38995483 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01355-w] [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] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Long-term use of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is standard practice to prevent accumulation of disability. Immunosenescence and other age-related changes lead to an altered risk-benefit ratio for older patients on DMTs. This article reviews recent research on the topic of de-escalation and discontinuation of MS DMTs. RECENT FINDINGS Observational and interventional studies have shed light on what happens to patients who de-escalate or discontinue DMTs and the factors, such as age, treatment type, and presence of recent disease activity, that influence outcomes. Though many questions remain, recent findings have been valuable for the development of an evidence-based approach to making de-escalation and discontinuation decisions in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Gross
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17thAvenue, Mail Stop F727, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - John Corboy
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17thAvenue, Mail Stop F727, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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10
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Passali M, Galea I, Knudsen MH, Lau LC, Cramer SP, Frederiksen JL. Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain in acute optic neuritis and its predictive ability of multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:6127-6135. [PMID: 39052040 PMCID: PMC11377639 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the capability of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain (cNfL) to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) conversion in clinically isolated syndromes have yielded varying results. OBJECTIVES To expand our understanding of cNfL in optic neuritis (ON) and investigate whether incorporating cNfL into the 2017 McDonald criteria could accelerate the diagnosis of MS in patients with ON. METHODS cNfL was measured in diagnostic samples from 74 patients with verified ON. MS was diagnosed using the 2017 McDonald criteria with a minimum observation time of two years from ON onset. RESULTS 20.5% of 44 MS-converters did not fulfil the 2017 McDonald criteria at ON onset. A doubling of cNfL was associated with 207% (74%-514%) higher odds of MS (p = 0.00042, adjusted for age). Fulfilment of ≥ 1 MRI criterion for dissemination in space (DIS) and presence of brain contrast-enhancing lesions were associated with higher cNfL. Furthermore, cNfL correlated with inter-eye differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (Spearman's ρ = 0.46, p = 8 × 10-5). Incorporating cNfL ≥ 906 pg/mL as a substitute for either dissemination in time or one MRI criterion for DIS increased the sensitivity (90.9% vs. 79.6%) and accuracy (91.9% vs. 87.8%), but also reduced the specificity (93.3% vs. 100%) of the 2017 McDonald criteria. CONCLUSION cNfL was related to MS diagnostic parameters and the degree of RNFL swelling. Clinical use of cNfL may aid in identification of ON patients with increased risk of MS until larger studies have elaborated on the potential loss of specificity if used diagnostically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moschoula Passali
- Optic Neuritis Clinic, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ian Galea
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Højberg Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Laurie Chi Lau
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stig Præstekjær Cramer
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jette Lautrup Frederiksen
- Optic Neuritis Clinic, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Darvishi A, Abdi Dezfouli R, Ghasemian Z, Akbari Sari A, Harirchian MH, Daroudi R. The cost-utility analysis of adding ocrelizumab to the treatment plan for primary progressive multiple sclerosis in Iran. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39093616 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2388818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of adding ocrelizumab to supportive care for primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in Iran. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using a lifetime horizon from the payer's perspective, we developed a decision analytic model with Expanded Disability Status Scales (EDSS) as Markov health states while taking transition probabilities and treatment effects into account. Data were sourced from clinical trials and other literature. The target population was PPMS patients receiving either supportive care or ocrelizumab. We assessed cost- effectiveness through total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainties. RESULTS The addition of ocrelizumab to supportive care provided an incremental gain of 0.89 QALYs and an additional cost of US$76,771.34, resulting in an ICER of US$86,220.35 compared to supportive care, which is 5.2 times Iran's GDP per capita (US$16,557). Thus, ocrelizumab is not cost-effective at the threshold of one time GDP per capita. However, the probability of cost-effectiveness increases at higher thresholds. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION While ocrelizumab is not cost-effective at the threshold of one-time GDP per capita, its clinical benefits are significant. Formulating healthcare policies for high-cost medications with low alternatives like ocrelizumab is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Darvishi
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- National Center for Health Insurance Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Abdi Dezfouli
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Ghasemian
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbari Sari
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Harirchian
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rajabali Daroudi
- National Center for Health Insurance Research, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Campbell JA, Henson GJ, Ngwa VF, Ahmad H, Taylor BV, van der Mei I, Palmer AJ. Estimation of Transition Probabilities from a Large Cohort (> 6000) of Australians Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for Changing Disability Severity Classifications, MS Phenotype, and Disease-Modifying Therapy Classifications. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024:10.1007/s40273-024-01417-4. [PMID: 39095665 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-024-01417-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune/neurodegenerative disease associated with progressing disability affecting mostly women. We aim to estimate transition probabilities describing MS-related disability progression from no disability to severe disability. Transition probabilities are a vital input for health economics models. In MS, this is particularly relevant for pharmaceutical agency reimbursement decisions for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). METHODS Data were obtained from Australian participants of the MSBase registry. We used a four-state continuous-time Markov model to describe how people with MS transition between disability milestones defined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (scale 0-10): no disability (EDSS of 0.0), mild (EDSS of 1.0-3.5), moderate (EDSS of 4.0-6.0), and severe (EDSS of 6.5-9.5). Model covariates included sex, DMT usage, MS-phenotype, and disease duration, and analysis of covariate groups were also conducted. All data were recorded by the treating neurologist. RESULTS A total of N = 6369 participants (mean age 42.5 years, 75.00% female) with 38,837 person-years of follow-up and 54,570 clinical reviews were identified for the study. Annual transition probabilities included: remaining in the no, mild, moderate, and severe states (54.24%, 82.02%, 69.86%, 77.83% respectively) and transitioning from no to mild (42.31%), mild to moderate (11.38%), and moderate to severe (9.41%). Secondary-progressive MS was associated with a 150.9% increase in the hazard of disability progression versus relapsing-remitting MS. CONCLUSIONS People with MS have an approximately 45% probability of transitioning from the no disability state after one year, with people with progressive MS transitioning from this health state at a much higher rate. These transition probabilities will be applied in a publicly available health economics simulation model for Australia and similar populations, intended to support reimbursement of a plethora of existing and upcoming interventions including medications to reduce progression of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Campbell
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Glen J Henson
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Valery Fuh Ngwa
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Hasnat Ahmad
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew J Palmer
- Medical Sciences Precinct, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Lorefice L, Mellino P, Frau J, Coghe G, Fenu G, Cocco E. Ocrelizumab use in multiple sclerosis: a real-world experience in a changing therapeutic scenario. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3951-3959. [PMID: 38472551 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07449-0] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CD20-depleting therapies are a real milestone in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the ocrelizumab (OCR) use in patients with primary progressive (PP) and relapsing remitting (RR) MS, also evaluating the predictors of treatment response. METHODS Patients with MS treated with OCR between 2017 and 2022 were included, and OCR use trends examined. The patients' characteristics were assessed at baseline and after 24 months of OCR to assess the NEDA-3 status. RESULTS This study included 421 patients: 33 (7.9%) with PP and 388 (92.1%) with RR MS. Among these, 67 (17.3%) were naïve, while switchers from first- and second-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were 199 (51.3%) and 122 (31.4%), respectively. An increasing trend in OCR use was reported. For six patients treated with rituximab, OCR was chosen to improve tolerability; for 390 switcher patients, the choice was due to ineffectiveness; and for 25, as an exit strategy from natalizumab due to JC virus positivity. NEDA-3 status was calculated for subjects exposed to 24 months of OCR and was achieved by 163/192 (84.9%) RR patients and 9/16 (56%) PP patients, with younger age (p = 0.048) and annualized relapse rate in the year previous to OCR (p = 0.005) emerging as determinants. For the 25 patients who switched to OCR after natalizumab, no clinical or MRI activity after 12 months was reported. CONCLUSION OCR has been confirmed to be a highly efficacious option for patients with PP and RR MS, even proving to be a valid exit strategy for natalizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Mellino
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Neurosciences, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
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Iaffaldano P, Lucisano G, Guerra T, Paolicelli D, Portaccio E, Inglese M, Foschi M, Patti F, Granella F, Romano S, Cavalla P, De Luca G, Gallo P, Bellantonio P, Gallo A, Montepietra S, Di Sapio A, Vianello M, Quatrale R, Spitaleri D, Clerici R, Torri Clerici V, Cocco E, Brescia Morra V, Marfia GA, Boccia VD, Filippi M, Amato MP, Trojano M. A comparison of natalizumab and ocrelizumab on disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:2008-2015. [PMID: 38970214 PMCID: PMC11330227 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE No direct comparisons of the effect of natalizumab and ocrelizumab on progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) and relapse-associated worsening (RAW) events are currently available. We aimed to compare the risk of achieving first 6 months confirmed PIRA and RAW events and irreversible Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4.0 and 6.0 in a cohort of naïve patients treated with natalizumab or ocrelizumab from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Register. METHODS Patients with a first visit within 1 year from onset, treated with natalizumab or ocrelizumab, and ≥3 visits were extracted. Pairwise propensity score-matched analyses were performed. Risk of reaching the first PIRA, RAW, and EDSS 4.0 and 6.0 events were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to show cumulative probabilities of reaching outcomes. RESULTS In total, 770 subjects were included (natalizumab = 568; ocrelizumab = 212) and the propensity score-matching retrieved 195 pairs. No RAW events were found in natalizumab group and only 1 was reported in ocrelizumab group. A first PIRA event was reached by 23 natalizumab and 25 ocrelizumab exposed patients; 7 natalizumab- and 10 ocrelizumab-treated patients obtained an irreversible EDSS 4.0, while 13 natalizumab- and 15 ocrelizumab-treated patients reached an irreversible EDSS 6.0. No differences between the two groups were found in the risk (HR, 95%CI) of reaching a first PIRA (1.04, 0.59-1.84; p = 0.88) event, an irreversible EDSS 4.0 (1.23, 0.57-2.66; p = 0.60) and 6.0 (0.93, 0.32-2.68; p = 0.89). INTERPRETATION Both medications strongly suppress RAW events and, in the short term, the risk of achieving PIRA events, EDSS 4.0 and 6.0 milestones is not significantly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and NeurosciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Giuseppe Lucisano
- CORESEARCH ‐ Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical EpidemiologyPescaraItaly
| | - Tommaso Guerra
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and NeurosciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Damiano Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and NeurosciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | | | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica E Scienze Materno ‐ Infantili (DINOGMI)Università di GenovaGenoaItaly
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San MartinoGenoaItaly
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center‐Neurology UnitS. Maria delle Croci Hospital of Ravenna, AUSL RomagnaRavenna48121Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Sez. Neuroscienze, Centro Sclerosi MultiplaUniversità di CataniaCataniaItaly
| | - Franco Granella
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS)Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and 1 Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Mental HealthAOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15Torino10126Italy
| | - Giovanna De Luca
- Centro Sclerosi MultiplaClinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS. AnnunziataChietiItaly
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Department of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre‐Veneto Region (CeSMuV)University Hospital of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Paolo Bellantonio
- Unit of Neurology and NeurorehabilitationIRCCS NeuromedPozzilliItaly
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical SciencesUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Sara Montepietra
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAUSL‐IRCCS of Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Regional Referral MS Center, Neurological UnitUniv. Hospital San LuigiOrbassanoItaly
| | | | - Rocco Quatrale
- Ambulatorio Sclerosi Multipla ‐ Divisione di NeurologiaOspedale dell'AngeloMestreItaly
| | | | - Raffaella Clerici
- Centro ad Alta Specializzazione per la diagnosi e la cura della sclerosi multiplaOspedale Generale di zona ValduceComoItaly
| | | | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Centro Sclerosi MultiplaUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neuroscience (NSRO)Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, Federico II UniversityNaplesItaly
