Symptomatic treatment and management of multiple sclerosis

Impact of discontinuing disease-modifying therapies on health care utilization among midlife patients with multiple sclerosis in the United States

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong progressive neurological disease treated primarily with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Disease activity tends to decline as patients age. Midlife represents a crossroads where the risks of DMT may outweigh the benefits, prompting providers to consider DMT discontinuation to reduce treatment burden. However, real-world evidence on the impact of DMT discontinuation among midlife patients is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between DMT discontinuation and health care utilization among midlife patients with MS.

METHODS

Midlife patients with MS who received an injectable or oral DMT between 2001 and 2018 were identified from the MarketScan commercial claims database. DMT discontinuation, defined as a treatment gap exceeding 90 days in days supply, was the independent variable. Patients who discontinued DMTs had their index date set as the last gap day, whereas index dates for those who continued DMTs were matched based on the time distribution of index dates of discontinuers. Inpatient hospitalizations (all-cause, MS-related, and non-MS-related), emergency department (ED) visits (all-cause, MS-related, and non-MS-related), and relapse-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits were independently evaluated during the 365-day follow-up. Patients were observed until the occurrence of an event (depending on the model), deviation from the treatment group, disenrollment, death, end of follow-up, or data unavailability. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (sIPTW) was employed to balance the 2 groups. The associations between DMT discontinuation and each utilization outcome were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models with sIPTW.

RESULTS

Of 149,721 midlife patients with MS, 22.8% discontinued DMTs and 77.2% continued DMTs. Patients who discontinued DMTs had a higher cumulative incidence for all utilization outcomes during the 365-day follow-up than those who continued DMTs. Cox regression showed that DMT discontinuation was associated with a 10.3% and 24.9% higher rate of all-cause and non-MS-related inpatient hospitalizations, respectively, with no significant association found for MS-related hospitalizations. Patients discontinuing DMTs exhibited higher utilization rates for ED visits, with an increase of 21.3% for all-cause, 23.0% for MS-related, and 20.9% for non-MS-related visits compared with those who continued DMTs. We also observed a 15.9% and 52.1% higher rate of relapse-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits associated with DMT discontinuation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that DMT discontinuation was associated with higher health care services utilization among midlife patients with MS, especially relapse-related outpatient visits. DMT discontinuation during midlife may be premature, and DMTs may still be necessary to reduce health care utilization.

No immediate change in systemic cytokines following an eccentric muscle training session in people with multiple sclerosis

Background

Eccentric muscle contractions elicit distinct physiological responses, including modulation of the cytokine profile. Although relevant for rehabilitation, the effect of eccentric muscle training on the immune system has never been investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives

Examine the immediate cytokine response of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17a, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha after a moderate eccentric training session in individuals with MS. Additionally, further investigate the association between systemic cytokine levels at rest and clinical measures of mobility and lower limb functional strength.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

The first session included blood sampling for baseline cytokine measures. Subsequently, the participant completed a battery of clinical assessments related to mobility and lower limb strength, that is, the Timed-Up-and-Go Test, Five-Repetition-Sit-to-Stand-Test (5STS), Four-Square-Step-Test, and Two-Minute-Walk-Test. The second session included the eccentric exercise training session, followed by a second blood sampling to assess the acute cytokine response to the eccentric training bout. This session comprised 10 exercises concentrating on the strength of the trunk and lower extremities.

Results

Twenty-seven people with MS (pwMS), with a mean age of 40.1 years, participated in the study. No difference was demonstrated in the cytokine concentration values between baseline and immediately after the eccentric training session. The 5STS explained 30.3% of the variance associated with interferon-gamma, 14.8% with IL-4, and 13.8% with IL-10.

Conclusion

An eccentric training bout does not impact cytokine concentration in the blood and, consequently, does not boost a pro-inflammatory response, thus, it can be performed on pwMS in a rehabilitation setting.

Efficacy of cannabinoids compared to the current standard treatments on symptom relief in persons with multiple sclerosis (CANSEP trial): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system. More than 90,000 Canadians are affected; a cure is yet to be found. Available treatments to manage the disease course are only partially effective. For many years, persons with MS (PwMS) have used cannabis to relax, to reduce pain and spasticity, or to improve sleep and daily functioning, despite the lack of scientific evidence on the efficacy of specific cannabinoids [i.e., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)] on these MS symptoms. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of different doses of these cannabinoids, alone or combined, on spasticity relief, compared to placebo. Moreover, we aim to determine which treatment is best effective to address other key MS conditions.

Methods

A double-blinded, randomized, factorial, placebo-controlled trial will be performed. We intend to include up to 250 PwMS aged over 21 recruited from the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal MS Clinic. PwMS will be randomly assigned on a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of the trial arms: THC alone, CBD alone, THC/CBD combination, or placebo, using stratified blocked randomization, with random blocks within each stratum. The primary outcome is a self-assessment of spasticity using the mean Numeric Rating Scale score over 7 days. The main outcome will be the difference in this score at 4 weeks compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes include assessments of spasticity as measured by a clinician, pain, fatigue, sleep, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction, restless legs syndrome, mental health, quality of life, mobility, cognitive functioning, and adverse events. Treatment responders are eligible for a 12-week extension phase, using the same treatment allocation and assessments.

Discussion

Previous clinical studies examined the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines in PwMS, mostly using products with 1:1 THC/CBD ratio. The major barrier to effectively use cannabis in real-world clinical settings is the lack of evidence on benefits of specific cannabinoids and information on possible related risks. The CANSEP study will contribute to overcome these limitations and identify the risks and benefits of cannabis-based treatments in PwMS.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT05092191.

The association of fear of falling and falls with sedentary behavior in people with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Sedentary behavior, falls, and fear of falling (FoF) are specific concerns for people with MS (pwMS). Considering the relatively high incidence and potential linkage, it is surprising that this triple relationship has as yet not been extensively investigated in pwMS. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the correlates of sedentary behavior with FoF and falls in pwMS.

