Fatigue Management in Multiple Sclerosis

The impact of fatigue on people with multiple sclerosis in Morocco

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS), fatigue is among the leading clinical symptoms. It is one of the most disabling symptoms for most MS people.

Objectives

This research measures the prevalence of fatigue and its impact on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities of individuals with MS in Morocco.

Method

This cross-sectional and descriptive study included 152 participants. Data were collected via an online survey using the snowball method, incorporating sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.

Results

According to the results, 89.4% of respondents experienced pathological fatigue, with an average score of 65.52 (± 18.00). There was a significant relationship between pathological fatigue, age (p = 0.0324), and clinical phenotype (p = 0.041). Fatigue negatively impacted participants' physical, cognitive, and psychological capacities, with average scores of 70.38 (± 8.15), 62.28 (± 10.23), and 73.87 (± 1.86), respectively.

Conclusion

The results of our study confirmed a high prevalence of fatigue among people with MS in Morocco. Sustained research in this field remains crucial, as it enables the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those impacted by MS.

Contribution

This study is the first in Morocco to examine fatigue prevalence in people with MS and its impact on their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities. High fatigue levels hinder the integration of people with MS into professional and student life. The findings emphasize the need for effective symptom and fatigue management.

The Protective Mechanism of TFAM on Mitochondrial DNA and its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a mitochondrial protein encoded by nuclear genes and transported from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria. TFAM is essential for the maintenance, expression, and delivery of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and can regulate the replication and transcription of mtDNA. TFAM is associated with the formation of mtDNA nucleomimetic structures, mtDNA repair, and mtDNA stability. However, the mechanism by which TFAM protects mtDNA is still being studied. This review provides a summary of the protective mechanism of TFAM on mtDNA including the discrete regulatory effects of TFAM acetylation and phosphorylation on mtDNA, the regulation of Ca2+ levels by TFAM to activate transcription in mitochondria, and the increased binding of TFAM to mtDNA damage hot spots. This review also discusses the association between TFAM and some neurodegenerative diseases.

Defining a standard set of health outcomes for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Standardizing health outcomes is challenging in clinical management, but it also holds the potential for creating a healthcare system that is both more effective and efficient. The aim of the present study is to define a standardized set of health outcomes for managing Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS

The project was led and coordinated by a multidisciplinary scientific committee (SC), which included a literature review, a patient-focused group, three nominal group meetings, and two SC meetings.

RESULTS

36 outcome variables were included in the standard set: 24 clinical (including weight, smoking habit, comorbidities, disability, mobility, diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, relapsed-related variables, radiological variables, cognitive status and disease-related symptoms), nine treatment-related (pharmacological and non-pharmacological information), and 3 related to the impact of RRMS on the patient's life (quality of life, pregnancy desire, work-related difficulties). In addition, experts also agreed to collect 10 case-mix variables that may affect but cannot be controlled as part of the management of the condition: 4 sociodemographic (age, sex, race, and employment status) and 6 clinical (height, date of diagnosis and first episode, serological status, early symptoms, and number of relapses pre-diagnosis).

CONCLUSION

The information provided through the present standard set of outcome variables can improve the management of RRMS and promote patient-centred quality care.

Exploring humanistic burden of fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis: an analysis of US National Health and Wellness Survey data

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study examined the humanistic burden of fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), compared with adults without MS, using data from the 2017 and 2019 US National Health and Wellness Survey.

METHODS

The 5-item Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-5) was used to assess level of fatigue (MFIS-5 score <15: low fatigue [LF]; MFIS-5 score ≥15: high fatigue [HF]) in patients with RRMS. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures (Short Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2, Euroqol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels [EQ-5D-5L], Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-5) and treatment-related characteristics were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 498 respondents were identified as RRMS (n=375 RRMS+LF, n=123 RRMS+HF) and compared with 1,494 matched non-MS controls. RRMS+LF and RRMS+HF had significantly lower Short Form 6 Dimensions health utility, Mental and Physical Component Summary, and EQ-5D-5L scores and higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, compared with matched non-MS controls (all p<0.001); scores were worse for RRMS+HF than RRMS+LF across all measures (all p<0.001). A higher proportion of RRMS+HF reported moderate-to-severe depression and moderate-to-severe anxiety, compared with RRMS+LF and matched non-MS controls (both p<0.001). Fatigue was a significant predictor of poor HRQoL across all measures (all p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RRMS experienced lower HRQoL with higher levels of fatigue, highlighting an unmet need. Results may help to inform physician-patient communication and shared decision-making to address fatigue and its associated impact on patients' HRQoL.

Non-invasive brain stimulation for patients and healthy subjects: Current challenges and future perspectives

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have a rich historical background, yet their utilization has witnessed significant growth only recently. These techniques encompass transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which were initially employed in neuroscience to explore the intricate relationship between the brain and behaviour. However, they are increasingly finding application in research contexts as a means to address various neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This article aims to fulfill two primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to showcase the current state of the art in the clinical application of NIBS, highlighting how it can improve and complement existing treatments. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of NIBS in augmenting the brain function of healthy individuals, thereby enhancing their performance. Furthermore, the article delves into the points of convergence and divergence between these two techniques. It also addresses the existing challenges and future prospects associated with NIBS from ethical and research standpoints.

Overview of the Current Pathophysiology of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis, Its Diagnosis and Treatment Options - Review Article

Fatigue is a common, debilitating and often underestimated symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The exact pathophysiological mechanism of fatigue in MS is still unknown. However, there are many theories involving different immunological, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms of fatigue. Owing to the subjective nature of this symptom, its diagnosis is still very limited and is still based only on diagnostic questionnaires. Although several therapeutic agents have been used in the past to try to influence fatigue in MS patients, no single effective approach for the treatment of fatigue has yet been found. This review article aims to provide the reader with information on the current theories on the origin and mechanism of fatigue in MS, as well as diagnostic procedures and, finally, current therapeutic strategies for the management of fatigue in MS patients.

Psychological factors and brain magnetic resonance imaging metrics associated with fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Besides demographics and clinical factors, psychological variables and brain-tissue changes have been associated with fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Identifying predictors of fatigue could help to improve therapeutic approaches for pwMS. Therefore, we investigated predictors of fatigue using a multifactorial approach.

METHODS

136 pwMS and 49 normal controls (NC) underwent clinical, neuropsychological, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. We assessed fatigue using the "Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions", yielding a total, motor, and cognitive fatigue score. We further analyzed global and subcortical brain volumes, white matter lesions and microstructural changes (examining fractional anisotropy; FA) along the cortico striatal thalamo cortical (CSTC) loop. Potential demographic, clinical, psychological, and magnetic resonance imaging predictors of total, motor, and cognitive fatigue were explored using multifactorial linear regression models.

RESULTS

53% of pwMS and 20% of NC demonstrated fatigue. Besides demographics and clinical data, total fatigue in pwMS was predicted by higher levels of depression and reduced microstructural tissue integrity in the CSTC loop (adjusted R2 = 0.52, p < 0.001). More specifically, motor fatigue was predicted by lower education, female sex, higher physical disability, higher levels of depression, and self-efficacy (adjusted R2 = 0.54, p < 0.001). Cognitive fatigue was also predicted by higher levels of depression and lower self-efficacy, but in addition by FA reductions in the CSTC loop (adjusted R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that depression and self-efficacy strongly predict fatigue in MS. Incremental variance in total and cognitive fatigue was explained by microstructural changes along the CSTC loop, beyond demographics, clinical, and psychological variables.