| | | | - Vincenzo Daniele Boccia
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica E Scienze Materno ‐ Infantili (DINOGMI)Università di GenovaGenoaItaly
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit and MS CenterIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | | | - Maria Trojano
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and NeurosciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
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MacKenzie EG, Snow NJ, Chaves AR, Reza SZ, Ploughman M. Weak grip strength among persons with multiple sclerosis having minimal disability is not related to agility or integrity of the corticospinal tract. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 88:105741. [PMID: 38936325 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105741] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, agility has received less attention. Agility requires strength and neuromuscular coordination to elicit controlled propulsive rapid whole-body movement. Grip strength is a common method to assess whole body force production, but also reflects neuromuscular integrity and global brain health. Impaired agility may be linked to loss of neuromuscular integrity (reflected by grip strength or corticospinal excitability). OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether grip strength would be associated with agility and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-based indices of corticospinal excitability and inhibition in persons with MS having low disability. We hypothesized that low grip strength would predict impaired agility and reflect low corticospinal excitability. METHODS We recruited 34 persons with relapsing MS (27 females; median [range] age 45.5 [21.0-65.0] years) and mild disability (median [range] Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.0 [0-3.0]), as well as a convenience sample of age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Agility was tested by measuring hop length during bipedal hopping on an instrumented walkway. Grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer. Corticospinal excitability and inhibition were examined using TMS-based motor evoked potential (MEP) and corticospinal silent period (CSP) recruitment curves, respectively. RESULTS MS participants had significantly lower grip strength than controls independent of sex. Females with and without MS had weaker grip strength than males. There were no statistically significant sex or group differences in agility. After controlling for sex, weaker grip strength was associated with shorter hop length in controls only (r = 0.645, p < .05). Grip strength did not significantly predict agility in persons with MS, nor was grip strength predicted by corticospinal excitability or inhibition. CONCLUSIONS In persons with MS having low disability, grip strength (normalized to body mass) was reduced despite having intact agility and walking performance. Grip strength was not associated with corticospinal excitability or inhibition, suggesting peripheral neuromuscular function, low physical activity or fitness, or other psychosocial factors may be related to weakness. Low grip strength is a putative indicator of early neuromuscular aging in persons with MS having mild disability and normal mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan G MacKenzie
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Snow
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Arthur R Chaves
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Neuromodulation Research Clinic, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, ON, Canada; Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, QC, Canada
| | - Syed Z Reza
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Michelle Ploughman
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada.
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Martin SJ, Guenette M, Oh J. Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Ublituximab in the Treatment of MS: Design, Development and Place in Therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:3025-3042. [PMID: 39050801 PMCID: PMC11268567 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s388410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
B cells are critical to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. B cell depletion using anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has proven to be an extremely successful treatment strategy, with profound suppression of both clinical and radiological evidence of focal inflammatory disease. Several anti-CD20 mAbs are now licensed for use in MS, with ublituximab being the latest to gain regulatory approval. The unique properties of each of the anti-CD20 mAb may result in nuanced differences in timing, duration and depth of B cell depletion, with the potential for such differences to have a clinical relevance to both drug efficacy and adverse effects. In this review, we summarize the design, development, and current place in MS therapy for ublituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jane Martin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Melanie Guenette
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Manni A, Oggiano F, Palazzo C, Panetta V, Gargano CD, Mangialardi V, Guerra T, Iaffaldano A, Caputo F, Iaffaldano P, Ruggieri M, Trojano M, Paolicelli D. Clinical and biological predictors of Cladribine effectiveness in Multiple Sclerosis: A real-world, single Centre study considering a two-year interval from year-2 dosing. J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123070. [PMID: 38850773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123070] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cladribine tablets (CLAD) for adult patients with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) have been available in Italy since 2018. We aimed to assess predictors of no-evidence-of-disease-activity-3 (NEDA-3) status after 24 months of the last dose of CLAD. RESULTS We included 88 patients (70.5% female, mean age at CLAD start 35.4 ± 11.4). Eighteen patients were treatment naïve, 48 switched to CLAD from a First line Disease Modifying Drug (DMD), and 22 from Second line DMDs. All patients were observed for a median follow-up time of 2.4 (1-4) years after the last dose of CLAD. Forty-nine patients (55.7%) showed NEDA at the last available follow-up. Naïve patients (p = 0.001), those with a lower number of previous DMDs (p < 0.001) and, even though not significantly, those switching from first line DMDs (p = 0.069) were more likely NEDA3 at the last available follow-up. In a subgroup of 30 patients (34%), Serum Light Neurofilaments (sNFL) levels showed a decrease from baseline to the 24 months of follow-up, statistically significant from baseline to the sixth month, and from the first to the second year detection. sNFL levels at 12th month showed a strong inverse correlation with the time to NEDA3 loss. CONCLUSIONS Our experience provides information for the 2-years after the last dose of CLAD, confirming a higher effectiveness of CLAD when placed early in the treatment algorithm. Given the ongoing expansion of the therapeutic landscape in MS, sNfL could support individualized decision-making, used as blood-based biomarker for CLAD responses in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Manni
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - F Oggiano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - C Palazzo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - V Panetta
- L'altrastatistica srl -Consultancy & Training- Biostatistics office, Rome, Cap 00174, Italy.
| | - C D Gargano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - V Mangialardi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - T Guerra
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - A Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Caputo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - P Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - M Ruggieri
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - M Trojano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - D Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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18
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Signoriello E, Signori A, Lus G, Romano G, Marfia GA, Landi D, Napoli F, D' Amico E, Zanghí A, Di Filippo PS, Caliendo D, Carotenuto A, Spiezia AL, Fantozzi R, Centonze D, Lucchini M, Mirabella M, Cocco E, Frau J, Maniscalco GT, Di Battista ME, Foschi M, Surcinelli A, Bonavita S, Abbadessa G, Pasquali L, Di Gregorio M, Ferrò MT, Sormani MP, Schiavetti I. NEDA-3 achievement in early highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with Ocrelizumab or Natalizumab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105594. [PMID: 38718748 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105594] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND in the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), initiating high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (HE DMTs) may represent an optimal strategy for delaying neurological damage and long-term disease progression, especially in highly active MS patients (HAMS). Natalizumab (NAT) and Ocrelizumab (OCR) are recognized as HE DMTs with significant anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates NEDA-3 achievement in treatment-naïve HAMS patients receiving NAT or OCR over three years. METHODS we retrospectively enrolled treatment-naïve HAMS patients undergoing NAT or OCR, collecting demographic, clinical, and instrumental data before and after treatment initiation to compare with propensity score analysis disease activity, time to disability worsening, and NEDA-3 achievement. RESULTS we recruited 281 HAMS patients with a mean age of 32.7 years (SD 10.33), treated with NAT (157) or OCR (124). After three years, the Kaplan-Meier probability of achieving NEDA-3 was 66.0 % (95 % CI: 57.3 % - 76.0 %) with OCR and 68.2 % (95 % CI: 59.9 % - 77.7 %) with NAT without significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.27) DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: starting HE DMT with monoclonal antibodies for HAMS could achieve NEDA-3 in a high percentage of patients without differences between NAT or OCR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lus
- Second Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli - Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Romano
- Second Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli - Naples, Italy
| | - Girolama Alessandra Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Landi
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele D' Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Aurora Zanghí
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Caliendo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Luca Spiezia
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Diego Centonze
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Lucchini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mirabella
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, Roma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Dpt of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center - Neurology Unit, S.Mariadelle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy; Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Surcinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center - Neurology Unit, S.Mariadelle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Simona Bonavita
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, I Clinic of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, I Clinic of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Livia Pasquali
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Di Gregorio
- Neurology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84100, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irene Schiavetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Smets I, Versteegh M, Huygens S, Wokke B, Smolders J. Benefits of early highly effective versus escalation treatment strategies in relapsing multiple sclerosis estimated using a treatment-sequence model. Mult Scler 2024; 30:1016-1025. [PMID: 38859625 PMCID: PMC11290018 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241258692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncertainty about disproportionate impact on health care budgets limits implementation of early highly effective treatment (EHT) in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To estimate cost-effectiveness of escalation versus EHT disease-modifying treatment (DMT) sequences. METHODS Using a health-economic approach, we analysed health benefits (relapse rate reduction, disability prevention), direct/indirect DMT and societal costs of escalation versus EHT DMT sequences. In scenario analyses, we allowed (1) earlier use of alemtuzumab (ALE) and (2) a single retreatment with cladribine (CLA). RESULTS In our model, we showed that the ratio between costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the most cost-effective EHT and escalation sequence results into a similar net health benefit with higher costs and also higher QALYs associated with an EHT versus escalation strategy. Earlier use of ALE is more cost-effective than in later lines, even when aggravating the impact of its side-effects tenfold. Retreatment with CLA was more cost-effective in both escalation and EHT sequences. CONCLUSIONS Certain EHT sequences are equally cost-effective to escalation sequences and are likely to result in more health at uncertain additional costs. The favourable cost-benefit ratio of CLA and ALE suggests that a wider application of affordable highly effective therapies could promote the cost-effectiveness both EHT and escalation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ide Smets
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Beatrijs Wokke
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Smolders
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Moura J, Granziera C, Marta M, Silva AM. Emerging imaging markers in radiologically isolated syndrome: implications for earlier treatment initiation. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3061-3068. [PMID: 38374458 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07402-1] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The presence of central nervous system lesions fulfilling the criteria of dissemination in space and time on MRI leads to the diagnosis of a radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), which may be an early sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, some patients who do not fulfill the necessary criteria for RIS still evolve to MS, and some T2 hyperintensities that resemble demyelinating lesions may originate from mimics. In light of the recent recognition of the efficacy of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in RIS, it is relevant to consider additional imaging features that are more specific of MS. We performed a narrative review on cortical lesions (CL), the central vein sign (CVS), and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL) in patients with RIS. In previous RIS studies, the reported prevalence of CLs ranges between 20.0 and 40.0%, CVS + white matter lesions (WMLs) between 87.0 and 93.0% and PRLs between 26.7 and 63.0%. Overall, these imaging findings appear to be frequent in RIS cohorts, although not consistently taken into account in previous studies. The search for CLs, CVS + WML and PRLs in RIS patients could lead to earlier identification of patients who will evolve to MS and benefit from DMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Moura
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal.
- ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monica Marta
- Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, London, UK
| | - Ana Martins Silva
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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21
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Lepore V, Paletta P, Bosetti C, Santucci C, Ponzio M, Pupillo E, Leone MA, Bergamaschi R, Mosconi P. Temporal and spatial patterns in the prescriptions of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Results from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105638. [PMID: 38713966 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105638] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic scenario in multiple sclerosis (MS) has evolved over recent years with the progressive introduction of new drugs focused to better balance efficacy, safety and management requirements. The objective of this study was to examine the prescribing patterns of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) over time and across different geographic areas, and the latency between disease onset, first Register center visit, disease diagnosis, and the start of treatment in a large cohort of persons with MS from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register. METHODS Up to 2022, the Register collected data from 124 centers on more than 78,000 persons, of whom 56,872 received at least one DMT prescription. Beside baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, we focused on DMT according to their efficacy distinguishing between moderate-efficacy (ME), or high-efficacy (HE). RESULTS There was a higher probability of prescribing HE-DMT for increasing calendar years (multivariable odds ratio, OR=11.51 in 2021 or thereafter vs before 2000), in males (OR=1.08 vs females), patients with primary progressive with or without relapse (OR=3.00 vs clinically isolated syndrome), those with a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (OR=3.85 for >4 versus 0-1), and those from larger referral centers (OR=1.89 vs smaller ones). Conversely, higher age at onset was associated to a lower probability of prescribing HE-DMT (OR=0.74 at 40 or more vs <20 years). A trend to shorter times was observed in subsequent calendar years for disease onset, first center visit, diagnosis and first DMT prescription. No trend was detected based on the location of the geographic referral centers. The times between disease onset, first center visit, and diagnosis and the first DMT prescription showed significant decreases according to the year, while differences were less evident for the geographic areas. CONCLUSION This study highlights some factors influencing the choice of HE-DMT, including aspects of both healthcare and clinical phenotype. The absence of a geographic pattern may indicate some homogeneity in DMT prescriptions across different Italian MS centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Lepore
- Dipartimento di Epidemiologia Medica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paletta
- Dipartimento di Epidemiologia Medica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Dipartimento di Epidemiologia Medica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Santucci
- Dipartimento di Epidemiologia Medica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 22, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Ponzio
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Via Operai 40, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pupillo
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Maurizio A Leone
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Bergamaschi
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, IRCCS Fondazione Mondino, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Mosconi
- Dipartimento di Epidemiologia Medica, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy.
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22
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Gosetti di Sturmeck T, Malimpensa L, Ferrazzano G, Belvisi D, Leodori G, Lembo F, Brandi R, Pascale E, Cattaneo A, Salvetti M, Conte A, D’Onofrio M, Arisi I. Exploring miRNAs' Based Modeling Approach for Predicting PIRA in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6342. [PMID: 38928049 PMCID: PMC11203572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The current hypothesis on the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests the involvement of both inflammatory and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) effectively decrease relapse rates, thus reducing relapse-associated disability in people with MS. In some patients, disability progression, however, is not solely linked to new lesions and clinical relapses but can manifest independently. Progression Independent of Relapse Activity (PIRA) significantly contributes to long-term disability, stressing the urge to unveil biomarkers to forecast disease progression. Twenty-five adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were enrolled in a cohort study, according to the latest McDonald criteria, and tested before and after high-efficacy Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) (6-24 months). Through Agilent microarrays, we analyzed miRNA profiles from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Multivariate logistic and linear models with interactions were generated. Robustness was assessed by randomization tests in R. A subset of miRNAs, correlated with PIRA, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), was selected. To refine the patient stratification connected to the disease trajectory, we computed a robust logistic classification model derived from baseline miRNA expression to predict PIRA status (AUC = 0.971). We built an optimal multilinear model by selecting four other miRNA predictors to describe EDSS changes compared to baseline. Multivariate modeling offers a promising avenue to uncover potential biomarkers essential for accurate prediction of disability progression in early MS stages. These models can provide valuable insights into developing personalized and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Gosetti di Sturmeck
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (T.G.d.S.); (R.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Leonardo Malimpensa
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (L.M.); (D.B.); (G.L.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Gina Ferrazzano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Daniele Belvisi
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (L.M.); (D.B.); (G.L.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Giorgio Leodori
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (L.M.); (D.B.); (G.L.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Flaminia Lembo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (T.G.d.S.); (R.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Esterina Pascale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (T.G.d.S.); (R.B.); (A.C.)
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS), 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (L.M.); (D.B.); (G.L.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Conte
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; (L.M.); (D.B.); (G.L.); (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (T.G.d.S.); (R.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (T.G.d.S.); (R.B.); (A.C.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
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23
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Ciron J, Bourre B, Castelnovo G, Guennoc AM, De Sèze J, Ben-Amor AF, Savarin C, Vermersch P. Holistic, Long-Term Management of People with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis with Cladribine Tablets: Expert Opinion from France. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:503-518. [PMID: 38488979 PMCID: PMC11136930 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cladribine tablets (CladT) has been available for therapeutic use in France since March 2021 for the management of highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). This high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) acts as an immune reconstitution therapy. In contrast to most high-efficacy DMTs, which act via continuous immunosuppression, two short courses of oral treatment with CladT at the beginning of years 1 and 2 of treatment provide long-term control of MS disease activity in responders to treatment, without the need for any further pharmacological treatment for several years. Although the labelling for CladT does not provide guidance beyond the initial treatment courses, real-world data on the therapeutic use of CladT from registries of previous clinical trial participants and patients treated in routine practice indicate that MS disease activity is controlled for a period of years beyond this time for a substantial proportion of patients. Moreover, this clinical experience has provided useful information on how to initiate and manage treatment with CladT. In this article we, a group of expert neurologists from France, provide recommendations on the initiation of CladT in DMT-naïve patients, how to switch from existing DMTs to CladT for patients with continuing MS disease activity, how to manage patients during the first 2 years of treatment and finally, how to manage patients with or without MS disease activity in years 3, 4 and beyond after initiating treatment with CladT. We believe that optimisation of the use of CladT beyond its initial courses of treatment will maximise the benefits of this treatment, especially early in the course of MS when suppression of focal inflammation in the CNS is a clinical priority to limit MS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ciron
- Department of Neurology, Centre de Ressources et de Compétences Sclérose en Plaques (CRC-SEP), Toulouse University Hospital, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, Toulouse, France
- INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Giovanni Castelnovo
- Department of Neurology, Nîmes University Hospital, Hopital Caremeau, Nîmes, France
| | | | - Jérôme De Sèze
- Department of Neurology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ali Frederic Ben-Amor
- Knowlepsy Investment, Marseille Innovation, Technopôle de Château-Gombert, Marseille, France
| | - Carine Savarin
- Merck Santé S.A.S., an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LilNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France.