METHODS

Fifty pwMS, 30 women, were admitted to this cross-sectional study. Primary outcome measures included physical activity and sedentary behavior metrics measured by accelerometry, fall status, and FoF. Additional measures included mobility clinical tests, cognition, perceived fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The sample was divided into two subgroups according to the daily Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) rate scores; <1.5 was defined as sedentary, ≥1.5 were defined as non-sedentary. Multivariate analysis of variance and linear regression analyses assessed the relationships by using an alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

Sixty-four percent of the sample were classified as sedentary. The sedentary subgroup reported more FoF than the non-sedentary subgroup (32.5 (S·D. = 11.3) vs. 29.9 (S.D. = 9.5); however, no differences were found in fall status between the subgroups. No differences were found for depression, anxiety, cognition, and perceived fatigue between the subgroups. Furthermore, according to the linear regression analysis, FoF explained 23.9% of the variance pertaining to the daily MET rate when controlling for age, gender, disease duration, and disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians are encouraged to incorporate the issue of FoF during standard management, which may represent an opportunity to improve care and reduce sedentary behavior in pwMS.

Be Cool: A Holistic and Innovative Approach to Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to deal with numerous symptoms that adversely impact their quality of life. While pharmaceutical treatments offer some relief, they often fall short of addressing the full spectrum of MS symptoms. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Be Cool rehabilitation program, a comprehensive protocol designed to enhance the well-being and life quality of MS individuals. (2) Methods: The Be Cool program is a multifaceted approach that combines exercise training, nutritional guidance, psychological support, and cooling strategies. Adapted to meet the unique needs of MS individuals, this program aims to mitigate symptoms, promote physical and mental health, and improve overall quality of life. The integration of these strategies addresses the complex challenges faced by MS individuals, offering a holistic solution beyond conventional medication. (3) Conclusions: The Be Cool rehabilitation protocol is designed to offer individuals with MS a comprehensive approach to symptom management, fostering improvements in their quality of life. By addressing the multifaceted nature of MS through an integrated strategy, the program holds promise for more effective management of the condition.

Severity and worsening of fatigue among individuals with multiple sclerosis

Background

Fatigue is associated with reduced quality of life and social participation, and poor employment outcomes. However, most studies examining fatigue are limited by small sample sizes or short follow-up periods.

Objective

To characterize the natural history of fatigue.

Methods

The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Registry participants with ≥7 years of longitudinal data between 2004 and 2019 and a relapsing disease course were included. A subset of participants enrolled within 5 years of diagnosis was identified. The Fatigue Performance Scale assessed fatigue and ≥1-point increase in Fatigue Performance Scale sustained at the next survey defined fatigue worsening.

Results

Of 3057 participants with longitudinal data, 944 were within 5 years of multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Most participants (52%) reported fatigue worsening during follow-up. Median time to fatigue worsening ranged from 3.5 to 5 years at lower levels of index fatigue. Fatigue worsening was associated with lower annual income, increasing disability, lower initial fatigue level, taking injectable disease-modifying therapies and increasing depression levels in the relapsing multiple sclerosis participants.

Conclusion

Most multiple sclerosis participants early in their disease suffer from fatigue and at least half reported fatigue worsening over time. Understanding factors associated with fatigue may help to identify populations most at risk of fatigue worsening will be informative for the overall management of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Polypharmacy and multiple sclerosis: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about polypharmacy and multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVES

To estimate polypharmacy prevalence in a population-based MS cohort and compare persons with/without polypharmacy.

METHODS

Using administrative and pharmacy data from Canada, we estimated polypharmacy prevalence (⩾5 concurrent medications for >30 consecutive days) in MS individuals in 2017. We compared the characteristics of persons with/without polypharmacy and described the number of polypharmacy days, the most common medication classes contributing to polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy prevalence (⩾10 medications).

RESULTS

Of 14,227 included individuals (75% women), mean age = 55.4 (standard deviation (SD): 13.2) years; 28% (n = 3995) met criteria for polypharmacy (median polypharmacy days = 273 (interquartile range (IQR): 120-345)). Odds of polypharmacy were higher for women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.14; 95% confidence intervals (CI):1.04-1.25), older individuals (aORs 50-64 years = 2.04; 95% CI:1.84-2.26; ⩾65 years = 3.26; 95% CI: 2.92-3.63 vs. <50 years), those with more comorbidities (e.g. ⩾3 vs. none, aOR = 6.03; 95% CI: 5.05-7.22) and lower socioeconomic status (SES) (e.g. most (SES-Q1) vs. least deprived (SES-Q5) aOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.44-1.86). Medication classes most commonly contributing to polypharmacy were as follows: antidepressants (66% of polypharmacy days), antiepileptics (47%), and peptic ulcer drugs (41%). Antidepressants were most frequently co-prescribed with antiepileptics (34% of polypharmacy days) and peptic ulcer drugs (27%). Five percent of persons (716/14,227) experienced hyper-polypharmacy.

CONCLUSION

More than one in four MS persons met criteria for polypharmacy. The odds of polypharmacy were higher for women, older persons, and those with more comorbidities, but lower SES.

Associated factors of potential drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common immune-mediated demyelinating disease in younger adults. Patients with MS (PwMS) are vulnerable to the presence of potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) and potential drug–food interactions (pDFIs) as they take numerous medications to treat MS, associated symptoms and comorbidities. Knowledge about pDDIs and pDFIs can increase treatment success and reduce side effects.

Objective:

We aimed at determining the frequency and severity of pDDIs and pDFIs in PwMS, with regard to polypharmacy.

Methods:

In the cross-sectional study, we analysed pDDIs and pDFIs of 627 PwMS aged ⩾18 years. Data collection was performed through patient record reviews, clinical examinations and structured patient interviews. pDDIs and pDFIs were identified using two DDI databases: Drugs.com Interactions Checker and Stockley’s Interactions Checker.

