Relapse prevalence, symptoms, and health care engagement: patient insights from the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 survey

Exploring suicidal ideation prevalence in multiple sclerosis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study on the relationship between drug use and suicidal ideation

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated psychological challenges, leading to increased rates of clinically significant depression and suicidal ideation among MS patients. Despite advancements in MS treatments, there remains a need to investigate the impact of different drugs on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, particularly in the context of the pandemic.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021, received ethics approval from the Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Science. The study involved 234 MS patients selected from the MS Association in Kerman Province. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed via Google Drive and WhatsApp, with participants providing informed consent. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Inclusion criteria encompassed adults diagnosed with MS according to specific criteria and willing to complete the questionnaires, while exclusion criteria included unclear diagnostic criteria and lack of cooperation. The instruments included a demographic questionnaire, medication checklist, and the Beck Suicidal Thought Scale questionnaire, which has been validated in Iran.

RESULTS

202 MS patients completed the questionnaires, most of whom were women and married. The prevalence of Suicidal Ideation was 46.5 %, with 8.9 % at high risk. Factors such as gender, marital status, education, occupation, and city did not show statistically significant differences in SI. Patients with SI had a longer duration of illness and were more likely to have seen a psychiatrist. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the necessary care for 44.6 % of patients and worsened symptoms in 28.7 %. Additionally, 30.2 % of patients had seen a psychiatrist, and the prevalence of SI was significantly higher in this group. The study also explored the prevalence of SI with comorbidities and types of drugs used, finding no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a high prevalence of suicide ideation among MS patients, emphasizing the need for tailored comprehensive support. Factors contributing to SI included limited healthcare access, fear of COVID-19 complications, social isolation, and heightened anxiety. Recommendations for healthcare providers stress early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and collaborative efforts to enhance the well-being of individuals with MS in Iran post-COVID-19.

Parenchymal Neuro-Behçet's disease or Comorbid Behçet's disease with multiple sclerosis: A discriminative analysis of a complex clinical entity

BACKGROUND

Patients with Behçet's disease (BD) may rarely manifest with cerebral white matter lesions resembling multiple sclerosis (MS). This may result in misdiagnosis due to diagnostic difficulties between parenchymal neuro-BD (pNBD) and MS. This study aims to elucidate the distinguishing features of patients with comorbid BD and MS (BD+MS) in comparison to those with pNBD and MS alone by focusing on clinical and laboratory features. We also aimed to identify the distinctive characteristics of BD+MS patients by comparing them to patients with pNBD and MS.

METHODS

The methodology of this study involved a retrospective analysis of patient records followed in the Department of Neurology at the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University. The study population included patients diagnosed with pNBD, MS, and a comorbid condition of BD and MS (BD+MS). We assessed clinical, radiological, and laboratory data, including disease onset, annual relapse rates, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression, and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Several parameters were examined between the pNBD, MS, and BD+MS patient groups to find similarities and differences between subgroups.

RESULTS

Our study included 1,764 patients: 172 with pNBD, 1,574 with MS, and 18 with BD+MS. A predominance of females was noted in the BD+MS (72%, p < 0.001) and MS (69 %, p < 0.001) groups compared to pNBD (30 %). The median age at the onset of neurological symptoms was 35.5 (IQR: 16.8) years for BD+MS, 34.6 (13.6) years for pNBD, and 27.6 (13.3) years for MS (BD+MS vs. MS; p = 0.3, pNBD vs. MS, p = 0.7). Additionally, the number of attacks was notably different, with BD+MS patients experiencing a median of 3.5 (2.0) attacks compared to 3.0 (3.0) for MS patients and only 1.0 (1.0) for pNBD patients, suggesting a more active disease course in the MS and BD+MS groups compared to pNBD (p < 0.001). The median annualized relapse rate for BD+MS was 0.3 (0.2), which was lower than the rate of 0.4 (0.4) in MS (p = 0.048) and equivalent to the rate of 0.2 (0.3) in pNBD (p = 0.2). The time to the first relapse was similar to those with BD+MS and MS, but considerably shorter than in individuals with pNBD (p < 0.0001). The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed no significant differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte counts between BD+MS and MS patients but elevated levels in pNBD patients (p < 0.05). CSF protein levels were consistent across all groups (p = 0.1 and p = 0.7). Oligoclonal bands were detected in all patients with BD+MS, in the majority of MS patients (83.6 %), and a small percentage of pNBD patients (19.7 %), showing a notable distinction between the BD+MS and pNBD groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study underscores the need for a skeptical approach in diagnosing and treating patients with BD who exhibit symptomatic MS-like MRI lesions. Our findings suggest that BD+MS is a distinct clinical entity, warranting specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. Our findings highlight that BD patients with MS-like lesions meeting MS diagnostic criteria should be managed as patients with comorbid MS and BD rather than pNBD.