Comparing two relaxation procedures to ease fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Various relaxation procedures have been proposed to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unknown, which type of relaxation has the largest effect on fatigue reduction and on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare two biofeedback-supported relaxation exercises: a deep breathing (DB) exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), which may ameliorate MS fatigue and alter ANS activity.

METHODS

We performed a single-blind randomized clinical trial, introducing MS patients (n = 34) to the DB or PMR exercise. We first tested cardiovagal integrity, reflected by changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in response to DB. Participants then performed a fatigue-inducing vigilance task, followed by the DB or PMR. State fatigue was recorded consecutively at baseline, after the vigilance task, and after the relaxation exercise, along with HRV reflecting ANS activity.

RESULTS

Only patients assigned to the PMR group experienced a significant drop in fatigue, whereas both relaxation exercises changed ANS activity. MS patients showed the expected autonomic response during the cardiovagal reflex test. The vigilance task elevated short-term feelings of fatigue and significantly reduced HRV parameters of parasympathetic activity. Trait fatigue was negatively correlated with HRV during the second half of the vigilance task.

CONCLUSION

PMR alleviates short-term feelings of fatigue in persons with MS. The vigilance task in combination with HRV measurements may be helpful for evaluating relaxation procedures as a treatment of fatigue. Hereby, future studies should ensure longer and more frequent relaxation exercises and focus on patients with weak to moderate fatigue.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial Registry: DRKS00024358.

Non-invasive brain stimulation on clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has demonstrated mixed effects on the clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of NIBS techniques on the most common symptoms of MS.

METHODS

A literature search was performed until October 2022 which included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that used sham-controlled NIBS in patients with MS. We calculated the Hedge's effect sizes of each domain of interest and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and performed random effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 49 studies were included in the systematic review (944 participants). Forty-four eligible studies were included for quantitative analysis, of which 33 applied transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), 9 transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and 2 transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). We found a significant decrease in fatigue (ES:  - 0.86, 95% CI:  - 1.22 to - 0.51, p < 0.0001), pain (ES: - 1.91, 95% CI, - 3.64 to - 0.19, p=  0.03) and psychiatric symptoms (ES: - 1.44, 95% CI - 2.56 to - 0.32, p = 0.01) in favor of tDCS compared with the sham. On the other hand, there was no strong evidence showing tDCS effectiveness on motor performance and cognition (ES: - 0.03, 95% CI - 0.35 to 0.28, p = 0.83 and ES: 0.71, 95% CI, - 0.09 to 1.52, p = 0.08, respectively). Regarding TMS, we found a significant decrease in fatigue (ES: - 0.45, 95% CI: - 0.84 to -0.07, p = 0.02) and spasticity levels (ES: - 1.11, 95% CI: - 1.48 to - 0.75, p < 0.00001) compared to the sham. However, there was no strong evidence of the effectiveness of TMS on motor performance (ES: - 0.39, 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.16, p = 0.16). Finally, there was no significant evidence showing the effectiveness of tRNS on fatigue levels (ES: - 0.28, 95% CI: - 1.02 to 0.47, p = 0.46) and cognitive improvement (ES: - 0.04, 95% CI: - 0.6, 0.52, p = 0.88) compared with the sham.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, most studies have investigated the effects of tDCS on MS symptoms, particularly fatigue. The symptom that most benefited from NIBS was fatigue, while the least to benefit was motor performance. In addition, we found that disability score was associated with fatigue improvement. Thus, these findings support the idea that NIBS could have some promising effects on specific MS symptoms. It is also important to underscore that studies are very heterogeneous regarding the parameters of stimulation, and this may also have influenced the effects on some specific behavioral domains.

Assessing the impacts of L-carnitine and modafinil on fatigue in Iraqi multiple sclerosis patients

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom experienced by individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), which greatly affects their daily activities and causes frustration and depression, thus affecting their lives and society. This can be prevented through the use of medicines such as L-carnitine and modafinil. The study aimed to examine the effect of L-carnitine and modafinil on fatigue and which one is better for MS patients. This was a clinical trial. This clinical trial was conducted in cooperation between Al-Kut University College and an MS consultant at Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in addition to the private neurological clinic from October 1, 2022, to March 15, 2023. Forty participants were split into two groups; both of which were almost identical characteristics regarding age, disease duration, and degree of fatigue. Group I (n = 20): relapsing-remitting MS patients with fatigue received modafinil. Group II (n = 20): relapsing-remitting MS patients with fatigue received L-carnitine. Fatigue was evaluated according to the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The statistical work was done in SPSS (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA, version 24). P values were calculated by the t-test. Significant data have P = 0.05. After 2 months of treatment, the results show a significant decrease in MFIS in both groups with a higher reduction in patients who use L-carnitine. Both modafinil and L-carnitine show a significant influence on fatigue in MS patients, and these effects are more in L-carnitine.

Profile and quality of life of the adult population in good health according to the level of vitality: European NHWS cross sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization's definition of health highlights the importance of mental and physical wellbeing and not only disease state. However, lack of awareness on the burden of impaired vitality and its impact on the quality of life of the general healthy population prevents healthcare providers from delivering appropriate solutions and advice. This study aims to better characterize this population in Europe and identify the profile and the health reported outcomes associated with impaired vitality.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) data collected in healthy participants aged 18-65 years from five European Union countries in 2018. Socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, comorbidities, attitudes towards healthcare systems, Patient Activation Measure, health-related quality of life outcomes (EQ-5D), and work productivity and activity impairment were analysed according to SF-12 vitality score subgroups (≥ 60, 50- < 60, 40- < 50, < 40).

RESULTS

A total of 24,295 participants were enrolled in the main analysis. Being a female, younger, having a lower income and being obese or having sleep and mental disorders was associated with an increased risk of impaired vitality. This was associated with a higher consumption of healthcare resources along with having a weak patient-physician relationship. Participants who were disengaged in the self-management of their health were 2.6 times more likely to have a low level of vitality. For participants in the lowest vitality group, odds of mobility problems increased by 3.4, impairment of usual activity by 5.8, increased of pain and discomfort by 5.6 and depression and anxiety by 10.3, compared with participants in the highest vitality group. Also, odds of presenteeism increased by 3.7, overall work impairment by 3.4 and daily activity losses by 7.1.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based trends facilitate the identification of a healthy population with impaired vitality in real-world practice. This study highlights the actual burden of low vitality on daily life activities, particularly on mental health and reduced work productivity. Additionally, our results underline the importance of self-engagement in the management of vitality impairment and highlights the need to implement strategies to address this public health concern in the affected population (HCP-patient communication, supplements, meditation).

[Multidisciplinary and multimodal rehabilitation care for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis]

The support provided at the Germaine-Revel medical center in the Rhône region involves assessing the patient as a whole, which is a key aspect of implementing personalized rehabilitation focused on one or more objectives. The team offers multidisciplinary and multimodal care, because the clinical symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis are very varied: they can include neuromotor, neurosensory, neurosensory and cognitive disorders, as well as bladder and bowel and genital disorders.

The effect of distance nurse-led fatigue management on fatigue, sleep quality, and self-efficacy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is one of the most common problems in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has adverse effects on their sleep status and self-efficacy. This study aimed to determine the effect of distance nurse-led fatigue management on fatigue, sleep quality, and self-efficacy in patients with MS.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 patients with MS in Arak, Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received eight sessions of nurse-led fatigue management training through the Skyroom platform. The control group received only the usual programs. Data were collected before and two months after the intervention using the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale. The significance level in this study was determined 0.05.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the mean score of fatigue severity in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (2.52 ± 0.40 vs 5.65 ± 0.52) (P < 0.001). Also, after the intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (49.37 ± 3.25 vs 24.43 ± 2.52) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, after the intervention the mean score of sleep quality was lower in intervention group (11.92 ± 2.01) than the control group (15.46 ± 1.40) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Distance nurse-led fatigue management improved fatigue, sleep quality, and self-efficacy in patients with MS. We recommend the use of these courses as an important step toward improving fatigue, sleep quality, and self-efficacy among these patients.