Results:

We identified 2587 pDDIs (counted with repetitions). Of 627 PwMS, 408 (65.1%) had ⩾ 1 pDDI. Polypharmacy (concomitant use of ⩾ 5 drugs) was found for 334 patients (53.3%). Patients with polypharmacy (Pw/P) were found to have a 15-fold higher likelihood of having ⩾ 1 severe pDDI compared with patients without polypharmacy (Pw/oP) (OR: 14.920, p < 0.001). The most frequently recorded severe pDDI was between citalopram and fingolimod. Regarding pDFIs, ibuprofen and alcohol was the most frequent severe pDFI.

Conclusion:

Pw/P were particularly at risk of severe pDDIs. Age and educational level were found to be factors associated with the occurrence of pDDIs, independent of the number of medications taken. Screening for pDDIs/pDFIs should be routinely done by the clinical physician to increase drug safety and reduce side effects.

Current perspectives on the diagnosis and management of fatigue in multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a prevalence up to 81% and with a considerable impact on quality of life. However, its subjective nature makes it difficult to define and quantify in clinical practice. Research aimed at a more precise definition and knowledge of this construct is thus continuously growing.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the most relevant updates available on PubMed up to July 1^st 2022 regarding: the assessment methods that aim to measure the concept of fatigue (as opposed to fatigability), the possible treatment pathways currently available to clinicians, interconnection with the pathophysiological substrates and with the common comorbidities of MS, such as depression and mood disorders.

EXPERT OPINION

The in-depth study of fatigue can help to better understand its actual impact on MS patients and can stimulate clinicians towards a more valid approach, through a targeted analysis of this symptom. Considering fatigue from a multidimensional perspective allows the use of patient-tailored methods for its identification and subsequent treatment by different professional figures. Better identification of methods and treatment pathways would reduce the extremely negative impact of fatigue on MS patients' quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Strategies on the Horizon

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the brain and the spinal cord. It is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. The clinical course of the disease is quite variable, ranging from stable chronic disease to rapidly evolving debilitating disease. The pathogenesis of MS is not fully understood. Still, there has been a rapid shift in understanding the immune pathology of MS away from pure T cell-mediated disease to B cells and microglia/astrocytes having a vital role in the pathogenesis of MS. This has helped in the emergence of new therapies for management. Effective treatment of MS requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage acute attacks, prevent relapses and disease progression and treat the disabling symptoms associated with the disease. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of MS, management of acute relapses, disease-modifying therapies in MS, new drugs and drugs currently in trial for MS and the symptomatic treatment of MS.  All language search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase till February 2022. The following search strings and medical subheadings (MeSH) were used: "Multiple Sclerosis", "Pathogenesis of MS", and "Disease-modifying therapies in MS". We explored literature on the pathogenic mechanisms behind MS, management of acute relapses, disease-modifying therapies in MS and symptomatic management.

Systematic Review of the Socioeconomic Consequences in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis With Different Levels of Disability and Cognitive Function

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a challenging and disabling condition, predominantly affecting individuals in early adulthood. MS affects the physical, cognitive, and mental health of persons suffering from the disease as well as having a great impact on their financial status and quality of life. However, there is a lack of systematic approach toward assessing the socioeconomic consequences of MS. Our objective was to systematically review analytical observational studies investigating the socioeconomic consequences in persons with MS with different levels of physical disability and cognitive function. We conducted a systematic review on socioeconomic consequences of MS with a focus on employment-, income-, work ability-, and relationship-related outcomes in persons with MS with special focus on disability and cognition. Additionally, the educational characteristics were examined. From 4,957 studies identified, 214 were assessed for eligibility and a total of 19 studies were included in this qualitative assessment; 21 different outcomes were identified. All identified studies reported higher unemployment, higher early retirement, and higher risk of unemployment in relation to higher physical disability. Also, cognitive function was found to be a predictor of employment (unemployment). The studies pointed out significant correlations between greater disability and lower earnings and higher income from benefits. A study found the same correlation in relation to cognitive function. The studies reported higher work disability in relation to higher physical disability and lower cognitive function. In conclusion, this systematic review summarizes the pronounced differences in various socioeconomic outcomes between patients with MS with regards to their physical disability and cognitive function. In addition, we identified a lack of studies with longitudinal design in this field that can provide more robust estimates with covariate adjustments, such as disease modifying treatments.

Use of cannabis in patients with multiple sclerosis from Argentina

BACKGROUND

The use of cannabis to treat some symptoms of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), has increased worldwide. We aimed to assess the use of cannabis in patients with MS (PwMS) from Argentina, its reasons and patients' perceptions on the management of MS symptoms. Additionally, we assessed their association with socio-demographic and clinical aspects.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey that included 281 PwMS from Argentina was conducted. Screening instruments: Demographics and clinical data, health-related QoL (MS Impact Scale-29), Fatigue Severity Scale, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sleep disorders, physical disability (self-administrated Expanded Disability Status Scale) and medical or recreational cannabis use were evaluated. A logistic regression model was carried out.

RESULTS

Current users (cannabis was used within the past year) was reported in 34.2% and former users (had tried cannabis but not used it within the past year) in 22.7%. Daily cannabis use was reported in 31.3% (current + former users) of the studied cohort, 41.9% started their use after MS diagnosis and 54.3% of them had never discussed about cannabis use with their neurologist. Recreational use was reported in 47.5%. Younger (age below 30 years) PwMS (OR = 2.39, p = 0.03), presence of chronic pain (OR = 2.42, p = 0.002) and current alcohol intake (OR = 3.33, p = 0.001) were predictors of current cannabis use in our multivariate model.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of use of cannabis in PwMS from Argentina was observed. Demographic, symptoms and lifestyle factors predict cannabis use. Identifying the presence and severity of these conditions would contribute to a better MS management and treatment.