Correlates and trajectories of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS), data from studies on non-pharmacological factors which may influence relapse risk, other than age, are inconsistent. There is a reduced risk of relapses with increasing age, but little is known about other trajectories in real-world MS care.

METHODS

We studied longitudinal questionnaire data from 3885 pwRRMS, covering smoking, comorbidities, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and patient-reported outcome measures, as well as relapses during the past year. We undertook Rasch analysis, group-based trajectory modelling, and multilevel negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

The regression cohort of 6285 data sets from pwRRMS over time showed that being a current smoker was associated with 43.9% greater relapse risk; having 3 or more comorbidities increased risk and increasing age reduced risk. Those diagnosed within the last 2 years showed two distinct trajectories, both reducing in relapse frequency but 25.8% started with a higher rate and took 4 years to reduce to the rate of the second group. In the cohort with at least three data points completed, there were three groups: 73.7% followed a low stable relapse rate, 21.6% started from a higher rate and decreased, and 4.7% had an increasing then decreasing pattern. These different trajectory groups showed significant differences in fatigue, neuropathic pain, disability, health status, quality of life, self-efficacy, and DMT use.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide additional evidence for supporting pwRRMS to stop smoking and underline the importance of timely DMT decisions and treatment initiation soon after diagnosis with RRMS.

Predicting glucocorticoid resistance in multiple sclerosis relapse via a whole blood transcriptomic analysis

AIMS

Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses consists of short-term administration of high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs). However, over 40% of patients show an insufficient response to GC treatment. We aimed to develop a predictive model for such GC resistance.

METHODS

We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis following the transcriptomic assay of whole blood samples from stable, relapsing GC-sensitive and relapsing GC-resistant patients with MS in two different European centers.

RESULTS

We identified 12 genes being regulated during a relapse and differentially expressed between GC-sensitive and GC-resistant patients with MS. Using these genes, we defined a statistical model to predict GC resistance with an area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC analysis of 0.913. Furthermore, we observed that relapsing GC-resistant patients with MS have decreased GR, DUSP1, and TSC22D3 mRNA levels compared with relapsing GC-sensitive patients with MS. Finally, we showed that the transcriptome of relapsing GC-resistant patients with MS resembles those of stable patients with MS.

CONCLUSION

Predicting GC resistance would allow patients to benefit from prompt initiation of an alternative relapse treatment leading to increased treatment efficacy. Thus, we think our model could contribute to reducing disability development in people with MS.

The effect of COVID-19 on Multiple Sclerosis relapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide. There has been growing concern about the impact of COVID-19 on the clinical course of MS. However, these findings remain controversial, and there is a lack of high-quality evidence to establish the relationship between COVID-19 and MS.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was done to identify relevant studies reporting relapse rate in patients with MS (pwMS), those comparing the relapse rate of COVID-19 pwMS and MS controls, and studies investigating the effect of COVID-19 on relapse rate of pwMS. The results were presented as proportion of COVID-19 pwMS experiencing relapse and odds ratio determining the impact of COVID-19 on relapse rate.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included in the analyses. The proportion of COVID-19 positive pwMS with relapse was 7.71 per 100 cases (95 % confidence interval, CI: 4.41-13.89, I2=96 %). Quantitative evaluation of studies with pwMS without COVID-19 did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in relapse rate of patients with COVID-19 (OR: 0.75, 95 %CI: 0.44-1.29, I2= 54 %). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not alter the lack of significance of association between COVID-19 and MS relapse. Sensitivity analysis excluding the outlying study was largely in favor of no difference between the groups (OR:1.00, 95 %CI: 0.72-1.38, I2=34 %) CONCLUSION: The results of this review does not suggest that COVID-19 influences the relapse rate in pwMS. While the findings alleviate the concerns regarding the co-occurrence of the diseases, further studies are needed to investigate the effects of confounding factors.