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24
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Singer BA, Feng J, Chiong-Rivero H. Early use of high-efficacy therapies in multiple sclerosis in the United States: benefits, barriers, and strategies for encouraging adoption. J Neurol 2024; 271:3116-3130. [PMID: 38615277 PMCID: PMC11136864 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by progressive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration from disease onset that, if left untreated, can result in the accumulation of irreversible neurological disability. Early intervention with high-efficacy therapies (HETs) is increasingly recognized as the best strategy to delay or mitigate disease progression from the earliest stages of the disease and to prevent long-term neurodegeneration. Although there is growing clinical and real-world evidence supporting early HET intervention, foregoing this strategy in favor of a traditional escalation approach prioritizing lower-efficacy disease-modifying therapies remains a common approach in clinical practice. This review explores potential health care professional- and patient-related barriers to the early use of HETs in patients with MS in the United States. Barriers can include regulatory and reimbursement restrictions; knowledge gaps and long-term safety concerns among health care professionals; and various individual, cultural, and societal factors affecting patients. Potential strategies for overcoming these barriers and encouraging early HET use are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Singer
- The MS Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Jenny Feng
- Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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25
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Gklinos P, Mitsikostas DD. Headache disorders in multiple sclerosis: Is there an association? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105536. [PMID: 38489946 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105536] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To look for any potential association of headache disorders with multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND The prevalence of headache disorders has been found to be increased in people with MS (pwMS), however, an association has not been established. Existing studies have provided conflicting results mostly because of methodological differences. METHODS PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched to identify eligible studies. Studies were included if they were cross-sectional, case-control or cohort. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Case-control, cross sectional or cohort studies that used the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-2 or-3 criteria for headache diagnosis and Mc Donald or Poser criteria for MS diagnosis were included. Data were extracted using standardized data collection form. Meta-analysis was conducted by calculating the overall prevalence of headache disorders in pwMS as well as the association of headache disorders with MS. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), a tool for assessing the quality of non-randomized studies, was used to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included yielding a total of 5,440 MS patients and 28,0958 controls. The majority of them scored a NOS score between 5 and 6 (max 9), which indicates that they did not rank high in terms of quality, because most studies were cross-sectional and uncontrolled, and only one was prospective, controlled, and longitudinal, but with small population size. Pooled prevalence for all headache disorders, migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in pwMS was 58 % (95 % CI 0.54-0.61), 30 % (95 % CI 0.25-0.34) and 19 % (95 % CI 0.15-0.23) respectively. A significant association between migraine and MS was found (OR = 2.02, 95 % CI = 1.14-3.57). CONCLUSION PwMS are twice as likely to experience migraine as controls, but the results need to be translated with caution since most of the studies included in the meta-analysis were of low or moderate quality. Larger prospective cohort, controlled, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm whether there is indeed an association between MS and migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Gklinos
- First Neurology Department, Eginition University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimos-Dimitrios Mitsikostas
- First Neurology Department, Eginition University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Viswanathan S, Vijayasingham L, Laurson-Doube J, Quek AML, Tan K, Yeo T, Seinn MMA, Ohnmar O, Estiasari R, Yassin N, Hiew FL, Pasco PM, Hoang NTT, Keosodsay S, Siritho S, Apiwattanakul M, Ros S, Dias de Deus BS, Remli R, Abdullah S, Lim SY. Multi-actor system dynamics in access to disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in Southeast Asia: A regional survey and suggestions for improvement. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105555. [PMID: 38547547 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105555] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the global availability of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments, accessing and financing them in Southeast Asia (SEA) remains a challenge. This descriptive survey-based study aimed to describe the current state of MS treatment access and local access dynamics within this region. METHODS The survey questionnaire, comprising of 15 closed-ended and five open-ended questions, was developed by three neurologists with expertise in MS and routine MS patient management, or had training in neuroimmunology. Questionnaire development was guided by the recent Atlas of MS and in alignment with the Access to Treatment framework, focusing on MS diagnosis and treatment issues in SEA. Fifteen neurologists experienced in managing MS across the region were identified as key informants for this study. RESULTS All fifteen neurologists participated in the survey via email and videoconferencing between January 2020 and February 2023, which included the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. All had at least five years of experience in managing MS patients and six had previously completed a neuroimmunology fellowship programme. SEA countries showed disparities in healthcare financing, availability of neurologists, MS treatments, and investigative tools. Access to MS disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) is hindered by high cost, lack of MS specialists, and weak advocacy efforts. On-label DMTs are not listed as essential medicines regionally except for interferon beta1a and teriflunomide in Malaysia. On-label monoclonals are available only in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Generic on-label DMTs are unavailable due to lack of distributorship and expertise in using them. Off-label DMTs (azathioprine, methotrexate, and rituximab) predominate in most SEA countries. Other challenges include limited access to investigations, education, and knowledge about DMTs among general neurologists, and absence of registries and MS societies. Patient champions, communities, and MS organisations have limited influence on local governments and pharmaceutical companies. Despite its increasing prevalence, there is a lack of concerted priority setting due to MS being perceived as a rare, non-communicable disease. CONCLUSION This study highlights the distinct dynamics, challenges, and research gaps within this region, and provides suggestions to improve MS diagnosis, education, and medicine access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lavanya Vijayasingham
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amy M L Quek
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kevin Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Tianrong Yeo
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | | | - Ohnmar Ohnmar
- Department of Neurology, Yangon General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Riwanti Estiasari
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Neurology Department, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Norazieda Yassin
- Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Brunei
| | | | - Paul M Pasco
- Department of Neurosciences, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Nghia T T Hoang
- Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Sasitorn Siritho
- Department of Neurology, Bumrungrad International Hospital and Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sina Ros
- Department of Neurology, Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Rabani Remli
- Department of Neurology, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | | | - Su-Yin Lim
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Malaysia.
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Alroughani R, Al-Hashel J, Ahmed SF. Substantial and comparable suppression of disease activity following early initiation of cladribine tablets, ocrelizumab or alemtuzumab as first pharmacologic treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis: A real world study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 240:108249. [PMID: 38513425 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108249] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe the efficacy and safety of recent high efficacy disease DMTs in DMT-naive patients with highly active RMS. METHODS This was a retrospective, cross sectional study from the Kuwait national MS registry. Patients with RMS who received alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets or ocrelizumab as their first DMT for RMS, with ≥2 year of follow up were included. The primary endpoint was the change in relapse rate from treatment initiation to 1 year; changes in disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]), radiologic activity, the proportion with no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3), and the frequency of adverse events were secondary endpoints. RESULTS Among 123 RRMS patients, 59 received ocrelizumab, 32 received cladribine tablets and 32 received alemtuzumab. About two-thirds (65%) were women. Substantial and similar (p>0.05) reductions occurred at the end of follow-up in annual relapse rate (by 93.2% for ocrelizumab, 87.5% for cladribine tablets, and 90.6% for alemtuzumab). The proportion with new T2 of gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions across the three groups was reduced from 85-100% to 7-13%. Rates of confirmed disability progression were low (ocrelizumab 6.9%, cladribine tablets 3.1%, alemtuzumab 0%; p=0.280); disability was reduced in 15%, 22% and 38%, respectively. NEDA-3 was observed in 89.8%, 87.5%, and 84.4, respectively (p=0.784). No new or unexpected safety issues occurred. CONCLUSION Ocrelizumab, cladribine tablets and alemtuzumab reduced relapse rates and MRI activity, and prevented disease progression, when are initiated early in DMT-naive RMS patients. These data support the early use of high-efficacy DMTs for people with highly active RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasem Al-Hashel
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Samar Farouk Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Minia University, Egypt.
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Preziosa P, Rocca MA, Filippi M. Radiologically isolated syndromes: to treat or not to treat? J Neurol 2024; 271:2370-2378. [PMID: 38502339 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12294-4] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has led to increased detection of individuals exhibiting asymptomatic brain and spinal cord lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS), defined as "radiologically isolated syndrome" (RIS). Specific criteria have been proposed and updated over time to identify individuals with RIS. Moreover, a younger age, the presence of infratentorial, spinal cord or gadolinium-enhancing lesions, as well as of cerebrospinal fluid-specific oligoclonal bands have been recognized as relevant risk factors for the occurrence of a first clinical event. Recent randomized controlled trials conducted in individuals with RIS have shown that dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide significantly reduce the occurrence of clinical events in this population. These findings support the notion that early treatment initiation may positively influence the prognosis of these patients. However, several aspects should be taken into account before treating individuals with RIS in the real-world clinical setting, including an accurate identification of individuals with RIS to avoid misdiagnosis, a precise stratification of their risk of experiencing a first clinical event and further data supporting favorable balance between benefits and risks, even in the long term. This commentary provides an overview of the latest updates in RIS diagnosis, prognosis, and emerging treatment evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Fernández Ó, Sörensen PS, Comi G, Vermersch P, Hartung HP, Leocani L, Berger T, Van Wijmeersch B, Oreja-Guevara C. Managing multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 55 and above: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379538. [PMID: 38646534 PMCID: PMC11032020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management in individuals aged 55 and above presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between aging, comorbidities, immunosenescence, and MS pathophysiology. This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of MS in older adults, including the increased incidence and prevalence of MS in this age group, the shift in disease phenotypes from relapsing-remitting to progressive forms, and the presence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. We aim to provide an updated review of the available evidence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in older patients, including the efficacy and safety of existing therapies, emerging treatments such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTKs) inhibitors and those targeting remyelination and neuroprotection, and the critical decisions surrounding the initiation, de-escalation, and discontinuation of DMTs. Non-pharmacologic approaches, including physical therapy, neuromodulation therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy, are also examined for their role in holistic care. The importance of MS Care Units and advance care planning are explored as a cornerstone in providing patient-centric care, ensuring alignment with patient preferences in the disease trajectory. Finally, the review emphasizes the need for personalized management and continuous monitoring of MS patients, alongside advocating for inclusive study designs in clinical research to improve the management of this growing patient demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Fernández
- Departament of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga (IBIMA), Regional University Hospital of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Pediatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Per Soelberg Sörensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LilNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bart Van Wijmeersch
- University MS Centre, Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium
- Rehabilitation and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Noorderhart Hospitals, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Ontaneda D, Chitnis T, Rammohan K, Obeidat AZ. Identification and management of subclinical disease activity in early multiple sclerosis: a review. J Neurol 2024; 271:1497-1514. [PMID: 37864717 PMCID: PMC10972995 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Early treatment initiation in multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial in preventing irreversible neurological damage and disability progression. The current assessment of disease activity relies on relapse rates and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion activity, but inclusion of other early, often "hidden," indicators of disease activity may describe a more comprehensive picture of MS. OBSERVATIONS Early indicators of MS disease activity other than relapses and MRI activity, such as cognitive impairment, brain atrophy, and fatigue, are not typically captured by routine disease monitoring. Furthermore, silent progression (neurological decline not clearly captured by standard methods) may occur undetected by relapse and MRI lesion activity monitoring. Consequently, patients considered to have no disease activity actually may have worsening disease, suggesting a need to revise MS management strategies with respect to timely initiation and escalation of disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Traditionally, first-line MS treatment starts with low- or moderate-efficacy therapies, before escalating to high-efficacy therapies (HETs) after evidence of breakthrough disease activity. However, multiple observational studies have shown that early initiation of HETs can prevent or reduce disability progression. Ongoing randomized clinical trials are comparing escalation and early HET approaches. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There is an urgent need to reassess how MS disease activity and worsening are measured. A greater awareness of "hidden" indicators, potentially combined with biomarkers to reveal silent disease activity and neurodegeneration underlying MS, would provide a more complete picture of MS and allow for timely therapeutic intervention with HET or switching DMTs to address suboptimal treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kottil Rammohan
- Division of Multiple Sclerosis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ahmed Z Obeidat
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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31
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Iaffaldano P, Lucisano G, Guerra T, Patti F, Cocco E, De Luca G, Brescia Morra V, Pozzilli C, Zaffaroni M, Ferraro D, Gasperini C, Salemi G, Bergamaschi R, Lus G, Inglese M, Romano S, Bellantonio P, Di Monte E, Maniscalco GT, Conte A, Lugaresi A, Vianello M, Torri Clerici VLA, Di Sapio A, Pesci I, Granella F, Totaro R, Marfia GA, Danni MC, Cavalla P, Valentino P, Aguglia U, Montepietra S, Ferraro E, Protti A, Spitaleri D, Avolio C, De Riz M, Maimone D, Cavaletti G, Gazzola P, Tedeschi G, Sessa M, Rovaris M, Di Palma F, Gatto M, Cargnelutti D, De Robertis F, Logullo FO, Rini A, Meucci G, Ardito B, Banfi P, Nasuelli D, Paolicelli D, Rocca MA, Portaccio E, Chisari CG, Fenu G, Onofrj M, Carotenuto A, Ruggieri S, Tortorella C, Ragonese P, Nica M, Amato MP, Filippi M, Trojano M. Evaluation of drivers of treatment switch in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a study from the Italian MS Registry. J Neurol 2024; 271:1150-1159. [PMID: 38135850 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently defined as "relapsing MS" (RMS). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess drivers of treatment switches due to clinical relapses in a population of RMS patients collected in the Italian MS and Related Disorders Register (I-MS&RD). METHODS RRMS and SPMS patients with at least one relapse in a time window of 2 years before of data extraction were defined as RMS. Factors associated with disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching due to clinical activity were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models in which treatment exposure was included as the last recorded DMT and the last DMT's class [moderate-efficacy (ME), high-efficacy (HE) DMTs and anti-CD20 drugs]. RESULTS A cohort of 4739 RMS patients (4161 RRMS, 578 SPMS) was extracted from the I-MS&RD. A total of 2694 patients switching DMTs due to relapses were identified. Switchers were significantly (p < 0.0001) younger, less disabled, more frequently affected by an RR disease course in comparison to non-switcher patients. The multivariable logistic regression models showed that Alemtuzumab (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.37), Natalizumab (0.48, 0.30-0.76), Ocrelizumab (0.1, 0.02-0.45) and Rituximab (0.23, 0.06-0.82) exposure was a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses. Moreover, the use of HE DMTs (0.43, 0.31-0.59), especially anti-CD20 drugs (0.14, 0.05-0.37), resulted to be a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses in comparison with ME DMTs. CONCLUSIONS More than 50% of RMS switched therapy due to disease activity. HE DMTs, especially anti-CD20 drugs, significantly reduce the risk of treatment switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucisano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Pescara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Guerra
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche E Chirurgiche E Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
- UOS Sclerosi Multipla, AOU Policlinico G Rodolico-San Marco, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari/Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Luca
- Centro Sclerosi MultiplaClinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS Annunziata, Università "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Zaffaroni
- Neuroimmunology Unit and Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASST Della Valle Olona, Hospital of Gallarate, Via Pastori 4, 21013, Gallarate, VA, Italy
| | - Diana Ferraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Ospedale Civile di BaggiovaraAzienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salemi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Lus
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento di NeuroscienzeRiabilitazioneOftalmologiaGenetica e Scienze Materno-Infantili (DINOGMI), Universita' di Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Di Monte
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Hospital ASL 4 "Madonna delle Grazie", 75100, Matera, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neurophysiopatology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marika Vianello
- MS Unit, OU Neurology "Ca' Foncello" Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Department of Neurology, Regional Referral Multiple Sclerosis Center, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pesci
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale Vaio-Fidenza, Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Granella
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rocco Totaro
- Centro Malattie Demielinizzanti-Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale San Salvatore, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - Girolama Alessandra Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Chiara Danni
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla e Neurologia 1 D.U, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Valentino
- Istituto di neurologia, Università Magna Graecia Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Montepietra
- MS Centre, SMN Hospital, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Carlo Avolio
- MS Center, University of Neurology, Foggia, Italy
| | - Milena De Riz
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla-Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Maimone
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ARNAS Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Paola Gazzola
- SC Neurologia, Ospedale P. Antero Micone-ASL 3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- I Division of Neurology, Universita della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Sessa
- Centro Provinciale Sclerosi Multipla, ASST papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Rovaris
- MS Center, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Di Palma
- SM Center Neurology Department, ASST Lariana S. Anna Hospital, Como, Italy
| | - Maurizia Gatto
- Centro Malattie Demielinizzanti, Ospedale Generale Regionale F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Augusto Rini
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Ospedale A. Perrino, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Meucci
- Ambulatorio Sclerosi MultiplaUnita' Operativa di Neurologia e Neurofisiopatologia, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno, Livorno, Italy
| | - Bonaventura Ardito
- Centro Sclerosi Mutipla UOC di Neurologia, Ospedale Della Murgia Fabio Perinei, Altamura, Italy
| | - Paola Banfi
- Dipartimento di Neurologia, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Nasuelli
- ASST Della Valle Olona Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno Ambulatorio Sclerosi Multipla, Saronno, Italy
| | - Damiano Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Rocca
- Neurology Unit and Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Portaccio
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche E Chirurgiche E Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
- UOS Sclerosi Multipla, AOU Policlinico G Rodolico-San Marco, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari/Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Centro Sclerosi MultiplaClinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS Annunziata, Università "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ragonese
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, Neurophysiology Service, Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- School of Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, Italy.
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Kreft KL, Uzochukwu E, Loveless S, Willis M, Wynford-Thomas R, Harding KE, Holmans P, Lawton M, Tallantyre EC, Robertson NP. Relevance of Multiple Sclerosis Severity Genotype in Predicting Disease Course: A Real-World Cohort. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:459-470. [PMID: 37974536 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Currently, 233 genetic loci are known to be associated with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). Two independent pivotal severity genome-wide association studies recently found the first genome-wide significant single-nucleotide variant (SNV; rs10191329A ) and several other suggestive loci associated with overall disability outcomes. It is now important to understand if these findings can influence individual patient management. METHODS We assessed whether these progression SNVs are associated with detailed clinical phenotypes in a well-characterized prospective cohort of 1,455 MS patients. We used logistic regression, survival analysis, and propensity score matching to predict relevant long-term clinical outcomes. RESULTS We were unable to detect any association between rs10191329A and a range of clinically relevant outcomes (eg, time to Expanded Disability Status Scale milestones, age-related MS severity score, anatomical localization at onset or during subsequent relapses, annualized relapse rate). In addition, an extremes of outcome case-control analysis using a propensity score matching for genotype detected no association between disease severity and rs10191329A . However, we were able to replicate the association of two suggestive SNVs (rs7289446G and rs868824C ) with the development of fixed disability, albeit with modest effect sizes, and the association of HLA-DRB1*1501 with age at onset. INTERPRETATION Identification of rs10191329A and other suggestive SNVs are of considerable importance in understanding pathophysiological processes associated with MS severity. However, it is unlikely that individual genotyping can currently be used in a clinical setting to guide disease management. This study shows the importance of independent replication of genome-wide association studies associated with disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:459-470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim L Kreft
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emeka Uzochukwu
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sam Loveless
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Willis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ray Wynford-Thomas
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Peter Holmans
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael Lawton
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), Bristol Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma C Tallantyre
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil P Robertson
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Butzkueven H, Kalincik T, Patti F, Slee M, Weinstock-Guttman B, Buzzard K, Skibina O, Alroughani R, Prat A, Girard M, Horakova D, Havrdova EK, Van der Walt A, Eichau S, Hyde R, Campbell N, Bodhinathan K, Spelman T. Long-term clinical outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis who are initiating disease-modifying therapy with natalizumab compared with BRACETD first-line therapies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864231221331. [PMID: 38414723 PMCID: PMC10898303 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231221331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Aggressive disease control soon after multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis may prevent irreversible neurological damage, and therefore early initiation of a high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is of clinical relevance. Objectives Evaluate long-term clinical outcomes in patients with MS who initiated treatment with either natalizumab or a BRACETD therapy (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, or dimethyl fumarate). Design This retrospective analysis utilized data from MSBase to create a matched population allowing comparison of first-line natalizumab to first-line BRACETD. Methods This study included patients who initiated treatment either with natalizumab or a BRACETD DMT within 1 year of MS diagnosis and continued treatment for ⩾6 months, after which patients could switch DMTs or discontinue treatment. Patients had a minimum follow-up time of ⩾60 months from initiation. A subgroup analysis compared the natalizumab group to patients in the BRACETD group who escalated therapy after 6 months. Outcomes included unadjusted annualized relapse rates (ARRs), time-to-first relapse, time-to-first confirmed disability improvement (CDI), and time-to-first confirmed disability worsening (CDW). Results After 1:1 propensity score matching, 355 BRACETD patients were matched to 355 natalizumab patients. Patients initiating natalizumab were less likely to experience a relapse over the duration of follow-up, with ARRs [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 0.080 (0.070-0.092) for natalizumab patients and 0.191 (0.178-0.205) for BRACETD patients (p < 0.0001). A Cox regression model of time-to-first relapse showed a reduced risk of relapse for natalizumab patients [hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.52 (0.42-0.65); p < 0.001] and a more favorable time-to-first CDI. The risk of CDW was similar between groups. The subgroup analysis showed an increased relapse risk as well as a significantly higher risk of CDW for BRACETD patients. Conclusion Early initiation of natalizumab produced long-term benefits in relapse outcomes in comparison with BRACETD, regardless of a subsequent escalation in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Alfred Campus, Monash University, 6/99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Box Hill Hospital, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Neuroimmunology Centre, Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'GF Ingrassia', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mark Slee
- Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Katherine Buzzard
- Department of Neurology, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Skibina
- Department of Neurology, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Raed Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | | | - Marc Girard
- CHUM and Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dana Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Sara Eichau
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Robert Hyde
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA, at the time of this analysis
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Carnero Contentti E, López PA, Pappolla A, Alonso R, Silva B, Deri N, Balbuena ME, Burgos M, Luetic G, Alvez Pinheiro A, Cabrera M, Hryb J, Nofal P, Pestchanker C, Vrech C, Tavolini D, Tkachuk V, Zanga G, Marrodan M, Ysrraelit MC, Correale J, Carrá A, Federico B, Garcea O, Fernandez Liguori N, Patrucco L, Cristiano E, Giunta D, Alonso Serena M, Rojas JI. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and are under treatment with high-efficacy therapies in Argentina. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:379-389. [PMID: 38159147 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people with MS (PwMS) on high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (HET) included in the national MS registry in Argentina (RelevarEM). METHODS Non-interventional, retrospective cohort study that collected information directly from RelevarEM. Adult PwMS who had been treated for at least 6 months with a HET (ocrelizumab, natalizumab, alemtuzumab, cladribine) who had received at least two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines available in Argentina were included. Full course of vaccination was considered after the second dose of the corresponding vaccines. Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported for the whole cohort by Kaplan-Meier survival curves (which is expressed in percentage) as well as incidence density (which is expressed per 10.000 patients/day with 95% CI). RESULTS Two hundred twenty-eight PwMS were included. Most frequent first and second dose received was AstraZeneca vaccine, followed by Sputnik vaccine. Most frequent HETs used in included patients were cladribine in 79 (34.8%). We found an incidence density of breakthrough COVID-19 infection of 3.5 × 10.000 patients/day (95% CI 2.3-6.7) after vaccination in Argentina. We described the incidence rate after vaccination for every HET used, it being significantly higher for ocrelizumab compared with other HETs (p = 0.005). Only five patients presented a relapse during the follow-up period with no differences regarding the pre-vaccination period. CONCLUSIONS We found an incidence density of breakthrough COVID-19 infection of 3.5 × 10.000 patients/day (95% CI 2.3-6.7) after vaccination in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Carnero Contentti
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuroimmunology Unit, Hospital Aleman, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Pablo A López
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuroimmunology Unit, Hospital Aleman, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Pappolla
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Alonso
- Hospital Ramos Mejía, Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Berenice Silva
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Ramos Mejía, Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norma Deri
- Centro de Investigaciones Diabaid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Fernandez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E Balbuena
- Sección de Neuroinmunología y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Burgos
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Bernardo, Salta, Argentina
| | - Geraldine Luetic
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Rosario, San Lorenzo, Rosario, Santa Fé, Argentina
| | | | | | - Javier Hryb
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Carlos G Durand, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Nofal
- Hospital de Clínicas Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pestchanker
- Neurology Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ramon Carrillo, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Carlos Vrech
- Departamento de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Verónica Tkachuk
- Sección de Neuroinmunología y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisela Zanga
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital Cesar Milstein, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Jorge Correale
- Departamento de Neurología, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Carrá
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Orlando Garcea
- Hospital Ramos Mejía, Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Liliana Patrucco
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Giunta
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Alonso Serena
- Servicio de Clínica Médica, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Rojas
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Neurología, Unidad de EM y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Hospital Universitario de CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gakis G, Angelopoulos I, Panagoulias I, Mouzaki A. Current knowledge on multiple sclerosis pathophysiology, disability progression assessment and treatment options, and the role of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103480. [PMID: 38008300 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103480] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects nearly 2.8 million people each year. MS distinguishes three main types: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). RRMS is the most common type, with the majority of patients eventually progressing to SPMS, in which neurological development is constant, whereas PPMS is characterized by a progressive course from disease onset. New or additional insights into the role of effector and regulatory cells of the immune and CNS systems, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and the microbiome in the pathophysiology of MS have emerged, which may lead to the development of more targeted therapies that can halt or reverse neurodegeneration. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, various disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are currently used for RRMS/SPMS and PPMS. As a last resort, and especially in highly active RRMS that does not respond to DMTs, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is performed and has shown good results in reducing neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, the question of its potential role in preventing disability progression remains open. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on MS pathophysiology, assessment of MS disability progression and current treatments, and to examine the potential role of AHSCT in preventing disability progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Gakis
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Ioannis Angelopoulos
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Ioannis Panagoulias
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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Zhao T, Taylor BV, Campbell JA, Palmer AJ. The disease-modifying therapy utilisation and cost trend for multiple sclerosis in Australia between 2013 and 2022. Mult Scler 2024; 30:80-88. [PMID: 38116594 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231213230] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) prescribing landscape in Australia have changed over time. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the utilisation and cost trends of MS-related DMTs in Australia over 10 years and investigated differences between States/Territories. METHODS The prescription and costs of 16 DMTs were extracted from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for 2013-2022. Descriptive approaches analysed the total number of people prescribed DMTs and total DMT costs per 10,000 population, proportions of prescriptions/costs by DMT groups and the number of people prescribed each individual DMT and costs of each DMT over the 10-year period. All estimates were for Australia and each State/Territory individually. RESULTS The number of people prescribed DMT and costs per 10,000 population had substantial growth between 2013 and 2022: 125%/164% for Australia, and 94%-251%/129%-373% for individual States/Territories. Higher efficacy group accounted for 54% of total people prescribed DMTs in 2013 and 75% in 2022. Fingolimod was the most popular DMT until 2020, then was dominated by ocrelizumab. The trends of individual DMT prescriptions and costs differed between states particularly in Western Australia (WA), Tasmania and Northern Territory (NT). CONCLUSION DMT prescriptions and costs continuously increased over the last decade, particularly for higher efficacy DMTs, and their trends differed between States/Territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Science Precinct, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Science Precinct, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Julie A Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Science Precinct, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew J Palmer
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Medical Science Precinct, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Bellanca CM, Augello E, Mariottini A, Bonaventura G, La Cognata V, Di Benedetto G, Cantone AF, Attaguile G, Di Mauro R, Cantarella G, Massacesi L, Bernardini R. Disease Modifying Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: New Rays of Hope to Combat Disability? Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1286-1326. [PMID: 38275058 PMCID: PMC11092922 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240124114126] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent chronic autoimmune inflammatory- demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It usually begins in young adulthood, mainly between the second and fourth decades of life. Usually, the clinical course is characterized by the involvement of multiple CNS functional systems and by different, often overlapping phenotypes. In the last decades, remarkable results have been achieved in the treatment of MS, particularly in the relapsing- remitting (RRMS) form, thus improving the long-term outcome for many patients. As deeper knowledge of MS pathogenesis and respective molecular targets keeps growing, nowadays, several lines of disease-modifying treatments (DMT) are available, an impressive change compared to the relative poverty of options available in the past. Current MS management by DMTs is aimed at reducing relapse frequency, ameliorating symptoms, and preventing clinical disability and progression. Notwithstanding the relevant increase in pharmacological options for the management of RRMS, research is now increasingly pointing to identify new molecules with high efficacy, particularly in progressive forms. Hence, future efforts should be concentrated on achieving a more extensive, if not exhaustive, understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this phase of the disease in order to characterize novel molecules for therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide a compact overview of the numerous currently approved treatments and future innovative approaches, including neuroprotective treatments as anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody and cell therapies, for effective and safe management of MS, potentially leading to a cure for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Mariottini
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bonaventura
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Attaguile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosaria Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Del Negro I, Pez S, Versace S, Marziali A, Gigli GL, Tereshko Y, Valente M. Impact of Disease-Modifying Therapies on Gut-Brain Axis in Multiple Sclerosis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:6. [PMID: 38276041 PMCID: PMC10818907 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune-mediated, demyelinating disease whose pathogenesis remains to be defined. In past years, in consideration of a constantly growing number of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the impacts of different environmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease have been largely studied. Alterations in gut microbiome composition and intestinal barrier permeability have been suggested to play an essential role in the regulation of autoimmunity. Thus, increased efforts are being conducted to demonstrate the complex interplay between gut homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Numerous results confirm that disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) used for the treatment of MS, in addition to their immunomodulatory effect, could exert an impact on the intestinal microbiota, contributing to the modulation of the immune response itself. However, to date, the direct influence of these treatments on the microbiota is still unclear. This review intends to underline the impact of DMTs on the complex system of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in patients with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Del Negro
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Sara Pez
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Salvatore Versace
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marziali
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Yan Tereshko