Physiotherapy use and access-barriers in persons with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional analysis

INTRODUCTION

Physiotherapy may alleviate many multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, yet very little is known about physiotherapy accessibility and possible barriers in persons with MS (pwMS). We therefore aimed to elucidate physiotherapy use and possible access-barriers using data from 1493 pwMS from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry (SMSR), a patient-centered, longitudinal, observational MS study.

METHODS

We used data of the SMSR to investigate the question at hand in a multivariable logistic regression model with regularly receiving physiotherapy (yes/no) as the outcome. Potential explanatory variables were investigated following an AIC-driven model selection approach and consisted of a priori specified socio-demographic variables, health status, and personal or social mobility variables. As a last step, the impact of physiotherapist supply on regular use was assessed in the final model. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation (main analysis), and complete case sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The main analysis included 1493 participants. In the multivariable logistic regression, positive associations were found between the use of physiotherapy and the following variables: having a primary-progressive MS (Odds Ratio (OR) [95% Confidence Intervals] 1.97 [1.18; 3.29]), being more severely impaired (EDSS 4-6.5 OR 1.84 [1.16; 2.91]), higher number of current symptoms (1 OR 3.31 [1.63; 6.74], 2-3 OR 3.43 [1.8; 6.53], 4-5 OR 4.44 [2.28; 8.66], 6-7 OR 4.06 [1.90; 8.70], 8-9 OR 3.87 [1.71; 8.75], being on disability pension (OR 1.75 [1.24; 2.46], or having applied for it OR 2.25 [1.31; 3.85]), having gait problems (OR 1.58 [1.11; 2.23]), having been in a rehabilitation clinic in the past 12 months (OR 4.43 [2.17; 9.03]), and currently being on disease-modifying treatment (OR 1.61 [1.12; 2.31]). Negative associations were found for a higher quality of life (OR 0.92 [0.85; 0.98]), working more than 80% (OR 0.47 [0.30; 0.75]) and being from the French language region (OR 0.66 [0.47; 0.94]). No association between physiotherapist supply and regular physiotherapy use was detected.

DISCUSSION

In a large, Swiss-based MS population, little evidence for socio-demographic barriers to physical therapy was found. Physiotherapy uptake was higher among pwMS with more impairments, lower health-related quality of life, or who have been discharged recently from inpatient rehabilitation. The uptake differences by language region warrant further investigations.

Safety and efficacy of amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Methylphenidate, modafinil, and amantadine are commonly prescribed medications for alleviating fatigue in multiple sclerosis; however, the evidence supporting their efficacy is sparse and conflicting. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of these three medications with each other and placebo in patients with multiple sclerosis fatigue.

METHODS

In this randomised, placebo-controlled, four-sequence, four-period, crossover, double-blind trial, patients with multiple sclerosis who reported fatigue and had a Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) score of more than 33 were recruited at two academic multiple sclerosis centres in the USA. Participants received oral amantadine (up to 100 mg twice daily), modafinil (up to 100 mg twice daily), methylphenidate (up to 10 mg twice daily), or placebo, each given for up to 6 weeks. All patients were intended to receive all four study medications, in turn, in one of four different sequences with 2-week washout periods between medications. A biostatistician prepared a concealed allocation schedule, stratified by site, randomly assigning a sequence of medications in approximately a 1:1:1:1 ratio, in blocks of eight, to a consecutive series of numbers. The statistician and pharmacists had no role in assessing the participants or collecting data, and the participants, caregivers, and assessors were masked to allocation. The primary outcome measure was the MFIS measured while taking the highest tolerated dose at week 5 of each medication period, analysed by use of a linear mixed-effect regression model. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03185065 and is closed.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 4, 2017, and Feb 27, 2019, of 169 patients screened, 141 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four medication administration sequences: 35 (25%) patients to the amantadine, placebo, modafinil, and methylphenidate sequence; 34 (24%) patients to the placebo, methylphenidate, amantadine, and modafinil sequence; 35 (25%) patients to the modafinil, amantadine, methylphenidate, and placebo sequence; and 37 (26%) patients to the methylphenidate, modafinil, placebo, and amantadine sequence. Data from 136 participants were available for the intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome. The estimated mean values of MFIS total scores at baseline and the maximal tolerated dose were as follows: 51·3 (95% CI 49·0-53·6) at baseline, 40·6 (38·2-43·1) with placebo, 41·3 (38·8-43·7) with amantadine, 39·0 (36·6-41·4) with modafinil, and 38·6 (36·2-41·0) with methylphenidate (p=0·20 for the overall medication effect in the linear mixed-effect regression model). As compared with placebo (38 [31%] of 124 patients), higher proportions of participants reported adverse events while taking amantadine (49 [39%] of 127 patients), modafinil (50 [40%] of 125 patients), and methylphenidate (51 [40%] of 129 patients). Three serious adverse events occurred during the study (pulmonary embolism and myocarditis while taking amantadine, and a multiple sclerosis exacerbation requiring hospital admission while taking modafinil).

INTERPRETATION

Amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate were not superior to placebo in improving multiple sclerosis fatigue and caused more frequent adverse events. The results of this study do not support an indiscriminate use of amantadine, modafinil, or methylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

FUNDING

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Integration of the Extreme Gradient Boosting model with electronic health records to enable the early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Delayed multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnoses are not uncommon, an early diagnostic tool is urgently warranted. We aimed to develop an effective tool through electronic health records and machine learning techniques to early recognize MS patients from hospital visitors in China.

METHODS

Two case sets were collected from January 2016 to December 2018. The training set had 239 MS and 1142 controls, and the test set had 23 MS and 92 controls. The utility of Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Naive Bayes, K-nearest-neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) in early diagnosis of MS was evaluated by the area under curve of receiver operating characteristic, precision, recall, specificity, accuracy and F1 score.