Treatment Patterns and Unmet Need for Patients with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: Survey Results from 2016 to 2021

INTRODUCTION

Much of the current literature on treatment patterns and disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) does not distinguish between the relapsing-remitting and progressive subtypes (including primary [PPMS] and secondary progressive MS [SPMS]), or between active/nonactive disease. Current treatment options for progressive MS are limited, with only one approved product for PPMS and none specifically for nonactive SPMS. Here we report treatment patterns, disability progression, and unmet needs among patients with active and nonactive PPMS and SPMS.

METHODS

The annual, cross-sectional survey from the Adelphi Disease Specific Program was used to collect physician-reported data on US adult patients with PPMS and SPMS, including active and nonactive disease. Treatment patterns (including the proportion of patients who were untreated with a disease-modifying therapy [DMT]), disability progression, and unmet need are described from 2016 to 2021.

RESULTS

Data were collected for 2067 patients with progressive MS (PPMS, 1583; SPMS, 484). A substantial proportion of patients were untreated across all groups, and this was highest for nonactive PPMS (~ 43%). The proportion of untreated patients generally declined over time but remained high in 2018-2021 (~ 10-38%). Among treated patients, the proportion receiving infusions increased over time to ~ 34-46%, largely driven by ocrelizumab use after approval. Disability progression was reported for most patients (> 50%), including many who were receiving a DMT. Across all disease subtypes, when physicians were asked about the greatest unmet need with current DMTs, they most frequently cited effectiveness (~ 63-87%), and specifically slowing disease progression (~ 32-59%).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of physician-reported data reveals that patients with progressive MS, particularly those with nonactive disease, frequently remain untreated or continue to decline despite treatment with available DMTs. Thus there is an enduring need for safe and effective treatments for this underserved population.

Patient-reported outcomes and pharmacist actions in patients with multiple sclerosis managed by health-system specialty pharmacies

PURPOSE

This study evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and pharmacist actions for patients on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) through health-system specialty pharmacies (HSSPs).

METHODS

A multisite, prospective cohort study of patients utilizing an HSSP for DMT fulfillment was performed. Primary outcomes were affirmative answers to PRO questions regarding impacted productivity, hospitalization, and relapse and pharmacist actions. Rates of pharmacist actions were reported as the number of person-years of treatment per action. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between each PRO and covariates, including the number of pharmacist actions performed, age, sex, insurance, site, and route of administration.

RESULTS

The 968 patients included had 10,562 fills and 6,946 PRO assessments. The most common affirmative PRO was impacted productivity (14.6%). Pharmacists performed 3,683 actions, most commonly general medication education (42.6%) and safety (33.3%). Rates of general medication education and nonfinancial coordination of care actions were similar across medication classes; other pharmacist actions varied by medication class. Insurance type was significantly associated with reporting impacted productivity; patients with Medicare and Medicaid were 2.2 and 3.1 times more likely to have reported impacted productivity, respectively (P < 0.001) than commercially insured patients. Patients who reported impacted productivity had more pharmacist actions (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients on DMTs through an HSSP reported low rates of impacted productivity, relapse, and hospitalization due to MS, although patients with noncommercial insurance were more likely to have impacted productivity. Patients reporting impacted productivity and those taking certain DMTs may require more frequent pharmacist actions.

Real-world annualized relapse rates from contemporary multiple sclerosis clinics in the UK: a retrospective multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Annualized relapse rate (ARR) is used as an outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials. Previous studies demonstrated that ARR has reduced in placebo groups between 1990 and 2012. This study aimed to estimate real-world ARRs from contemporary MS clinics in the UK, in order to improve the feasibility estimations for clinical trials and facilitate MS service planning.

METHODS

A multicentre observational, retrospective study of patients with MS from 5 tertiary neuroscience centres in the UK. We included all adult patients with a diagnosis of MS that had a relapse between 01/04/2020 and 30/06/2020.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen out of 8783 patients had a relapse during the 3-month study period. Seventy-nine percent of the patients with a relapse were female, the mean age was 39 years, and the median disease duration was 4.5 years; 36% of the patients that had a relapse were on disease-modifying treatment. The ARR from all study sites was estimated at 0.05. The ARR for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) was estimated at 0.08, while the ARR for secondary progressive MS (SPMS) was 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a lower ARR compared to previously reported rates in MS.