Saudi Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Symptom Management and Vaccination

This article deals with recommendations on the management of symptoms of MS and on the provision of vaccinations in patients receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, depression, urinary symptoms, spasticity, impairment of gait, and sexual dysfunction, are common in this population. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms is key to maintaining the quality of life of people with MS. Vaccination status should be reviewed and updated prior to initiation of DMTs. In general, vaccination should be avoided for variable periods after the initiation of some DMTs. Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. These consensus recommendations will present the best practices for vaccination in Saudi Arabia before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations will be updated periodically and as needed as new evidence becomes available.

The impact of WATSU as Physiotherapy Method on Fatigue for People Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

Aim: To identify the impact of WATSU method on fatigue which has an impact on sleep and quality of life, pain and depression or its aggravation. Materials and Methods: The study involved the four participants. The following instruments were used: Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Burns Depression Checklist; Fatigue Impact Scale. The study was carried out in medical center in Lithuania from 09-11-2019 till 18-01-2020 during 10 weeks. Each participant of the study received ten WATSU sessions. The research data was processed using SPSS Statistics 20. Qualitative Outcome Measures were conducted by content analysis, observation, semi-structured individual interview methods. Results: After 10 sessions, fatigue lessened in all people investigated. Initially, the average of fatigue was 70 points and decreased to 34 points after the investigation. The average sleep quality index was as high as 5 points, after ten weeks the average decreased to 3 points. Changes in assessment of major to mild depression: initially, the average was 36 points, which decreased to 14 points after ten weeks. Conclusions: The WATSU method was effective in reducing fatigue as a physiotherapy method. Along with changes in fatigue, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index decreased, energy and motivation increased, quality of life improved, level of depression reduced, and the change was statistically significant. While assessing the quality of life, pain was found to be decreased – it became less frequent after ten weeks of sessions and less intense or even absent, its influence on daily activities decreased.

Aminoadamantanes: from treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease to symptom amelioration of long COVID-19 syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

The aminoadamantanes amantadine and memantine are well known. They mainly act as N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists.

AREAS COVERED

The antiviral drug amantadine moderately ameliorates impaired motor behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease. Memantine provides beneficial effects on memory function in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease already treated with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors. Both compounds counteract impaired monoamine neurotransmission with associated symptoms, such as depression. They improve vigilance, lack of attention and concentration, fatigue syndromes according to clinical findings in patients with chronic neurodegenerative processes. Their extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor blockade weakens a prolonged influx of Ca²⁺ ions as the main responsible components of neuronal excitotoxicity. This causes neuronal dying and associated functional deficits.

EXPERT OPINION

We suggest aminoadamantanes as future therapies for amelioration of short- and long-term consequences of a COVID 19 infection. Particularly the extended-release amantadine formulations will be suitable. They showed better clinical efficacy compared with the conventional available compounds. Amantadine may particularly be suitable for amelioration of fatigue or chronic exhaustion, memantine for improvement of cognitive deficits. Clinical research in patients, who are affected by the short- and long-term consequences of a COVID 19 infection, is warranted to confirm these still hypothetical putative beneficial effects of aminoadamantanes.

Outpatient neuropalliative care

Palliative care is an approach to patient care that focuses on enhancing quality of life through relief of physical, emotional, and spiritual sources of distress and patient-tailored discussions about goals of care. The palliative care approach can be delivered by any provider, and can occur alongside disease-modifying therapies. For patients with a serious neurologic illness or a neurodegenerative disease, neuropalliative care is a growing field focused on providing high-quality palliative care to neurology patients. There are three models of neuropalliative care delivery in the outpatient setting: a consultative model with a palliative care specialist, an integrated model with an embedded palliative care provider, and a primary palliative care model with the patient's neurology provider. The main components of an outpatient palliative care visit include symptom assessment and treatment, communication about serious illness, advance care planning, and assessment of caregiver needs. For patients with advanced illness, palliative care can help facilitate timely referral to hospice. Through a palliative care approach, outpatient care for patients with serious neurologic disease or neurodegenerative disease can focus on the issues most important to the patient, promote improved illness understanding and planning, and can improve the overall quality of care.

A mobile app (IDoThis) for multiple sclerosis self-management: development and initial evaluation

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, and self-management is considered an essential dimension in its control. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based mobile application for MS self-management and evaluate it.

METHODS

This study was undertaken in three phases: content preparation, design, and evaluation. In the content preparation phase, the researchers extracted MS self-management needs based on related guidelines and guides, existing apps on the self-management of MS, and the field experts' views and confirmation. The design phase was conducted in five steps: defining app functionalities, depicting the wireframe, preparing the media, coding the app, and testing the app's performance. The app was developed using the Android Studio environment and Java programming language for the Android operating system. The performance of the developed app was tested separately in several turns, and existing defects were corrected in each turn. Finally, after using the app for three weeks, the app was evaluated for its short-term impact on MS management and user-friendliness using a researcher-constructed questionnaire from participants' (N = 20) perspectives.

RESULTS

The IDoThis app is an offline app for people with MS that includes five main modules: three modules for training or informing users about different aspects of MS, one module for monitoring the user's MS condition, and a reporting module. In the initial evaluation of the app, 75% (n = 15) of participants mentioned that using this app improved MS self-management status at intermediate and higher levels, but 25% (n = 5) of the participants mentioned that the effect of using the app on the self-management tasks was low or was very low. The majority of users rated the user-friendliness of the app as high. The users found the sections "exercises in MS" and "monitoring of MS status" beneficial to their self-management. Still, the fatigue and sleep management sections are needed to meet users' expectations.

CONCLUSION

Using IDoThis app as a self-management tool for individuals with MS appears feasible, that can meet the need for a free and accessible self-management tool for individuals with MS. Future directions should consider the users' fatigue and sleep management expectations.

Energy conservation, minimum steps, and adaptations when needed: A scoping review

Background/objective

Although many therapeutic approaches use energy conservation, only a few effectively report the steps involved. Thus, it is intended to identify energy conservation practices to be organized in flexible and adaptable stages.

Methods

A scoping review was carried out, whose search strategies were applied in seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Portal BVS, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) following guidelines by Arksey and O’Malley on the Rayyan software. Searches were carried out from January 2010 to December 2020. Inclusion of refered publications with different study designs, participation of adults with or by demands of energy conservation, joint protection, and control of fatigue and/or pain. Exclusion of productions without an occupational therapist or involving merely pharmacological or surgical therapeutic strategies.

Results

653 articles were identified, after the selection and eligibility steps, 30 articles were full review, 18 articles were included and 635 excluded. Energy conservation studies have been increasingly focusing on neurological and systemic diseases, especially regarding symptoms of fatigue and pain. The findings were arranged in six strategies whose interventions are essentially based on guidelines and setting goals for patients, client-centered approach. Merely supervised interventions are less frequent. The number of sessions is closed, but the duration of treatment is not yet.

Conclusions

The signs of pain and fatigue are confirmed as indicators of energy conservation strategies, this delivery can be condensed from planning and organization, priorities, activity analysis, balance between activity and rest, outsourcing of tasks and physical/environmental adaptation.