RESULTS

The XGBoost performed the best and was used to generate the results. Thirty-four variables which were highly relevant to MS diagnosis were set for the XGBoost model, and their relative importance with MS were ranked. The training set recall was 0.632, with a precision of 0.576, and the test set recall was 0.609, with a precision of 0.609. Our study found that 61%, 51%, and 49% of the patients could be diagnosed with MS, 1, 2, and 3 years earlier than their real diagnostic time point, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A diagnostic tool for early MS recognition based on the XGBoost model and electronic health records were developed to help reduce diagnostic delays in MS.

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.

Enhanced axonal response of mitochondria to demyelination offers neuroprotection: implications for multiple sclerosis

Axonal loss is the key pathological substrate of neurological disability in demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the consequences of demyelination on neuronal and axonal biology are poorly understood. The abundance of mitochondria in demyelinated axons in MS raises the possibility that increased mitochondrial content serves as a compensatory response to demyelination. Here, we show that upon demyelination mitochondria move from the neuronal cell body to the demyelinated axon, increasing axonal mitochondrial content, which we term the axonal response of mitochondria to demyelination (ARMD). However, following demyelination axons degenerate before the homeostatic ARMD reaches its peak. Enhancement of ARMD, by targeting mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial transport from the cell body to axon, protects acutely demyelinated axons from degeneration. To determine the relevance of ARMD to disease state, we examined MS autopsy tissue and found a positive correlation between mitochondrial content in demyelinated dorsal column axons and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) deficiency in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuronal cell bodies. We experimentally demyelinated DRG neuron-specific complex IV deficient mice, as established disease models do not recapitulate complex IV deficiency in neurons, and found that these mice are able to demonstrate ARMD, despite the mitochondrial perturbation. Enhancement of mitochondrial dynamics in complex IV deficient neurons protects the axon upon demyelination. Consequently, increased mobilisation of mitochondria from the neuronal cell body to the axon is a novel neuroprotective strategy for the vulnerable, acutely demyelinated axon. We propose that promoting ARMD is likely to be a crucial preceding step for implementing potential regenerative strategies for demyelinating disorders.

Pilot randomized active-placebo-controlled trial of low-dose ketamine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS and has no effective pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of low-dose ketamine infusion for MS-related fatigue.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, active-placebo-controlled trial, 18 subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) and reported fatigue received a single intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or midazolam (0.05 mg/kg). The primary outcome was change in Daily Fatigue Severity (DFS) for 7 days following the infusion. Secondary outcomes included Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) measured up to day 28 post-infusion. We analyzed changes in all outcomes using mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

In total, 18 participants were enrolled; 67% participants received ketamine. Side effects of ketamine were transient. No change in the DFS was observed after 7 days (-0.10 point; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.32, 0.12; p = 0.40). We observed a trend in reduced FSS scores at 1 week (-5.2 points; 95% CI: -10.4, 0.14; p = 0.06) and a clinically and statistically significant reduction in MFIS score at day 28 (-13.5 point; 95% CI: -25.0, -1.98; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine infusions were safe and well-tolerated. While no change in DFS after 7 days was observed, secondary analyses suggest a benefit of ketamine infusion for reduction of longer term fatigue severity in people with MS.

The Broad Concept of "Spasticity-Plus Syndrome" in Multiple Sclerosis: A Possible New Concept in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology progressively affects multiple central nervous system (CNS) areas. Due to this fact, MS produces a wide array of symptoms. Symptomatic therapy of one MS symptom can cause or worsen other unwanted symptoms (anticholinergics used for bladder dysfunction produce impairment of cognition, many MS drugs produce erectile dysfunction, etc.). Appropriate symptomatic therapy is an unmet need. Several important functions/symptoms (muscle tone, sleep, bladder, pain) are mediated, in great part, in the brainstem. Cannabinoid receptors are distributed throughout the CNS irregularly: There is an accumulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brainstem. Nabiximols (a combination of THC and CBD oromucosal spray) interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. In several clinical trials with Nabiximols for MS spasticity, the investigators report improvement not only in spasticity itself, but also in several functions/symptoms mentioned before (spasms, cramps, pain, gait, sleep, bladder function, fatigue, and possibly tremor). We can conceptualize and, therefore, hypothesize, through this indirect information, that it could be considered the existence of a broad "Spasticity-Plus Syndrome" that involves, a cluster of symptoms apart from spasticity itself, the rest of the mentioned functions/symptoms, probably because they are interlinked after the increase of muscle tone and mediated, at least in part, in the same or close areas of the brainstem. If this holds true, there exists the possibility to treat several spasticity-related symptoms induced by MS pathology with a single therapy, which would permit to avoid the unnecessary adverse effects produced by polytherapy. This would result in an important advance in the symptomatic management of MS.

An integrative cognitive rehabilitation using neurologic music therapy in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease, affecting both the sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The typical pattern of cognitive impairment includes reduced speed of information processing, decreased phonological and semantic speech fluency, deficits in verbal and visual episodic memory, as well as attention and executive dysfunctions. We aimed to investigate the influence of the neurologic music therapy (NMT) on mood, motivation, emotion status, and cognitive functions in patients with MS.

METHODS

Thirty patients with MS were randomly divided in 2 groups: the control group (CG) undergoing conventional cognitive rehabilitation (CCR), 6 times a week for 8 weeks, and the experimental group (EG) undergoing CCR 3 times a week for 8 weeks plus NMT techniques, performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks. All the participants were submitted to the same amount of treatment. Each patient was evaluated before (baseline: T0) and immediately after the end of each training (T1).

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

We used as main outcome measure: the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological test to assess various cognitive abilities; and the multiple sclerosis quality of life-54 (MSQoL-54).