Diffusion-Weighted Images and Contrast-Enhanced MRI in the Diagnosis of Different Stages of Multiple Sclerosis of the Central Nervous System

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most prevalent disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), and it can be observed in the field of radiological cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia has increased as compared to the past few years. MRI is the gold standard non-invasive modality of choice in MS diagnosis according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), New York City. This study aimed to highlight the significance of using diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) and the use of contrast media in the MS protocol, as well as the importance of identifying the suitable time of imaging after contrast enhancement to detect active lesions. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of 100 MS patients with an age range of 17 to 56 years. The data set included 41 active cases and 59 inactive cases. All patients had an MRI standard protocol of both the brain and spine in addition to DWI sequence and contrast agent (CA) injection, with images taken in early and delayed time. Results Of the patients, 71% were female and 29% were male. Active MS disease was more significant at younger ages than at older ages. Active lesions were significantly enhanced in delayed contrast images and showed high signal intensity in both the DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, while inactive lesions showed no enhancement after contrast injection and showed an iso-signal intensity in both the DWI and ADC map. Conclusion The use of CA has developed over the years in the diagnosis of MS patients. In this study, the relationship between active lesions, DWI, and delayed contrast enhancement is very strong. In future research, we recommend adding a DWI sequence for the suspected active MS spine lesions in addition to delayed enhancement time in active MS after contrast injection to increase MRI sensitivity toward active MS lesions of the brain and spinal cord as well.

Cost Per Relapse Avoided for Ozanimod Versus Other Selected Disease-Modifying Therapies for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in the United States

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of ozanimod compared with commonly used disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS

Annualized relapse rate (ARR) and safety data were obtained from a network meta-analysis (NMA) of clinical trials of RRMS treatments including ozanimod, fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, and glatiramer acetate. ARR-related number needed to treat (NNT) relative to placebo and annual total MS-related healthcare costs was used to estimate the incremental annual cost per relapse avoided with ozanimod vs each DMT. ARR and adverse event (AE) data were combined with drug costs and healthcare costs to manage relapses and AEs in order to estimate annual cost savings with ozanimod vs other DMTs, assuming a 1 million USD fixed treatment budget.

RESULTS

Treatment with ozanimod was associated with lower incremental annual healthcare costs to avoid a relapse, ranging from $843,684 vs interferon beta-1a (30 μg; 95% confidence interval [CI] - $1,431,619, - $255,749) to $72,847 (95% CI - $153,444, $7750) vs fingolimod. Compared with all other DMTs, ozanimod was associated with overall healthcare cost savings ranging from $8257 vs interferon beta-1a (30 μg) to $2178 vs fingolimod. Compared with oral DMTs, ozanimod was associated with annual cost savings of $6199 with teriflunomide 7 mg, $4737 with teriflunomide 14 mg, $2178 with fingolimod, and $2793 with dimethyl fumarate.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with ozanimod was associated with substantial reductions in annual drug costs and total MS-related healthcare costs to avoid relapses compared with other DMTs. In the fixed-budget analysis, ozanimod demonstrated a favorable cost-effective profile relative to other DMTs.

In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy in Multiple Sclerosis: Can it Differentiate Disease Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis?

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the role of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) in the detection of corneal inflammatory activity and subbasal nerve alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to further determine whether IVCCM can be used to detect (acute) disease relapse.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study, with a subgroup follow-up.

METHODS

This single-center study included 58 patients with MS (MS-Relapse group [n = 27] and MS-Remission group [n = 31]), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Patients with a history of optic neuritis or trigeminal symptoms were excluded. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and dendritic cell (DC) density were evaluated in all patients with MS and control subjects by IVCCM. Patients in the MS-Relapse group who were in remission for ≥6 months after the MS incident underwent a repeat IVCCM.

RESULTS

No statistical difference was observed between the MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups regarding age, sex, MS duration, and the number of relapses (P > .05). Compared with healthy control subjects, all subbasal nerve parameters were significantly lower (CNFD: P < .001, CNFL: P < .001, CNBD: P < .001), and the DC density was significantly higher (P = .023) in patients with MS. However, no significant difference was observed between MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups in terms of CNFD (mean [SE] difference -2.05 [1.69] fibers/mm² [95% confidence interval {CI} -1.32 to 5.43]; P < .227), CNFL (mean [SE] difference -1.10 [0.83] mm/mm² [95% CI -0.56 to 2.75]; P < .190), CNBD (mean [SE] difference -3.91 [2.48] branches/mm² [95% CI -1.05 to 8.87]; P < .120), and DC density (median [IQR], 59.38 [43.75-85.0] vs 75.0 [31.25-128.75]; P = .596). The repeat IVCCM in relapse patients (n = 16 [59.3%]) showed a significant increase in CNFD (P = .036) and CNBD (P = .018), but no change was observed in CNFL (P = .075) and DC density (P = .469).