Trial Registration, OSF

https://osf.io/rsyq4.

Validity and reliability characteristics of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale in measuring multiple sclerosis-related fatigue in Turkish-speaking adults

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reliability and validity as well as the clinical utility of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale (SFS), a single-item visual scale to assess fatigue, in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

The study included 61 MS patients and 73 matched healthy controls. Demographic data and disease-related variables of all participants were recorded. Then, the SFS, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-fatigue, Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied. SFS, VAS-fatigue, and FSS were repeated after one week. Reliability was evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Validity was tested by comparison of healthy controls and patients with MS and correlations with other scales. Accuracy and clinical utility were also evaluated.

RESULTS

SFS scores were 4.49 ± 3.11 (mean ± SD) in MS patients and 1.40 ± 1.44 in healthy controls (p < .001). The ICC for SFS was 0.946. The mean difference between test-retest measurements of SFS was -0.04651 (-95% CI, -0.4815-0.38848), and there was no systemic bias. SFS scores were not correlated with the expanded disability status scale, whereas they were poorly correlated with BDI. Correlations ranging from poor to good were calculated between the SFS and other fatigue-related scales. The optimum cut-off score of the SFS scale was four, with a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.84.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the SFS is a reliable, responsive, and valid scale with acceptable sensitivity and specificity to assess and quantify clinically significant fatigue in MS patients. These findings as well as the brief and understandable nature of the SFS were encouraging that this scale has good clinical utility.

Disability and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: Can Rehabilitation Improve Them through a Structured Retraining Program?

Functional rehabilitation programs in multiple sclerosis have demonstrated their efficacy in improving fatigue. The assessment of functional impairment, however, is more difficult. The purpose is to assess fatigue and disability as a first study measure and to verify their improvement after a specific functional rehabilitation program. An analytical, longitudinal, prospective, and experimental study was carried out with 51 patients aged 18-55 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 2 and 6.5 who were being followed up in outpatient clinics of the Rehabilitation Service of La Princesa Hospital. The fatigue and disability outcomes before and after a structured exercise training program were evaluated, with each subject acting as their own control. The variables were measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Barthel Index (BI), and Functional Independence Scale (FIM). Differences according to recurrent or progressive course of the disease are assessed. Improvement in the FIM scale was observed after the retraining program (p = 0.016) and was maintained in the medium term (p = 0.042). This improvement is not statistically significant in Barthel Index. Improvement in MFIS is observed after the program (p < 0.001) and 4-6 months after the end. Both disease courses experience the same improvements with no statistically significant differences between them. The retraining program improves fatigue and multiple sclerosis-related functionality in the short and medium term. There are no differences according to disease course. Both experience the same positive changes with our intervention.

The Link Between Energy-Related Sensations and Metabolism: Implications for Treating Fatigue

Energy-related sensations include sensation of energy and fatigue as well as subjective energizability and fatigability. First, we introduce interdisciplinary useful definitions of all constructs and review findings regarding the question of whether sensations of fatigue and energy are two separate constructs or two ends of a single dimension. Second, we describe different components of the bodily energy metabolism system (e.g., mitochondria; autonomic nervous system). Third, we review the link between sensation of fatigue and different components of energy metabolism. Finally, we present an overview of different treatments shown to affect both energy-related sensations and metabolism before outlining future research perspectives.

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A UK MS-register based study

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a widely experienced, incapacitating symptom of MS. It hinders daily functioning and has deleterious effects on quality of life. The UK MS Register is an online registry of over 20,000 participants with MS. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, predictors, and impact of fatigue on people with MS using data from the UKMS register.

METHODS

All participants who completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), WebEDSS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) within 28 days of each other were selected from the UK MS Register. Data on age, gender, duration and type of MS, use of disease modifying drugs and comorbidities were obtained from the UKMS register. We categorised people with FSS score of 5 or more as with fatigue and those with scores of 4 or less as without fatigue. Descriptive statistics and logistical and multiple regressions were used to explore predictors of fatigue and the effect of fatigue on mobility (MS Walking Scale), physical and psychological aspects of life (MS Impact Scale) and quality of life (European Quality of Life 5D-3 L).

RESULTS

Amongst the 20,946 participants of the UK MS registry, 4620 completed FSS. Out of these, 775 (mean age= 54.71 years, SD= 10.90; mean duration of MS diagnosis =13.21 years, SD=9.75) had completed the FSS, Web EDSS and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale within 28 days of each other. 427 (55.1%) of pwMS had a FSS score >5 consistent with clinical fatigue. Logistic regression analysis showed that depression (p=<0.001), duration of MS (p = 0.017), secondary progressive MS (p = 0.001) and EDSS (p=<0.001) predicted fatigue. FSS scores had a significant negative impact on both psychological (p > 0.001) and physical (p > 0.001) domains of the MS Impact scale, MS walking scale (p = 0.003) and EQoL (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue was a common symptom amongst people with MS. Depression, longer duration of MS, secondary progressive MS, and high EDSS predicted fatigue. Fatigue had an adverse effect on physical activities, mobility, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life of people with MS.

Usability of a Hybrid System Combining P300-Based Brain-Computer Interface and Commercial Assistive Technologies to Enhance Communication in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Brain-computer interface (BCI) can provide people with motor disabilities with an alternative channel to access assistive technology (AT) software for communication and environmental interaction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that mostly starts in young adulthood and often leads to a long-term disability, possibly exacerbated by the presence of fatigue. Patients with MS have been rarely considered as potential BCI end-users. In this pilot study, we evaluated the usability of a hybrid BCI (h-BCI) system that enables both a P300-based BCI and conventional input devices (i.e., muscular dependent) to access mainstream applications through the widely used AT software for communication “Grid 3.” The evaluation was performed according to the principles of the user-centered design (UCD) with the aim of providing patients with MS with an alternative control channel (i.e., BCI), potentially less sensitive to fatigue. A total of 13 patients with MS were enrolled. In session I, participants were presented with a widely validated P300-based BCI (P3-speller); in session II, they had to operate Grid 3 to access three mainstream applications with (1) an AT conventional input device and (2) the h-BCI. Eight patients completed the protocol. Five out of eight patients with MS were successfully able to access the Grid 3 via the BCI, with a mean online accuracy of 83.3% (± 14.6). Effectiveness (online accuracy), satisfaction, and workload were comparable between the conventional AT inputs and the BCI channel in controlling the Grid 3. As expected, the efficiency (time for correct selection) resulted to be significantly lower for the BCI with respect to the AT conventional channels (Z = 0.2, p < 0.05). Although cautious due to the limited sample size, these preliminary findings indicated that the BCI control channel did not have a detrimental effect with respect to conventional AT channels on the ability to operate an AT software (Grid 3). Therefore, we inferred that the usability of the two access modalities was comparable. The integration of BCI with commercial AT input devices to access a widely used AT software represents an important step toward the introduction of BCIs into the AT centers’ daily practice.

Glatiramer Acetate Immunomodulation: Evidence of Neuroprotection and Cognitive Preservation

Novel, neuroprotective uses of Copaxone (generic name: glatiramer acetate—GA) are being examined, primarily in neurological conditions involving cognitive decline. GA is a well-studied synthetic copolymer that is FDA-approved for immune-based treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Clinical studies have explored the potential mechanism of action (MOA) and outcomes of GA immunization in patients. Furthermore, results from these and animal studies suggest that GA has a direct immunomodulatory effect on adaptive and innate immune cell phenotypes and responses. These MOAs have been postulated to have a common neuroprotective impact in several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, several clinical studies report that the use of GA mitigated MS-associated cognitive decline. Its propensity to ameliorate neuro-proinflammatory and degenerative processes ignites increased interest in potential alternate uses such as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Preclinical studies are exploring less frequent subcutaneous administration of GA, such as once weekly or monthly or a single dosing regimen. Indeed, cognitive functions were found to be either preserved, reversed, or improved after the less frequent treatment regimens with GA in animal models of AD. In this systematic review, we examine the potential novel uses of GA across clinical and pre-clinical studies, with evidence for its beneficial impact on cognition. Future investigation in large-size, double-blind clinical trials is warranted to establish the impact of GA immunomodulation on neuroprotection and cognitive preservation in various neurological conditions.

Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue lacks a unified definition: A narrative review

Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although MS-related fatigue (MS-F) strongly affects quality of life and social performance of patients, there is currently a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology, which in turns leads to poor objective diagnosis and management. Recent studies have attempted to explain potential etiologies as well as treatments for MS-F. However, it seems that without a consensus on its nature, these data could not provide a route to a successful approach. In this Article, we review definitions, epidemiology, risk factors and correlated comorbidities, pathophysiology, assessment methods, neuroimaging findings, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of MS-F. Further studies are warranted to define fatigue in MS patients more accurately, which could result in precise diagnosis and management.

Results from Patient Interviews on Fatigue in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Evaluation of Fatigue Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Instruments

Introduction

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) but is challenging to assess and has not been comprehensively characterized in patients with progressive MS. This study aimed to (1) obtain qualitative evidence from patients with progressive MS to characterize MS-related fatigue concepts and their impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and (2) evaluate the conceptual frameworks of existing MS-specific fatigue patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments using study data to determine the most suitable PRO instrument in this population.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 US participants with confirmed progressive MS and fatigue in the last 6 months to assess their MS-related fatigue. Data were compared with concepts in existing PRO instruments to evaluate their relevance in progressive MS.

Results

Physical and mental concepts of fatigue were identified and characterized distinctly from patients with progressive MS. Most patients characterized fatigue as occurring daily and lasting several hours, with negative impacts on HRQoL. Concept mapping to existing MS-specific fatigue PRO instruments supported the Fatigue Severity Impact Questionnaire—Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) as the most suitable existing option for assessing fatigue in patients with progressive MS, as it separates physical and mental aspects of fatigue and includes every highly endorsed concept reported by the interviewed patients.

Conclusions

This qualitative study identified meaningful physical and mental fatigue concepts in patients with progressive MS and preliminarily supports the use of the FSIQ-RMS for this population. More research is needed to fully validate this instrument for progressive MS.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00337-9.

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Fatigue among Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on the severity of fatigue among women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial study conducted on 50 women with MS in Isfahan, Iran. Sampling was performed using simple sampling method, then the participants were randomly divided into two groups of case and sham using the minimization method. The EFT intervention was performed on the case group, 2 sessions per week for a 4-weeks period. In the sham group, with the same psychological part of the EFT technique like case group, mild tapping was applied on false points for the same period of time. Fatigue severity score was obtained using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) before and immediately and 4 weeks after the intervention in the two groups. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results:

The results of the independent t-test indicated that the mean (SD) score of fatigue severity before the intervention was not significantly different between the case and sham groups 5.48 (0.75) and (5.39 (0.71) with (p = 0.67). However, this difference was significant immediately [(3.05 (0.89) and 5.15 (0.94)] and 4 weeks after the intervention 3.10 (0.81) and 5.59 (0.57) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

It seems that EFT is effective in diminishing fatigue among patients with MS and is recommended as a convenient and safe non-medicament strategy for self-management of fatigue among these patients, and can be used at the bedside by nurses.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Improvement of Well-Being in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to meta-analytically review studies about the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on well-being of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched from June 2018 to September 2018. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included in qualitative synthesis, and 10 studies were included in meta-analysis. MBIs are effective with an overall moderate effect size (Hedges' g = 0.70) in improving well-being in people with MS, with lasting effects at the follow-up (g = 0.55). In particular, MBIs demonstrated to highly reduce stress (g = 1.07) and to improve depression and anxiety symptoms with a moderate to large effect at postintervention (g = 0.77 and g = 0.63, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

MBIs represent a valid and effective mind-body intervention to improve the well-being of patients with MS. Further studies should investigate which components of MBIs could be more beneficial for patients with progressive MS.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42018099704.

Effects of normobaric hypoxic endurance training on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized prospective pilot study

Background

Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), causing a major impact on quality-of-life. Non-pharmacological intervention strategies involve physical activity, which has been shown to reduce fatigue. Training under normobaric hypoxic conditions is thought to improve the response to endurance training and may, therefore, have an additional benefit over normoxic training conditions in MS patients.

Objective

To compare the effects of endurance training under hypoxic and normoxic conditions on fatigue, mobility and spasticity in patients with MS during inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with MS were assigned within a randomized prospective longitudinal pilot study to (1) a routine clinical rehabilitation program, (2) a routine clinical rehabilitation program + normoxic endurance training and (3) a routine clinical rehabilitation program + hypoxic endurance training for 14 days. Fatigue (WEIMuS and MFIS), spasticity (MSSS-88) and walking endurance (6MinWT) were assessed at days 0, 7 and 14.

Results

Fatigue scores improved significantly in all groups, but these improvements were reached faster in the groups which additionally received endurance training (normoxic p = 0.004; hypoxic p = 0.002). Spasticity scores were significantly lower in endurance training groups at the end of the study compared to baseline (normoxic p = 0.048, hypoxic p = 0.012), while only the hypoxic group increased significantly in 6MinWT (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that endurance training provides substantial benefit to neurological rehabilitation programs. Endurance training under hypoxic conditions could positively influence walking endurance within a 2-week training intervention and warrants further investigations.

Factors that influence quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

To study the factors which may contribute to quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

175 pwMS and 71 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. QOL was studied by the multiple sclerosis quality of life-54 (MSQOL-54) while depression, disability, and fatigue were measured by the beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS), respectively. The effects of demographic and clinical characteristics on MSQOL-54 were studied.

RESULTS

QOL was worse in pwMS. A better QOL in pwMS was linked to being male, having relapsing-remitting MS, having lower BMI, being employed, having a low disability, having no or minimal depression, and not fatigued. Age, disease duration, marital status, living status, and level of education did not affect the QOL. QOL showed a moderate to strong correlation with depression and fatigue and a weak correlation with EDSS. Depression and fatigue were the strongest predictors of QOL. Other predictors included gender and BMI but not EDSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Many of the factors which seem to influence QOL in pwMS are modifiable. Evaluation and management of such factors may improve QOL in pwMS.Implications for rehabilitationAssessment of QOL (using a proper tool) should be part of every pwMS evaluation.Depression and fatigue are the main predictors of QOL in pwMs, therefore, attention should be paid for their evaluation and management.Sexual dysfunction and pain should be assessed and managed early in the course of the disease.

Fatigue in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fatigue is still present in up to 40–50% of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), the results of studies comparing the prevalence among patients on hemodialysis (HD) and KTR led to conflicting results. Fatigue correlates include inflammation, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders and obesity. Fatigue in KTR leads to significant functional impairment, it is common among KTR poorly adherent to immunosuppressive therapy and is associated with a serious deterioration of quality of life. The following databases were searched for relevant studies up to November 2020: Medline, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Several studies have compared the prevalence and severity of fatigue between KTR and hemodialysis or healthy patients. They have shown that fatigue determines a significant functional deterioration with less chance of having a paid job and a significant change in quality of life. The aim of the review is to report methods to assess fatigue and its prevalence in KTR patients, compared to HD subjects and define the effects of fatigue on health status and daily life. There is no evidence of studies on the treatment of this symptom in KTR. Efforts to identify and treat fatigue should be a priority to improve the quality of life of KTR.

