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Wang M, Liu C, Zou M, Niu Z, Zhu J, Jin T. Recent progress in epidemiology, clinical features, and therapy of multiple sclerosis in China. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231193816. [PMID: 37719665 PMCID: PMC10504852 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231193816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. It mainly affects young adults, imposing a heavy burden on families and society. The epidemiology, clinical features, and management of MS are distinct among different countries. Although MS is a rare disease in China, there are 1.4 billion people in China, so the total number of MS patients is not small. Because of the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers for MS, there is a high misdiagnosis rate in China, as in other regions. Due to different genetic backgrounds, the clinical manifestations of MS in Chinese are different from those in the West. Herein, this review aims to summarize the disease comprehensively, including clinical profile and the status of disease-modifying therapies in China based on published population-based observation and cohort studies, and also to compare with data from other countries and regions, thus providing help to develop diagnostic guideline and the novel therapeutic drugs. Meanwhile, we also discuss the problems and challenges we face, specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of MS in the middle- and low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Caiyun Liu
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meijuan Zou
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zixuan Niu
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1, Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm 171 64, Sweden
| | - Tao Jin
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1, Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, China
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Colaceci S, Zambri F, Marchetti F, Trivelli G, Rossi E, Petruzzo A, Vanacore N, Giusti A. 'A sleeping volcano that could erupt sooner or later'. Lived experiences of women with multiple sclerosis during childbearing age and motherhood: A phenomenological qualitative study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 51:102938. [PMID: 33882427 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Sclerosis (MS) mainly involves women, impacting many aspects related to childbearing age and maternity. Women with MS can have healthy pregnancies and infants. Needs, challenges and concerns of women with MS should be considered in order to improve care pathway, ensuring a patient-centred approach. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore personal experiences, expectations, fears in women with MS. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological study, including women with MS during childbearing age, pregnancy and motherhood, carried out from January to April 2019. Women, enrolled in a MS centre with snowball sampling through healthcare network, were invited for a face-to-face or phone interview, digitally audio-recorded and fully transcribed. Two different sets of semi-structured interviews were developed (woman seeking pregnancy / pregnant woman and mother), together with an anonymous form, to collect some main sociodemographic data. Categorical data analysis, inductively and deductively, was processed by 3 different researchers, using Creswell extension to reduce subjective influences. QDA Miner qualitative text analysis software was used. RESULTS The following 6 deductive themes emerged: 1) experience with diagnosis of MS; 2) relationship with the partner, children, and family; 3) pregnancy; 4) delivery; 5) puerperium; 6) care pathway. Experiences with diagnosis can be very different between women. Communication of MS diagnosis appears as an opportunity to strengthen emotional ties, despite sorrow and concerns. Reasons for quarrels and disagreements, both in couple and parents, were due to an overly protective and supportive attitude. Some participants reported difficulty of conceiving. Pregnancy is described as a state of wellbeing, not devoid by fears and worries. Women experienced fatigue and exhaustion especially during the second stage of labour, but spontaneous delivery is described as an empowering experience. Findings about breastfeeding confirm that healthcare professionals have a crucial role regarding initiation, duration and type of breastfeeding and often scarce education and training on the topic, together with lack of reliable scientific sources, lead to a conservative approach. Healthcare providers communication and consulting emerge as indispensable skills. CONCLUSION The study provides a better understanding of how MS impacts women' life during childbearing age, pregnancy and motherhood. Findings support the importance of provide quality and tailored care for women with MS, according to an empathetic and patient-centred approach. Further research should be more comprehensive explorations of mothers' experiences in different cultural contexts, but also partners and offspring of women with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Colaceci
- Departmental faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Rome and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Zambri
- National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Marchetti
- National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Trivelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Giusti
- National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Alhomoud MA, Khan AS, Alhomoud I. The Potential Preventive Effect of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Multiple Sclerosis. Eur Neurol 2021; 84:71-84. [PMID: 33744881 DOI: 10.1159/000514432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system of young adults and their quality of life. Several studies have investigated the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS. However, the evidence regarding the influence of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS is still accumulating. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS. SUMMARY A systematic electronic literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to determine relevant published articles. The eligible studies were summarized and evaluated in tables. Key Messages: The majority of the studies indicated that pregnancy appears to lower the rate of MS relapses, particularly in the third trimester. The evidence regarding the effect of breastfeeding on MS remains inconsistent. Despite reports of negative obstetric outcomes in some pregnant women with MS, pregnancies in women with MS should not be categorized as high-risk pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ali Alhomoud