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Udine University Hospital, Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Deleu D, Garcia Canibano B, Elalamy O, Sayed Abdelmoneim M, Boshra A. Practical Guidance on the Use of Cladribine Tablets in the Management or Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Expert Opinion from Qatar. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 13:81-88. [PMID: 38105885 PMCID: PMC10725680 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s433459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing availability of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for the management of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) has increased the potential for individualised patient management but has added complexity to the design of treatment regimens. The long-term application of immune reconstitution therapy (IRT) is supported by an increasing database of real world studies that have added important information on the long-term safety and efficacy of this approach. Cladribine tablets (CladT) is an IRT given as two annual short courses of treatment, following which a majority of patients then demonstrate no significant MS disease activity over a period of years. Whether, and how, to treat patients beyond the first two years of treatment remains a matter for debate, as clinical evidence accumulates. We, a group of neurologists who manage people with RMS in Qatar, provide our expert consensus recommendations on the application and long-term management of CladT therapy based on our experience with treatment in the last 5 years. These include pragmatic recommendations for people with MS disease activity in years 3 and 4 (ie up to four years following first dose of CladT), and for people with or without MS disease activity in subsequent years. We believe our recommendations will help to ensure the optimal application of CladT-based IRT, with the potential benefit for the patient of achieving prolonged periods free of both MS disease symptoms and the burden of regular applications of immunosuppressive DMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Deleu
- Department of Neurology (Neurosciences Institute), Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Osama Elalamy
- Department of Neurology (Neurosciences Institute), Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Amir Boshra
- Merck Serono Middle East FZ-Ltd., Dubai, UAE, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Newsome SD, Binns C, Kaunzner UW, Morgan S, Halper J. No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA) as a Clinical Assessment Tool for Multiple Sclerosis: Clinician and Patient Perspectives [Narrative Review]. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1909-1935. [PMID: 37819598 PMCID: PMC10630288 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of high-efficacy therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), which target inflammation more effectively than traditional disease-modifying therapies, has led to a shift in MS management towards achieving the outcome assessment known as no evidence of disease activity (NEDA). The most common NEDA definition, termed NEDA-3, is a composite of three related measures of disease activity: no clinical relapses, no disability progression, and no radiological activity. NEDA has been frequently used as a composite endpoint in clinical trials, but there is growing interest in its use as an assessment tool to help patients and healthcare professionals navigate treatment decisions in the clinic. Raising awareness about NEDA may therefore help patients and clinicians make more informed decisions around MS management and improve overall MS care. This review aims to explore the potential utility of NEDA as a clinical decision-making tool and treatment target by summarizing the literature on its current use in the context of the expanding treatment landscape. We identify current challenges to the use of NEDA in clinical practice and detail the proposed amendments, such as the inclusion of alternative outcomes and biomarkers, to broaden the clinical information captured by NEDA. These themes are further illustrated with the real-life perspectives and experiences of our two patient authors with MS. This review is intended to be an educational resource to support discussions between clinicians and patients on this evolving approach to MS-specialized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Newsome
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Pathology 627, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Cherie Binns
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309, USA
| | | | - Seth Morgan
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1 M Street SE, Suite 510, Washington, DC, 20003, USA
| | - June Halper
- Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, 3 University Plaza Drive Suite A, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, USA
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Schauf M, Chinthapatla H, Dimri S, Li E, Hartung DM. Economic burden of multiple sclerosis in the United States: A systematic literature review. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:1354-1368. [PMID: 37976077 PMCID: PMC10776266 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is chronic progressive disease that poses a significant economic burden to patients and health care systems in the United States. We conducted a systematic literature review to provide up-to-date insights on the economic burden of MS in the United States. OBJECTIVE To comprehensively review and summarize the latest published evidence on the economic burden of MS with a focus on cost, resource use, and work productivity. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the Embase and Medline databases to identify studies, published between January 2011 and July 2022, reporting cost, resource use, or work productivity outcomes among people with MS in the United States. Clinical trials, economic modeling studies, and review articles were excluded. Details of eligible studies, including study design, patient population, and study outcomes for the overall population, as well as subgroups of interest, were extracted and summarized qualitatively. RESULTS Overall, 65 studies reporting cost, resource use, or work productivity data were included with majority of studies using claims data. The direct costs associated with MS ranged from $16,614 (2006) to $72,744 (2017) per patient per year with diseasemodifying therapies (DMTs) being the major cost contributors accounting for 43%-78%. The indirect costs reported ranged from $9,122 (2017) to $30,601 (2011) per patient per year with absenteeism, early retirement, and informal care being the key drivers for indirect costs. Costs, resource use, and work impairment were significantly higher for patients with severe disability compared with those with mild disability. Pharmacy costs were the major cost drivers in patients with mild, moderate, and severe disability. Similarly, patients with relapses incurred significantly higher costs, resource use, and work impairment compared with those without relapses. Additional hospitalization charges were the major driver of higher costs in patients who experienced relapses compared with those without relapses. CONCLUSIONS Direct costs, particularly DMTs, appear to be the major cost drivers for people with MS in the United States. Availability of lower-cost therapies may considerably decrease the economic burden on these patients and the health care systems. Future research focusing on indirect costs, intangible costs, and their contributors would contribute to further understanding of economic burden to avoid underestimation of the financial burden experienced by the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seema Dimri
- Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India
- Sandoz Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India
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Vitturi BK, Rahmani A, Montecucco A, Dini G, Durando P. Occupational outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1217843. [PMID: 38089033 PMCID: PMC10711111 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) are vulnerable to unfavorable occupational outcomes and the COVID-19 pandemic brought major consequences on people's professional lives. In this view, we decided to investigate the occupational outcomes of PwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis searching key terms in four databases. We initially included any peer-reviewed original article that enrolled adult patients with the diagnosis of MS and assessed any occupational variable during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no time limits and no language restrictions. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of unemployment, retirement and employment status change among people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other outcomes included the modality and characteristics of work: type of work, full-time work, part-time work and remote work. We also searched for data from studies that addressed any change in the work status due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Results We identified 49 eligible articles comprising a total sample size of 17,364 individuals with MS. The pooled prevalence of unemployment and retirement was 0.47 (95% CI = 0.42-0.53). The pooled prevalence of PwMS who were unemployed or retired was positively associated with the progressive phenotype of the disease (p = 0.017) and the use of glatiramer acetate (p = 0.004), but negatively associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19 (p = 0.008) and the use of immunosuppressants (p = 0.032), siponimod (p < 0.001), and cladribine (p = 0.021). The pooled proportion of PwMS that reported any change of the employment status during the COVID-19 pandemic was 0.43 (95% CI = 0.36-0.50) while the pooled prevalence of PwMS who worked remotely during this period was 0.37 (95% CI = 0.15-0.58). The change in employment status was negatively associated with the duration of MS (p = 0.03) but positively associated with the progressive phenotype of the disease (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our seminal review may serve as an example of how patients with neurological diseases or disabilities in general may have their jobs impacted in a pandemic and foster the context of global socio-economic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alborz Rahmani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alfredo Montecucco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino di Genova IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Dini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino di Genova IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Durando
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino di Genova IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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Alonso R, Casas M, Lazaro L, Liguori NF, Pita C, Cohen L, Rojas JI, Pappolla A, Patrucco L, Cristiano E, Burgos M, Vrech C, Piedrabuena R, Pablo L, Deri N, Luetic G, Miguez J, Cabrera M, Martinez A, Zanga G, Tkachuk V, Tizio S, Carnero Contentti E, Knorre E, Leguizamon F, Mainella C, Nofal P, Liwacki S, Hryb J, Menichini M, Pestchanker C, Garcea O, Silva B. Evaluation of the use of high-efficacy treatments (HETs) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Argentina. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:104935. [PMID: 37634468 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104935] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) can be classified according to the efficacy in which they prevent inflammatory activity. To date, there are limited data regarding the use of high-efficacy treatments (HETs) in Latin America (LATAM). We aimed to analyze the use of HETs in Argentina, focusing on the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients who use these treatments and the changes in the trend of use over the years. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was done using the Argentina MS patient registry, RelevarEM. Patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) according to validated diagnostic criteria and under treatment with natalizumab, alemtuzumab, cladribine, rituximab or ocrelizumab were included. RESULTS Out of 2450 RRMS patients under a DMT, 462 (19%) were on HETs. One third of those patients (35%) received HETs as the first treatment. The most frequent reason for switching to HETs was treatment failure to previous DMT (77%). The time from MS diagnosis to the first HET in treatment-naive patients was less than one year (IQR: 0-1 year) and in treatment-experienced patients it was 5 years (IQR: 3-9 years). Between 2015 and 2017 (P1), 729 patients included in RelevarEM started a new treatment, of which 85 (11.65%) were HETs. Between 2018 and 2020 (P2), 961 patients included in RelevarEM started a new treatment, of which 284 (29.55%) were HETs. When comparing P2 with P1, a significant increase in the use of HETs was observed (p < 0.01). The most frequently used HETs were alemtuzumab (50.59%) in P1, and cladribine (45.20%) in P2. CONCLUSION The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients under HET in Argentina were identified. Based on a real-world setting, we found a significant trend towards and a rapid increase in the use of HETs in clinical practice in patients with RRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Alonso
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Casas
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Lazaro
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora Fernandez Liguori
- Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Tornú, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Pita
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leila Cohen
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Ignacio Rojas
- Centro de esclerosis Múltiple Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Neurología, CEMIC, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Pappolla
- Centro de esclerosis Múltiple Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Patrucco
- Centro de esclerosis Múltiple Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de esclerosis Múltiple Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Burgos
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Bernardo, Salta, Argentina
| | - Carlos Vrech
- Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raul Piedrabuena
- Servicio de Neurología, Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Lopez Pablo
- Sección de Neuroinmunología, Hospital Alemán, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Jimena Miguez
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Italiano, Argentina
| | - Mariela Cabrera
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Militar, Campo de Mayo, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Martinez
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Posadas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gisela Zanga
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Cesar Milstein, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Tkachuk
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital de Clínica José de San Martín, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Tizio
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Español, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Eduardo Knorre
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Álvarez, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Felisa Leguizamon
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Álvarez, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pedro Nofal
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Susana Liwacki
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Hryb
- Servicio de neurología, Hospital Durand, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Orlando Garcea
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Berenice Silva
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de neurología, Hospital Italiano, Argentina.