A Prospective, Observational, Cohort Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged-Release Fampridine in Cognition, Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: The FAMILY Study

Introduction

The efficacy of prolonged-release fampridine (PR-FAM) may extend in multiple sclerosis (MS) beyond walking ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PR-FAM treatment on cognition, fatigue, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with MS in a real-world setting.

Methods

FAMILY was a multi-center, prospective, observational, real-world cohort study of MS patients receiving PR-FAM in the outpatient setting. Patients were treated as per PR-FAM’s local prescribing information for 6 months. Standardized protocols and questionnaires were used to evaluate changes in cognition (PASAT; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test), fatigue (MFIS; Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), depression (BDI-II; Beck Depression Inventory-II) and QoL (MusiQoL; MS International Quality-of-Life questionnaire, MSIS-29; Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale: PHYS and PSYCH subscales) at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline.

Results

In total, 102 eligible patients from 8 sites in Greece were analysed, of whom 92 completed the study and 10 discontinued. At 6 months, PR-FAM treatment resulted in improvements from baseline in PASAT-3′′ (p = 0.044), MFIS (p < 0.001), BDI-II (p < 0.001), MusiQoL (p < 0.001) and MSIS-29-PHYS (p = 0.012) and MSIS-PSYCH (p < 0.001). A positive effect was evident already at 3 months in PASAT-3′′ (ns), MFIS (p = 0.020), BDI-II (p = 0.034), MusiQoL (p = 0.001), MSIS-29-PHYS (ns) and MSIS-29-PSYCH (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This observational study provides new data to the current literature in support of PR-FAM’s positive effects in cognition, fatigue, depression, and QoL in a large, heterogeneous group of Greek MS patients in the real-world setting.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03164018.

Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01606-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Effects of rehabilitation on fatigue, disability and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, highlighting the role of Occupational Therapy, in people with multiple sclerosis, in terms of disability, fatigue and quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was carried out in the BVS, Cochrane, OT-Seeker, PubMed and PEDro databases.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Controlled clinical trials published between January 2011 and April 2019 in Spanish or English with a score of ≥5 on the PEDro scale whose purpose was rehabilitation through the use of assistive technology, skills training, vestibular rehabilitation, behaviour modification, therapeutic education or specific Occupational Therapy interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies (1,279 subjects) were included. Rehabilitation improved patients' fatigue and disability and slightly enhanced their quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation can provide benefits to the performance of people with multiple sclerosis by reducing their perceived fatigue and disability.

LIMITATIONS

The heterogeneity of the sample, the type and duration of the interventions and variability of the instruments for measuring results.

Efficacy and safety of amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) affecting at least 75% of patients. Amantadine has been tested for MS-related fatigue treatment but efficacy and safety remain unclear. Materials & methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of qualified literatures searched until 30 April 2020. Results: A total of 11 clinical trials were included. The meta-analysis revealed improvement of MS-related fatigue with amantadine treatment using the patients' subjective responses and validated fatigue scales. Conclusion: Amantadine is the most studied drug that has shown improvement of MS-related fatigue, with mild side effects and good tolerability. Larger studies using a standard measurement for MS-related fatigue are recommended to improve the quality of evidence. Safety and efficacy on long-term use needs further investigation.

Evaluation of More Stamina, a Mobile App for Fatigue Management in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Feasibility, Acceptability, and Usability Study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the world's most common neurologic disorders leading to severe disability in young adults. MS-related fatigue directly impacts on the quality of life and activity levels of people with MS. Self-management strategies are used to support them in the care of their health. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions can offer tools to help symptom management. Following a user-centered design and evidence-based process, an mHealth solution called More Stamina was created to help persons with MS manage their fatigue.

OBJECTIVE

The overall study aims are to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of More Stamina, a mobile app for fatigue self-management for persons with MS.

METHODS

A mixed-methods, multicenter study will be used to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of More Stamina. The study will take place during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 (Q3-Q4 2020) in 3 locations: Argentina, Spain, and Switzerland. A longitudinal cohort study will take place, and think-aloud protocols, open-ended interviews, and short answer questionnaires will be used. Persons with MS will be recruited from the different locations. This study seeks to enroll at least 20 patients that meet the criteria from each site for the longitudinal cohort study (total n=60).

RESULTS

Ethical approval has been granted in Argentina and is pending in Spain and Switzerland. Outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at international conferences.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study will be used to help understand the role that mHealth can play in fatigue management in MS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04244214; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04244214.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/18196.

Repeated and patterned stimulation of cutaneous reflex pathways amplifies spinal cord excitability

Priming with patterned stimulation of antagonist muscle afferents induces modulation of spinal cord excitability as evidenced by changes in group Ia reciprocal inhibition. When assessed transiently with a condition-test pulse paradigm, stimulating cutaneous afferents innervating the foot reduces Ia presynaptic inhibition and facilitates soleus Hoffmann (H)-reflex amplitudes. Modulatory effects (i.e., priming) of longer lasting sensory stimulation of cutaneous afferents innervating the foot have yet to be examined. As a first step, we examined how priming with 20 min of patterned and alternating stimulation between the left and right foot affects spinal cord excitability. During priming, stimulus trains (550 ms; consisting of twenty-eight 1-ms pulses at 51 Hz, 1.2 times the radiating threshold) were applied simultaneously to the sural and plantar nerves of the ankle. Stimulation to the left and right ankle was out of phase by 500 ms. We evoked soleus H-reflexes and muscle compound action potentials (M waves) before and following priming stimulation to provide a proxy measure of spinal cord excitability. H-reflex and M-wave recruitment curves were recorded at rest, during brief (<2 min) arm cycling, and with sural conditioning [train of five 1-ms pulses at 2 times the radiating threshold (RT) with a condition-test interval (C-T) = 80 ms]. Data indicate an increase in H-reflex excitability following priming via patterned sensory stimulation. Transient sural conditioning was less effective following priming, indicating that the increased excitability of the H-reflex is partially attributable to reductions in group Ia presynaptic inhibition. Sensory stimulation to cutaneous afferents, which enhances spinal cord excitability, may prove useful in both rehabilitation and performance settings.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Priming via patterned stimulation of the nervous system induces neuroplasticity. Yet, accessing previously known cutaneous reflex pathways to alter muscle reflex excitability has not yet been examined. Here, we show that sensory stimulation of the cutaneous afferents that innervate the foot sole can amplify spinal cord excitability, which, in this case, is attributed to reductions in presynaptic inhibition.

Cognitive Dysfunction in the Early Stages of Multiple Sclerosis-How Much and How Important?

Purpose of Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects young adults and that is one of the leading causes of disability in this age group, with cognitive impairment occurring early in the course of the disease. This article summarizes the current knowledge about cognitive dysfunction in the early phase of MS, including biomarkers, MRI correlates, and its value as a prognostic marker.

Recent Findings

New sets of neuropsychological tests have been established to screen for cognitive dysfunction more easily and accurately. Moreover, structural changes detected by brain MRI and several biomarkers found in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum have been recently correlated with decreased cognitive performance. Additionally, factors influencing cognition in MS, such as disease-modifying therapy, mood disorders, and lifestyle, are better described.

Summary

Cognitive impairment early in the course of MS is suggested as a prognostic factor for disease progression. However, clear-cut definitions of the early stage of MS as well as unified criteria for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment are still lacking. New and more reliable tools for evaluating cognition in MS patients should be developed and introduced into everyday practice to facilitate the implementation of effective disease-modifying therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and lifestyle management.