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Eastern Province, Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia,
| | - Abdul Sattar Khan
- Family and Community Medicine Department, King Faisal University, Eastern Province, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iftetah Alhomoud
- Neurosciences Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Modrego PJ, Urrea MA, de Cerio LD. The effects of pregnancy on relapse rates, disability and peripartum outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:175-186. [PMID: 33565886 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although previous cohort studies of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) yielded a reduction in relapse rate during pregnancy, the effect size has not been quantified in a comprehensive manner. In addition, the effects on disability progression and peripartum outcomes have been controversial. The purpose of this work is to assess the effect of pregnancy on disease activity, and to assess the effects of MS on pregnancy as well. Materials & methods: We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE for cohort studies dealing with the effects of pregnancy on relapse rates, disability progression and peripartum outcomes in women with MS. The evaluated outcomes were: changes in the annualized relapse rate (ARR) in pregnancy and puerperium, disability worsening compared with the year before pregnancy, and peripartum outcomes, which were compared with the ones of non-MS women. In the majority of cohorts included here, the women were not under disease modifying therapies during pregnancy. Results: We found 23 cohort studies measuring changes in the ARR during pregnancy and puerperium; 12 were prospective and 11 retrospective. In 17 cohorts there was significant reduction in the ARR during pregnancy compared with prepregnancy period. The pooled mean reduction in the ARR was -0.5 (95% CI: 0.67-0.38), p < 0.001, from 15 cohorts included in meta-analysis. In 18 cohorts the ARR increased in the 3-month puerperium relative to prepregnancy year period; the pooled mean increase in the ARR was 0.22 (95% CI: 0.11-0.33), p < 0.001, from 14 cohorts included in meta-analysis. Disability worsening was addressed in 18 cohorts, and in 14 of them there were no significant changes. Peripartum complications and obstetrical outcomes were assessed in 16 cohorts, of whom 13 were retrospective, without finding significant differences. Conclusion: Pregnancy is associated with lower disease activity, and puerperium with higher disease activity. Disability does not change significantly after pregnancy. The obstetrical outcomes are not very different from those of non-MS women in most cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Modrego
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Leyre Diaz de Cerio
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
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Xie Y, Tian Z, Han F, Liang S, Gao Y, Wu D. Factors associated with relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20885. [PMID: 32629678 PMCID: PMC7337585 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relapse is character of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The therapeutic goal is to reduce the risk of relapse. Factors associated with relapses can help to manage and prevent relapses. In addition, patients and doctors all pay attention to it. However, there are differences between studies. Our aim is to summarize factors associated with relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane library, CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, and VIP were searched to identify risk factors about relapses in RRMS, which should be in cohort or case-control studies. This article was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The quality of studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were all performed with Stata. This research has been registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42019120502). RESULTS 43 articles were included. Infection, postpartum period, risk gene, stress, and vitamin D were risk factors for relapses in RRMS. Pregnancy period was the protective factor. Among those, infection increased the risk of relapses in infection period (relative risk [RR], 2.07 [confidence interval (CI), 1.64 to 2.60]). Women in the postpartum period increased the risk of relapses compared with women before pregnancy (RR, 1.43 [CI, 1.19 to 1.72]), or women in pregnancy period (RR, 2.07 [CI, 1.49 to 2.88]). Women in the pregnancy period decreased the risk of relapses (RR, 0.56 [CI, 0.37 to 0.84]) compared with women before pregnancy. However, fewer studies, heterogeneity, and sample size were the limitations. CONCLUSION It is reliable to adopt results about infection, pregnancy period, and postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ziyu Tian
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Fang Han
- Office of Academic Research, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing
| | - Shibing Liang
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Dahua Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha
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Deems NP, Leuner B. Pregnancy, postpartum and parity: Resilience and vulnerability in brain health and disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100820. [PMID: 31987814 PMCID: PMC7225072 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Risk and resilience in brain health and disease can be influenced by a variety of factors. While there is a growing appreciation to consider sex as one of these factors, far less attention has been paid to sex-specific variables that may differentially impact females such as pregnancy and reproductive history. In this review, we focus on nervous system disorders which show a female bias and for which there is data from basic research and clinical studies pointing to modification in disease risk and progression during pregnancy, postpartum and/or as a result of parity: multiple sclerosis (MS), depression, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In doing so, we join others (Shors, 2016; Galea et al., 2018a) in aiming to illustrate the importance of looking beyond sex in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Deems
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA.
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