RESULTS

Both the groups benefit from 8 weeks of CR. In particular, the EG got better results in cognitive function, with regard to selective reminding test long term storage (P < .000), long term retrieval (P = .007), and delayed recall of the 10/36 spatial recall test (P = .001), as compared with the CG. Moreover, the improvement in emotional status, motivation, mood and quality of life (with regard to the mental component; P < .000) was more evident in the EG.

CONCLUSIONS

NMT could be considered a complementary approach to enhance CCR in patients affected by MS.

Pharmacoeconomics of synthetic therapies for multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Recently, the economic impact of multiple sclerosis (MS), which includes both direct and indirect costs, has been increasing. While direct costs comprise health-care costs, such as the cost of pharmaceuticals, additional treatments such as physiotherapy, and medical aids, indirect costs are triggered by the productivity loss of patients and caregivers. Although new drugs for MS have changed the therapeutic scenario, they have increased the direct costs of health-care services. Areas covered: This review describes the pharmacoeconomic aspects of synthetic therapies for MS. Additionally, it discusses the economic impact of the various classes of licensed disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for relapsing forms of MS. Expert opinion: The emerging and more expensive DMTs for MS represent a considerable challenge for health-care systems and resource consumption. Future research should focus on the long-term efficacy of DMTs and the cost of treating MS in a real-life setting. Future biological and radiological biomarkers could help stratify patients at early stages of MS, helping physicians design a personalized therapeutic approach that could have a positive impact in economic terms.

Brazilian Consensus for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Brazilian Academy of Neurology and Brazilian Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis

The expanding therapeutic arsenal in multiple sclerosis (MS) has allowed for more effective and personalized treatment, but the choice and management of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is becoming increasingly complex. In this context, experts from the Brazilian Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and the Neuroimmunology Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology have convened to establish this Brazilian Consensus for the Treatment of MS, based on their understanding that neurologists should be able to prescribe MS DMTs according to what is better for each patient, based on up-to-date evidence and practice. We herein propose practical recommendations for the treatment of MS, with the main focus on the choice and management of DMTs, as well as present a review of the scientific rationale supporting therapeutic strategies in MS.

Enduring Clinical Value of Copaxone® (Glatiramer Acetate) in Multiple Sclerosis after 20 Years of Use

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone®) was the first disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS successfully tested in humans (1977) and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 1996. Since then, there have been numerous developments in the MS field: advances in neuroimaging allowing more rapid and accurate diagnosis; the availability of a range of DMTs including immunosuppressant monoclonal antibodies and oral agents; a more holistic approach to treatment by multidisciplinary teams; and an improved awareness of the need to consider a patient's preferences and patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life. The use of GA has endured throughout these advances. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the important developments in the MS field during the 20 years since GA was approved and to review clinical data for GA in MS, with the aim of understanding the continued and widespread use of GA. Both drug-related (efficacy versus side-effect profile and monitoring requirements) and patient factors (preferences regarding mode of administration and possible pregnancy) will be explored.

Cognitive function predicts work disability among multiple sclerosis patients

Background

In multiple sclerosis various aspects of cognitive function can be detrimentally affected. More than that, patients´ employment and social functioning is likely to be impacted.

Objective

To determine whether work disability among multiple sclerosis patients could be predicted by the symbol digit modalities test.

Methods

A register-based cohort study was conducted. Individual data on work disability, operationalised as annual net days of sickness absence and/or disability pension were retrieved at baseline, when the symbol digit modalities test was performed, after one-year and 3-year follow-up for 903 multiple sclerosis patients. The incidence rate ratios for work disability were calculated with general estimating equations using a negative binomial distribution and were adjusted for gender, age, educational level, family composition, type of living area and physical disability.

Results

After one year of follow-up, the patients in the lowest symbol digit modalities test quartile were estimated to have a 73% higher rate of work disability when compared to the patients in the highest symbol digit modalities test quartile (incidence rate ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.42‒2.10). This estimate after 3-year follow-up was similar (incidence rate ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.40‒2.02).

Conclusion

Cognitive function is to a high extent associated with multiple sclerosis patients' future work disability, even after adjusting for other factors.

Performance in daily activities, cognitive impairment and perception in multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers

Background

The relationship between cognitive assessment results in multiple sclerosis (MS) and performance in daily activities (DAs) remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive functions (CF) measured by tests, performance in DAs, and the perception of CF in patients and their caregivers (CG) in MS.

Methods

The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) battery was used to evaluate cognitive status. We created an ad hoc questionnaire (DaQ) to assess performance in DAs not requiring specific motor skills. We used the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) to measure each patient self-judgment and caregiver’s perception of CF.

Results

Forty-nine patients and their caregivers were included in the study. Significant correlations were found between the BICAMS and the DaQ (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT): r = − 0.48, p < 0.001; California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT): r = − 0.33, p = 0.01; Brief Visual Memory Test (BVMT-R): r = − 0.42; p = 0.002); patients self-judgment (SDMT: r = − 0.38, p = 0.004; CVLT: r = − 0.26, p = 0.03); caregiver perception of patient’s CF (SDMT: r = − 0.52, p < 0.001; CVLT: r = − 0.3, p = 0.01; BVMT-R: r = − 0.42, p = 0.002). The difference in perception between the patients and their caregivers was related to patient age (p = 0.001) and severity of cognitive impairment (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Cognitive assessment results show a significant correlation with performance in daily activities and with patients and, especially, caregiver perception of cognitive impairment. These data support the importance of a routine evaluation of cognitive function in MS that includes an anamnestic evaluation of patients, and, when possible, consideration of the caregiver’s point of view.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1224-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cognition in multiple sclerosis: Between cognitive reserve and brain volume

BACKGROUND

Several correlations between cognitive impairment (CI), radiologic markers and cognitive reserve (CR) have been documented in MS.

OBIECTIVE

To evaluate correlation between CI and brain volume (BV) considering CR as possibile mitigating factor.