Fatigue Symptoms During the First Year Following ARDS

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is commonly reported by ARDS survivors, but empirical data are scarce.

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study evaluated fatigue prevalence and associated variables in a prospective study of ARDS survivors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This analysis is part of the ARDSNet Long-Term Outcomes Study (ALTOS) conducted at 38 US hospitals. Using age- and sex-adjusted, time-averaged random effects regression models, we evaluated associations between the validated Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale with patient and critical illness variables, and with physical, cognitive, and mental health status at 6 and 12 months following ARDS.

RESULTS

Among ARDS survivors, 501 of 711 (70%) and 436 of 659 (66%) reported clinically significant symptoms of fatigue at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with 41% and 28% reporting clinically important improvement and worsening (n = 638). At 6 months, the prevalence of fatigue (70%) was greater than that of impaired physical functioning (50%), anxiety (42%), and depression (36%); 46% reported both impaired physical function and fatigue, and 27% reported co-existing anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Fatigue was less severe in men and in those employed prior to ARDS. Critical illness variables (eg, illness severity, length of stay) had little association with fatigue symptoms. Worse physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms were associated with greater fatigue at both the 6- and 12-month follow-up.

INTERPRETATION

During the first year following ARDS, more than two-thirds of survivors reported clinically significant fatigue symptoms. Due to frequent co-occurrence, clinicians should evaluate and manage survivors' physical, cognitive, and mental health status when fatigue is endorsed.

Recent Clinical Advances in Pharmacotherapy for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Onset of involuntary movement patterns of the face, body and limbs are known as dyskinesia. They mostly appear in association with long-term levodopa (L-dopa) therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. Consequences include patient distress, caregiver embarrassment and reduced quality of life. A severe intensity of this motor complication may result in troublesome disability; however, patients typically prefer motor behaviour with slight, non-troublesome dyskinesia to 'OFF' states. Pharmacotherapy of dyskinesia is complex. Continuous nigrostriatal postsynaptic dopaminergic receptor stimulation may delay onset of L-dopa-associated dyskinesia, while non-physiological, 'pulsatile' receptor stimulation facilitates appearance of dyskinesia. In the past, there have been many clinical trial failures with compounds that were effective in animal models of dyskinesia. Only the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist amantadine has shown moderate antidyskinetic effects in small well-designed clinical studies. Amantadine is an old antiviral compound, which moderately improves impaired motor behaviour. Recently, there has been a resurgence of its use due to the US Food and Drug Administration approval of an extended-release (ER) amantadine formulation for treatment of L-dopa-induced dyskinesia. This pharmacokinetic innovation improved dyskinesia and 'OFF' states in pivotal trials, with a once-daily oral application in the evening. Amantadine ER provides higher and more continuous amantadine plasma bioavailability than conventional immediate-release formulations, which require administration up to three times daily.

Exploring Adherence to First-Line and Second-Line Immunotherapies in Multiple Sclerosis: An Interview Study

Background

Treatment adherence is fundamental in multiple sclerosis (MS) management. Adherence rates vary significantly between studies, ranging from 30% to almost 90%, depending on assessment method and medication type. This study aimed to identify patient-related categories associated with treatment modification or discontinuation in people with MS receiving either first- or second-line treatment.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were performed with 23 people with MS: 11 receiving first-line treatment and 12 receiving second-line treatment. Medication history, experiences with previous medications, decision-making processes regarding immunotherapy, adherence behavior, and reasons for adherence/nonadherence were explored using open-ended questions. Qualitative content analysis was performed using a combined deductive-inductive approach in building a coding frame. Differences in coding frequencies were compared between the two groups and analyzed quantitatively. Cohen's kappas of 0.76 for people with MS receiving first-line treatment and 0.64 for the second-line sample were achieved between the two coders.

Results

One key reason for nonadherence reported by first-line-treated people with MS was burdensome side effects, and for adherence was belief in medication effectiveness. In people with MS receiving second-line treatment, lack of perceived medication effectiveness was a key category related to changes in or discontinuation of immunotherapy. Reasons for adherence were positive illness beliefs/perceptions and belief in highly active disease. Intentional nonadherence was a major issue for first-line treatment and less relevant for second-line treatment.

Conclusions

These results indicate specific differences in factors mitigating adherence in people with MS receiving first- and second-line treatment.

Evaluating dalfampridine for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: does it add to the treatment armamentarium?

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease, causing axonal damage and disability. Dalfampridine (DAL) is an extended-release formulation of 4-aminopyridine (4AP) and broad-spectrum voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker that is reported to improve motor, visual and cognitive functions. Furthermore, it is presently the only approved drug for walking impairment in MS. Areas covered: Herein, the authors evaluate DAL as a relapsing-remitting MS treatment, reporting and commenting on all aspects of the drug including its chemistry, safety, pharmacokinetics, and cost-effectiveness. A bibliographic search was performed on PubMed using the terms 'dalfampridine OR fampridine OR 4-aminopyridine'. Expert opinion: Evidence from post-marketing studies suggests that DAL, consistent with the effects of 4AP, may not only improve walking speed, but also arm function, fatigue, mood and cognition through restored nerve conduction in central nervous system demyelinated areas. Long-term safety data confirm that the approved dose of 10 mg twice daily is generally well tolerated. However, despite the reported efficacy, the extent of the benefits is limited in real life activities, although significant improvements have been demonstrated in the clinical setting. Patients often complain of side effects (such as cramps and painful paraesthesia) or lack of efficacy. Also, its considerably higher pricing in comparison to 4AP represents an important limitation.

Pathophysiological and cognitive mechanisms of fatigue in multiple sclerosis

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), with a major impact on patients' quality of life. Currently, treatment proceeds by trial and error with limited success, probably due to the presence of multiple different underlying mechanisms. Recent neuroscientific advances offer the potential to develop tools for differentiating these mechanisms in individual patients and ultimately provide a principled basis for treatment selection. However, development of these tools for differential diagnosis will require guidance by pathophysiological and cognitive theories that propose mechanisms which can be assessed in individual patients. This article provides an overview of contemporary pathophysiological theories of fatigue in MS and discusses how the mechanisms they propose may become measurable with emerging technologies and thus lay a foundation for future personalised treatments.

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: The role of thalamus

Fatigue is very common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often considered as its most disabling symptom. Over the last 20 years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated the pathogenetic bases of MS-related fatigue. Converging evidence from neurophysiology and neuroimaging research suggests that a dysfunction in a cortico-subcortical pathway, centered on thalamus, is involved in the pathogenesis of fatigue. However, type and significance of such dysfunction remain unknown, and some studies reported an increase in the activity and connectivity within the thalamic network, whereas others suggested its reduction. Hereby, we review the results of neuroimaging studies supporting the different hypotheses about the role of thalamic network in the pathophysiology of MS-related fatigue and discuss limitations and shortcomings of available data, highlighting the key challenges in the field and the directions for future research.