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Müller J, Cagol A, Lorscheider J, Tsagkas C, Benkert P, Yaldizli Ö, Kuhle J, Derfuss T, Sormani MP, Thompson A, Granziera C, Kappos L. Harmonizing Definitions for Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1232-1245. [PMID: 37782515 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Emerging evidence suggests that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a substantial contributor to long-term disability accumulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). To date, there is no uniform agreed-upon definition of PIRA, limiting the comparability of published studies. Objective To summarize the current evidence about PIRA based on a systematic review, to discuss the various terminologies used in the context of PIRA, and to propose a harmonized definition for PIRA for use in clinical practice and future trials. Evidence Review A literature search was conducted using the search terms multiple sclerosis, PIRA, progression independent of relapse activity, silent progression, and progression unrelated to relapses in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, published between January 1990 and December 2022. Findings Of 119 identified single records, 48 eligible studies were analyzed. PIRA was reported to occur in roughly 5% of all patients with RRMS per annum, causing at least 50% of all disability accrual events in typical RRMS. The proportion of PIRA vs relapse-associated worsening increased with age, longer disease duration, and, despite lower absolute event numbers, potent suppression of relapses by highly effective disease-modifying therapy. However, different studies used various definitions of PIRA, rendering the comparability of studies difficult. Conclusion and Relevance PIRA is the most frequent manifestation of disability accumulation across the full spectrum of traditional MS phenotypes, including clinically isolated syndrome and early RRMS. The harmonized definition suggested here may improve the comparability of results in current and future cohorts and data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Müller
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Cagol
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Lorscheider
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charidimos Tsagkas
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Özgür Yaldizli
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Verkkoniemi-Ahola A, Hartikainen P, Hassi K, Kuusisto H, Lahdenperä S, Mehtälä J, Viitala M, Ylisaukko-oja T, Soilu-Hänninen M. Real-world treatment outcomes and safety of natalizumab in Finnish multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2023; 9:20552173231204466. [PMID: 37808458 PMCID: PMC10552456 DOI: 10.1177/20552173231204466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate long-term treatment persistence and safety of natalizumab in Finnish multiple sclerosis patients. The secondary objectives were to assess patient characteristics, use of natalizumab-related safety protocol, and treatment persistence in patients with different anti-John Cunningham virus antibody statuses (John Cunningham virus status). Materials & Methods All adult multiple sclerosis patients in the Finnish multiple sclerosis register who started natalizumab between 1/2006 and 12/2018 were included in this study and followed retrospectively until treatment discontinuation or end of follow-up (12/2019). Results In total, 850 patients were included. Median duration of natalizumab treatment was 7.8 years in John Cunningham virus negative (n = 229) and 2.1 years in John Cunningham virus positive patients (n = 115; p < 0.001). The most common cause for treatment discontinuation was John Cunningham virus positivity. After natalizumab discontinuation, patients who had a washout duration of less than 6 weeks had fewer relapses during the first 6 months (p = 0.012) and 12 months (p = 0.005) compared with patients who had a washout duration of over 6 weeks. During the median follow-up of 3.6 years, 76% of patients remained stable or improved on their Expanded Disability Status Scale. Conclusions Treatment persistence was very high among John Cunningham virus negative patients. The study supports long-term effectiveness of natalizumab and a washout duration of less than 6 weeks after discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auli Verkkoniemi-Ahola
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Hartikainen
- Neuro Center, Neurology Outpatient Clinic, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Hanna Kuusisto
- Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Hämeenlinna, Finland
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Tero Ylisaukko-oja
- MedEngine Oy, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Merja Soilu-Hänninen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Zilli C, Scribani Rossi P, Di Stadio A, Fratino M, Giuliani G, Annecca R, Russo G, Di Piero V, Altieri M. Assessing 'no evidence of disease activity' status in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1187851. [PMID: 37609659 PMCID: PMC10440375 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1187851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS with an autoimmune pathogenesis. Over the years, numerous disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have proven effective in disease control; to date, there is a need to identify a personalized treatment effective in ensuring disease-free status or no evidence of disease activity (NEDA). Objective identify clinical, demographic and treatment approach characteristics that affect the maintenance of NEDA-3 and the occurrence of clinical relapses during a 6-years follow-up. Materials and method a retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of MS patients followed up with six-year period. All participants were treated with first- or second-line MS drugs.Clinical relapse, NEDA-3 at 6 years and sustained EDSS were assessed as disease activity outcomes. Patients with follow-up of less than 6 years and insufficient clinical and radiological data were excluded from the study. Results Two-hundred-eighty naive patients (mean age was 49.8 years, SD ± 11.35 years, 23-76, F/M 182/98), with MS were followed up for 6 years.The mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 years (SD ±11.5, 14-62 years), the mean EDSS score at the onset was 1.9 (±1.3), 76.8% of patients had an EDSS below or equal to 2.5 at diagnosis.In the cohort 37 (13.2%) directly received second-line treatment, 243 (86.8%) received first-line drugs.The analysis showed that second-line treatment from beginning had a protective effect for the achievement of NEDA-3 (p = 0.029), on the prevention of clinical relapse (p = 0.018) and on number of relapses (p = 0.010); this finding was confirmed by logistic regression analysis (p = 0.04) and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.034). Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of targeted and early intervention so as to act in the right time window, ensuring a favorable outcome in both clinical and radiological terms; this could be decisive in reducing clinical relapse, disease progression and related disability. Therefore, prescribing highly effective drug in the early stages of the disease represents a leading strategy with the most favorable cost-benefit ratio.
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Pike SC, Gilli F, Pachner AR. The CXCL13 Index as a Predictive Biomarker for Activity in Clinically Isolated Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11050. [PMID: 37446228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a clinically heterogenous disease. Currently, we cannot identify patients with more active disease who may potentially benefit from earlier interventions. Previous data from our lab identified the CXCL13 index (ICXCL13), a measure of intrathecal production of CXCL13, as a potential biomarker to predict future disease activity in MS patients two years after diagnosis. Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) underwent a lumbar puncture and blood draw, and the ICXCL13 was determined. They were then followed for at least 5 years for MS activity. Patients with high ICXCL13 were more likely to convert to clinically definite MS (82.4%) compared to those with low ICXCL13 (10.0%). The data presented below demonstrate that this predictive ability holds true in CIS and RIS patients, and for at least five years compared to our initial two-year follow-up study. These data support the concept that ICXCL13 has the potential to be used to guide immunomodulatory therapy in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Pike
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Francesca Gilli
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Integrative Neuroscience at Dartmouth, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Andrew R Pachner
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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Gklinos P, Dobson R. Monoclonal Antibodies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Review and an Updated Clinical Guide. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050770. [PMID: 37242553 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) early in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and is becoming an increasingly popular treatment strategy. As a result, monoclonal antibodies, including natalizumab, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, and ublituximab, are frequently used for the treatment of MS in women of childbearing age. To date, only limited evidence is available on the use of these DMTs in pregnancy. We aim to provide an updated overview of the mechanisms of action, risks of exposure and treatment withdrawal, and pre-conception counseling and management during pregnancy and post-partum of monoclonal antibodies in women with MS. Discussing treatment options and family planning with women of childbearing age is essential before commencing a DMT in order to make the most suitable choice for each individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Gklinos
- Department of Neurology, Aeginition University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ruth Dobson
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK
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Tiu VE, Popescu BO, Enache II, Tiu C, Cherecheanu AP, Panea CA. Serum Neurofilaments and OCT Metrics Predict EDSS-Plus Score Progression in Early Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020606. [PMID: 36831142 PMCID: PMC9953670 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Early disability accrual in RRMS patients is frequent and is associated with worse long-term prognosis. Correctly identifying the patients that present a high risk of early disability progression is of utmost importance, and may be aided by the use of predictive biomarkers. (2) Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study that included newly diagnosed RRMS patients, with a minimum follow-up period of one year. Biomarker samples were collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Disability progression was measured using the EDSS-plus score. (3) Results: A logistic regression model based on baseline and 6-month follow-up sNfL z-scores, RNFL and GCL-IPL thickness and BREMSO score was statistically significant, with χ2(4) = 19.542, p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.791. The model correctly classified 89.1% of cases, with a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 93.5%, a positive predictive value of 85.7% and a negative predictive value of 90.62%. (4) Conclusions: Serum biomarkers (adjusted sNfL z-scores at baseline and 6 months) combined with OCT metrics (RNFL and GCL-IPL layer thickness) and the clinical score BREMSO can accurately predict early disability progression using the EDSS-plus score for newly diagnosed RRMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Eugen Tiu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Iulian Ion Enache
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Tiu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Popa Cherecheanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Ophtalmology Department, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Aura Panea
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences—Department 6 (Neurology)—“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Kotov SV, Yakushina TI, Novikova ES, Lizhdvoy VY, Belova YA. [The use of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with high-active multiple sclerosis in real clinical practice]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:77-83. [PMID: 37560838 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312307277] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy of ocrelizumab (OCR) and natalizumab (NAT) using indicators of activity and progression in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (HAMS) during the first year of therapy in real clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 110 patients with HAMS and 13 patients with rapidly progressive MS (RPMS), aged 19 to 60 years, who received monoclonal antibody (MAT) therapy for 12 months. Group 1 consisted of 77 patients receiving NAT therapy, group 2 of 46 patients receiving OCR therapy. To assess the efficacy of therapy, we used indicators of the average frequency of exacerbations per year, EDSS estimates, and MRI data. RESULTS EDSS score at the time of initiation of MAT therapy was 2.4±1.0 in group 1 and 2.8±1.2 in group 2 (p=0.047); 12 months after the start of MAT therapy, EDSS score in group 1 decreased slightly (p=0.001), in group 2 it has not changed. The frequency of exacerbations per year after the start of MAT therapy was 0.04±0.2 in group 1 and 0.07±0.2 in group 2 (p<0.0001 in both groups). The number of foci accumulating gadolinium detected during the year was 3 in group 1, one in group 2 (p=0.629 between groups). Subgroups of patients who received line 1 DMT (n=22) or NAT (n=21) before the start of OCR therapy were considered separately. In both subgroups, a stable assessment of EDSS was noted, the average annual number of exacerbations did not differ (p=0.117). In patients with RPMS after a year of MAT therapy, EDSS scores were stable, the average annual frequency of exacerbations was 0.08±0.3 per year. CONCLUSION The administration of MAT therapy led to a statistically significant decrease in the number of exacerbations and stabilization of neurological deficits during the first year of follow-up. After 12 months of therapy, both groups experienced a dramatic decrease in the average annual number of exacerbations, no increase in disability, and positive dynamics according to MRI results. A similar level of OCR efficacy was found in patients who switched from DMT 1 line therapy and NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Kotov
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute («MONIKI»), Moscow, Russia
| | - T I Yakushina
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute («MONIKI»), Moscow, Russia
| | - E S Novikova
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute («MONIKI»), Moscow, Russia
| | - V Yu Lizhdvoy
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute («MONIKI»), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu A Belova
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute («MONIKI»), Moscow, Russia
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