METHODS

195 relapsing MS patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment using BICAMS. BV was estimated using SIENAX to obtain normalized volume of brain (NBV), white matter (NWV), gray matter (NGV) and cortical gray matter (CGV). CR was estimated using a previously validated tool.

RESULTS

Pearson test showed a correlation between the symbol digit modality test (SDMT) score and NBV (r=0.38; p<0.000) NGV(r=0.31; p<0.000), CGV (r=0.35; p<0.000) and CRI score(r=0.42; p<0.000). Linear regression (dependent variable:SDMT) showed a relationship with CR scores (p=0.000) and NGV(p<0.000). A difference was detected between cognitive impaired and preserved patients regarding mean of NBV(p=0.002), NGV(p=0.007), CGV(p=0.002) and CR Scores (p=0.007). Anova showed a association between the presence of CI (dependent variable) and the interaction term CRIQ × CGV (p=0.004) whit adjustment for age and disability evaluated by EDSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a correlation between cognition and BV, in particular gray matter volume. Cognitive reserve is also confirmed as an important element playing a role in the complex interaction to determine the cognitive functions in MS.

Cognitive function is a major determinant of income among multiple sclerosis patients in Sweden acting independently from physical disability

BACKGROUND

In multiple sclerosis (MS), various aspects of cognitive function can be detrimentally affected, thus patients' employment and social functioning is commonly impacted.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse income among MS patients in relation to cognitive function, assessed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 2080 MS patients was conducted linking national register-based data. Descriptive statistics and a two-part model were used to estimate differences in earnings and social benefits.

RESULTS

MS patients in the highest SDMT score quartile earned more than twice annually compared to patients in the lowest quartile, whereas patients in the lowest quartile received three times more income through social benefits. The difference in earnings and benefits across the SDMT performance quartiles remained statistically significant after adjusting for various clinical and socio-demographic variables, including physical disability. The corrected prevalence ratios for MS patients in the highest quartile for having income from earnings and benefits were 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-1.49) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.90), respectively, when compared to the patients in the lowest quartile.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive function affects the financial situation of MS patients negatively and independently of physical disability. This warrants cognitive testing as a routine measure in health care services for MS patients.

Application of the Betty Neuman systems model in the nursing care of patients/clients with multiple sclerosis

Objective

This study aimed to assess the application of the Betty Neuman systems model to the care of patient/clients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

This clinical study resulted from the application of the nursing process to a patient/client admitted with multiple sclerosis in the neurological ward of a hospital in an urban area of Iran.

Results

A patient/client was evaluated according to the Neuman model. Intrapersonal stressors (physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual), interpersonal stressors (being away from family and children) and extra-personal stressors (aggression and psychological pressure from the spouse) were found. Based on the examination, 12 nursing diagnoses based on the taxonomy of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International, and nursing care based on three levels of prevention that are important in the view of Neuman, are presented. The results were used in the classification of nursing interventions and the classification and nursing outcomes respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest the desirability of care and patient/client satisfaction in the evaluation of nursing care based on the Neuman model. The model can be used as a framework to help nurses care for patients/clients. Thus, the application of this model and other models is recommended in the nursing care of patients/clients.

Hippotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial (MS-HIPPO)

Background:

Evidence-based complementary treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of hippotherapy plus standard care versus standard care alone in MS patients.

Methods:

A total of 70 adults with MS were recruited in five German centers and randomly allocated to the intervention group (12 weeks of hippotherapy) or the control group. Primary outcome was the change in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) after 12 weeks, and further outcome measures included fatigue, pain, quality of life, and spasticity.

Results:

Covariance analysis of the primary endpoint resulted in a mean difference in BBS change of 2.33 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–4.63, p = 0.047) between intervention ( n = 32) and control ( n = 38) groups. Benefit on BBS was largest for the subgroup with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩾ 5 (5.1, p = 0.001). Fatigue (−6.8, p = 0.02) and spasticity (−0.9, p = 0.03) improved in the intervention group. The mean difference in change between groups was 12.0 ( p < 0.001) in physical health score and 14.4 ( p < 0.001) in mental health score of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54).

Conclusion:

Hippotherapy plus standard care, while below the threshold of a minimal clinically important difference, significantly improved balance and also fatigue, spasticity, and quality of life in MS patients.

Peripheral sensory neuron injury contributes to neuropathic pain in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS)-induced neuropathic pain deteriorates quality of life in patients but is often refractory to treatment. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a rodent model of MS, animals develop neuropathy and inflammation-induced tissue acidosis, which suggests the involvement of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). Also, peripheral neuropathy is reported in MS patients. However, the involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in MS neuropathic pain remains elusive. This study investigated the contribution of ASICs and peripheral neuropathy in MS-induced neuropathic pain. Elicited pain levels were as high in Asic1a^-/-, Asic2^-/- and Asic3^-/- mice as wild-type mice even though only Asic1a^-/- mice showed reduced EAE disease severity, which indicates that pain in EAE was independent of disease severity. We thus adopted an EAE model without pertussis toxin (EAEnp) to restrain activated immunity in the periphery and evaluate the PNS contribution to pain. Both EAE and EAEnp mice showed similar pain behaviors and peripheral neuropathy in nerve fibers and DRG neurons. Moreover, pregabalin significantly reduced neuropathic pain in both EAE and EAEnp mice. Our findings highlight the essential role of the PNS in neuropathic pain in EAE and pave the way for future development of analgesics without side effects in the CNS.

Palliative care in progressive multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system with unknown etiology. It could be associated with severe disability and losses of physical, psychological and social role functioning over time. People with MS share experiences in common with people affected by diseases with a shorter and clearer terminal phase. Therefore, it is appropriate to offer a palliative care approach to people with severe MS and their caregivers. Areas covered: Benefits for severe MS patients and their caregivers were shown when palliative care was included in their care. However, many neurologists show no interest toward palliative care services for people with severe MS. Misunderstandings about the services of palliative care are still prevalent. Expert commentary: When all results are considered, they show that palliative care for severe MS patients may be beneficial. The five-year view will discuss the barriers of palliative care inclusion for people with severe MS.