Evaluating ADS5102 (amantadine) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease patients with dyskinesia

Introduction: Amantadine is an old, antiviral compound that moderately ameliorates impaired motor behaviour in Parkinson's disease. Its current resurgence results from the novel retarded release amantadine hydrochloride formulation, ADS5102, which has also received approval for the treatment of levodopa-related involuntary movements known as dyskinesia. Areas covered: This non-systematic, narrative drug evaluation discusses the value of ADS5102 for patients with Parkinson's disease. ADS5102 is orally applied once daily in the evening. This capsule provides higher and more continuous amantadine plasma concentrations than conventional amantadine immediate release formulations with their two to three times daily intake plan. Expert opinion: ADS5102 was superior to placebo in clinical trials. They aimed for the amelioration of motor complications, particularly at 'OFF' periods and with dyskinesia in fluctuating levodopa treated patients with Parkinson's disease. Side effects and tolerability were similar to the well-known effects of conventional amantadine formulations. ADS5102 simplifies treatment and improves compliance problems in the long run. The marketing of ADS5102 outside the US will be complex for return of research costs and investments required for its manufacturing. Indeed, worldwide institutional price regulation scenarios often only consider new therapeutic mode of actions as being innovative as opposed to old drugs with improved pharmacokinetic behaviour.

Occupational Therapy in Fatigue Management in Multiple Sclerosis: An Umbrella Review

Background. Fatigue is one of the most invalidant symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that negatively affects occupational and work performance and social participation. Occupational therapy (OT) assessment and treatment of impairments related to fatigue can have a significant and positive impact on the quality of life. Methods. An umbrella review has been carried out to provide rehabilitative decision makers in healthcare with insight into the role of OT in fatigue management in Multiple Sclerosis. The question is, what type of treatment provided by occupational therapist is more effective in reducing fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis? A search of literature published until June 2018 was undertaken by three independent reviewers using PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane Library database including systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the last 10 years. Results. 10 studies were selected (5 systematic reviews, 1 meta-analysis, 3 reviews, and 1 guideline). Conclusions. Fatigue management programs have moderate evidence; other strategies such as OT strategies and telerehabilitation show low evidence.

Toward a Shared-Care Model of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Role of the Primary Care Practitioner

The objective of this study was to develop a shared-care model to enable primary-care physicians to participate more fully in meeting the complex, multidisciplinary healthcare needs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

DESIGN

The design consisted of development of consensus recommendations and a shared-care algorithm.

PARTICIPANTS

A working group of 11 Canadian neurologists involved in the management of patients with MS were included in this study.

MAIN MESSAGE

The clinical management of patients with multiple sclerosis is increasing in complexity as new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) become available, and ongoing safety monitoring is required. A shared-care model that includes primary care physicians is needed. Primary care physicians can assist in the early detection of MS of individuals presenting with neurological symptoms. Additional key roles for family physicians are health promotion, symptom management, and safety and relapse monitoring of DMT-treated patients. General principles of health promotion include counseling MS patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle; performing standard screening measures; and identifying and treating comorbidities. Of particular importance are depression and anxiety, which occur in >20% of MS patients. Standard work-ups and treatments are needed for common MS-related symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, spasticity, and sleep disorders. Ongoing safety monitoring is required for patients receiving specific DMTs. Multiple sclerosis medications are generally contraindicated during pregnancy, and patients should be counseled to practice effective contraception.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple sclerosis is a complex, disabling illness, which, similar to other chronic diseases, requires ongoing multidisciplinary care to meet the evolving needs of patients throughout the clinical course. Family physicians can play an invaluable role in maintaining general health, managing MS-related symptoms and comorbidities, monitoring for treatment-related adverse effects and MS relapses, and coordinating allied health services to ensure continuity of care to meet the complex and evolving needs of MS patients through the disease course. RÉSUMÉ: Élaborer un modèle de soins partagés dans les cas de sclérose en plaques récurrente-rémittente. Objectif: Élaborer un modèle de soins partagés afin de permettre aux médecins de première ligne de mieux répondre aux besoins complexes et multidisciplinaires de patients atteints de la sclérose en plaques (SP). Conception : Recommandations résultant d'un consensus et élaboration d'un algorithme en matière de soins partagés.

PARTICIPANTS

Un groupe de travail formé de onze neurologues canadiens impliqués dans la prise en charge de patients atteints de la SP. Message-clé : La prise en charge clinique de patients atteints de la SP est de plus en plus complexe dans la mesure où des médicaments modificateurs de l'évolution de la maladie (MMSP) deviennent accessibles et où un suivi permanent en matière de sécurité est nécessaire. Soulignons aussi qu'un modèle de soins partagés incluant les médecins de première ligne est nécessaire. Ces professionnels peuvent permettre un dépistage plus rapide de la SP chez des individus présentant des symptômes neurologiques. Ils peuvent aussi jouer un rôle de premier plan en matière de promotion de la santé, de soulagement des symptômes et de suivi de patients traités avec des MMSP en ce qui a trait à leur sécurité et à de possibles rechutes. Parmi les principes généraux de promotion de la santé, on peut inclure les suivants : offrir aux patients atteints de la SP des conseils leur permettant de maintenir de saines habitudes de vie ; adopter des mesures de dépistage standards ; identifier et traiter les comorbidités. À cet égard, l'anxiété et la dépression sont d'une importance particulière et sont fréquemment signalées (> 20 %) chez les patients atteints de SP. Des démarches d'investigation et des traitements standards sont nécessaires dans le cas des symptômes courants reliés à la SP, par exemple de la fatigue, des douleurs, une dysfonction vésicale, des dysfonctions sexuelles, de la spasticité et des troubles du sommeil. On l'a dit, un suivi permanent s'impose dans le cas de patients bénéficiant d'un traitement spécifique avec des MMSP. Les médicaments associés à la SP sont généralement contre-indiqués durant la grossesse de sorte qu'on devrait conseiller aux patients d'adopter des méthodes de contraception efficaces.

CONCLUSIONS

La SP est une maladie complexe et invalidante qui, à l'instar d'autres maladies chroniques, exige des soins multidisciplinaires continus afin de répondre, en lien avec un tableau clinique précis, aux besoins en constante évolution des patients. Les médecins de première ligne peuvent jouer un rôle irremplaçable à plusieurs égards : dans le maintien d'une bonne santé ; le suivi et le soulagement des symptômes et des comorbidités reliés à la SP ; le suivi des rechutes et des effets indésirables associés aux traitements. N'oublions pas non plus la coordination des services paramédicaux afin d'assurer, durant l'évolution de la SP, une continuité des soins répondant aux besoins complexes et en constante évolution des patients atteints de cette maladie.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces peripheral oxidative stress and inflammation in interferon-β1a-treated multiple sclerosis

Background:

Oxidative stress is a driver of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. We evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laboratory markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and on MS clinical severity.

Methods:

We included 60 relapsing–remitting patients with MS treated with interferon beta1a 44μg (IFN-β1a) with CoQ10 for 3 months, and with IFN-β1a 44μg alone for 3 more months (in an open-label crossover design). At baseline and at the 3 and 6-month visits, we measured markers of scavenging activity, oxidative damage and inflammation in the peripheral blood, and collected data on disease severity.

Results:

After 3 months, CoQ10 supplementation was associated with improved scavenging activity (as mediated by uric acid), reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species production, reduced oxidative DNA damage, and a shift towards a more anti-inflammatory milieu in the peripheral blood [with higher interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, and lower eotaxin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-1α, IL-2R, IL-9, IL-17F, macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP)-1α, regulated on activation-normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Also, CoQ10 supplementation was associated with lower Expanded Disability Status Scale, fatigue severity scale, Beck’s depression inventory, and the visual analogue scale for pain.

Conclusions:

CoQ10 supplementation improved scavenging activity, reduced oxidative damage, and induced a shift towards a more anti-inflammatory milieu, in the peripheral blood of relapsing–remitting MS patients treated with 44μg IFN-β1a 44μg. A possible clinical effect was noted but deserves to be confirmed over longer follow ups.