Similar impact of multiple sclerosis and migraine on sexual function in women : Is the multiple sclerosis impact scale questionnaire useful?

Background

Sexuality is an integral part of overall health but the impact of neurological diseases on sexual function still receives too little attention.

Aim

The aim of this case control study was to compare frequencies and characteristics of sexual dysfunction in women with stable relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and migraine.

Methods

Sexually active women aged 18–50 years were recruited at the MS and headache outpatient clinics of a university hospital and asked to complete questionnaires on sexual function using the multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire (MSISQ-19) adapted for patients with migraine, depression using the Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) and quality of life using the short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36).

Results

At least one symptom of sexual dysfunction was “almost always” or “always” present in 35.7 % of 42 patients with MS and in 22.6 % of 30 patients with migraine (p = 0.3). The MSISQ-19 total score did not differ between the two groups (31.6 ± 10.8 vs. 28.2 ± 11.6, respectively, p = 0.2). Sexual dysfunction was categorized as primary, secondary and tertiary in 66.7 %, 40 % and 33.3 % of MS patients and in 57.1 % (p = 0.7), 71.4 % (p = 0.2) and 71.4 % (p = 0.1) of migraine patients, respectively. Depressive symptoms were more common in women with sexual dysfunction than in those without both in MS (p = 0.001) and migraine (p = 0.006). The SF-36 showed decreasing quality of life with increasing MSISQ-19 sum scores (mental subscale p < 0.001 and physical subscale p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction is a major problem both in women with MS and in women with migraine and is strongly associated with comorbid depression and impaired quality of life. Thus, categorizing sexuality as done by MSISQ-19 is limited by its complex biopsychosocial interactions.

Fatigue Management in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that may entail severe levels of disability in the long term. However, independently of the level of disability, MS patients frequently experience severe fatigue that can be as disabling as objective neurological deficits. For that reason, it is mandatory to perform an early diagnosis of MS-related fatigue and start a suitable treatment as soon as possible. In clinical practice, MS-related fatigue should be assessed and managed by a multidisciplinary team involving neurologists, MS nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. When assessing a person with MS-related fatigue, the first step is to rule out potential triggers or causes of fatigue, which may be related to MS, such as urinary dysfunction, pain, or muscular spasms leading to a sleep disorder, or unrelated to it. Once these causes have been ruled out and appropriately tackled, a careful therapeutic intervention needs to be decided. Therapeutic interventions for MS-related fatigue can be pharmacological or non-pharmacological. Regarding the pharmacological treatments, although many drugs have been tested in clinical trials, only amantadine is currently recommended for this indication. Regarding the non-pharmacological approaches, they can be broadly divided into physical, psychological, and mixed physical/psychological interventions. Several studies, many of them randomised clinical trials, support the use of all these types of non-pharmacological interventions to treat MS-related fatigue. Recent publications suggest that the implementation of mixed approaches, which have a naturally comprehensive nature, may have excellent results in clinical practice, in relation not only to fatigue levels but also to more general aspects of MS.

A cost-effectiveness model for the use of a cannabis-derived oromucosal spray for the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Severity of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) directly correlates with the level and cost of care required. This study assessed whether a tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD) oromucosal spray for treatment of moderate-severe MS spasticity is a cost-effective use of healthcare resources in Wales.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to compare THC/CBD plus standard of care (SoC) treatments with SoC alone.

RESULTS

At 30 years, total incremental cost for THC/CBD plus SoC treatment was estimated at £3,836/patient (ICER: £10,891/quality-adjusted life year [QALY]). Hospital admission costs had the greatest effect on the base case ICER. Inclusion of carer cost led to incremental cost of -£33,609/patient (ICER: -£95,423/QALY).

CONCLUSIONS

The THC/CBD spray was found to be cost-effective for the treatment of spasticity in MS, and dominant, if home carer costs were included. Use of THC/CBD has the potential to generate cost savings by significantly improving the symptoms of moderate to severe MS spasticity.

Multimodal intervention improves fatigue and quality of life in subjects with progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Background

Fatigue is a disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and reduces quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a multimodal intervention, including a modified Paleolithic diet, nutritional supplements, stretching, strengthening exercises with electrical stimulation of trunk and lower limb muscles, and stress management on perceived fatigue and quality of life of persons with progressive MS.

Methods

Twenty subjects with progressive MS and average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.2 (range: 3.5–8.0) participated in the 12-month phase of the study. Assessments were completed at baseline and at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Safety analyses were based on monthly side effects questionnaires and blood analyses at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.

Results

Subjects showed good adherence (assessed from subjects’ daily logs) with this intervention and did not report any serious side effects. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Performance Scales-fatigue subscale scores decreased in 12 months (P<0.0005). Average FSS scores of eleven subjects showed clinically significant reduction (more than two points, high response) at 3 months, and this improvement was sustained until 12 months. Remaining subjects (n=9, low responders) either showed inconsistent or less than one point decrease in average FSS scores in the 12 months. Energy and general health scores of RAND 36-item Health Survey (Short Form-36) increased during the study (P<0.05). Decrease in FSS scores during the 12 months was associated with shorter disease duration (r=0.511, P=0.011), and lower baseline Patient Determined Disease Steps score (r_s=0.563, P=0.005) and EDSS scores (r_s=0.501, P=0.012). Compared to low responders, high responders had lower level of physical disability (P<0.05) and lower intake of gluten, dairy products, and eggs (P=0.036) at baseline. High responders undertook longer duration of massage and stretches per muscle (P<0.05) in 12 months.

Conclusion

A multimodal intervention may reduce fatigue and improve quality of life of subjects with progressive MS. Larger randomized controlled trials with blinded raters are needed to prove efficacy of this intervention on MS-related fatigue.