CONCLUSION

Although increased inflammation and neurodegeneration can be demonstrated in patients with MS compared with healthy control subjects, a single time point evaluation of IVCCM does not seem to be sufficient to confirm the occurrence of relapse in patients with MS. However, IVCCM holds promise for demonstrating early neuroregeneration in patients with MS.

Correlation and differences of patient-reported outcomes vs. Likert-Rating of MS symptoms in a real-world cohort using a digital patient app

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological autoimmune disease currently affecting 250,000 individuals in Germany. Patients suffering from the disease can be severely impaired in their day-to-day activities. BRISA is a digital app specifically designed to help MS patients monitor their disease by regularly tracking symptoms. Lengthy and time-consuming questionnaires for patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are the standard method to assess the patients' current condition. Here, we examine whether simplified versions of these questionnaires can provide comparable information regarding individual symptom presentations in BRISA users.

Methods

828 users were included in the analysis. Patients who provided onboarding information and answered at least one questionnaire and the corresponding simplified smiley symptoms assessment were included. Correlation of questionnaire and symptom scores was calculated using Pearson's correlation.

Results

Our analysis cohort predominantly consisted of female, 26-55-year-olds. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most common MS type recorded. Most patients were diagnosed 2-5 years ago. Questionnaires regarding fatigue and vision impairment were among the most answered, those regarding bowel movement and sexual satisfaction received fewest responses. Overall, the scores from questionnaires and symptoms correlated positively. Scoring correlation could also be shown across the subgroups divided by gender, age groups, type of MS, and time since diagnosis of the disease.

Conclusion

Scores recorded from traditional PRO questionnaires can be reflected more easily as a trend in a simplified scale using smileys. Nevertheless, traditional questionnaires are needed to also maintain a more objective assessment. In conclusion, the patient will benefit most from an adaptive combination of regular traditional PRO questionnaire assessments and simplified symptom recording.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Uveitis and Multiple Sclerosis: Description of Two Patients and Literature Review

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood, while multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by remission and exacerbation phases. An association between MS and rheumatologic diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, has been described and numerous studies acknowledge anti-TNF-α drugs as MS triggers. Conversely, the association between MS and JIA has been reported merely in five cases in the literature. We describe two cases of adult patients with longstanding JIA and JIA-associated uveitis, who developed MS. The first patient was on methotrexate and adalimumab when she developed dizziness and nausea. Characteristic MRI lesions and oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid led to MS diagnosis. Adalimumab was discontinued, and she was treated with three pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone. After a few months, rituximab was started. The second patient had been treated with anti-TNF-α and then switched to abatacept. She complained of unilateral arm and facial paraesthesias; brain MRI showed characteristic lesions, and MS was diagnosed. Three pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone were administered; neurological disease remained stable, and abatacept was reintroduced. Further studies are warranted to define if there is an association between JIA and MS, if MS represents JIA comorbidity or if anti-TNF-α underpins MS development.

Fear of Relapse Scale: Spanish version and psychometric characteristics in a sample of patients with Relapsing-Remitting multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Relapses are a hallmark of multiple sclerosis, being a characteristic feature of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The occurrence of a relapse constitutes a source of significant discomfort that impacts all domains of daily life of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). In this study we first explored the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Fear of Relapse Scale (FoR) in a sample of patients with RRMS. Besides, we explored the relationship between the Fear of Relapse Scale with fatigue and cognitive perceived deficits in our PwMS sample.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted on 173 MS patients from 12 Spanish-speaking countries (Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Spain, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and El Salvador). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the factor structure of the scale. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effects of health self-perception, fatigue, and perceived cognitive deficits over fear of relapse.

RESULTS

The three-factor model in the CFA yielded a good model fit (χ2/df = 2.25, P < .001, RMSEA = .078, CFI = .91). McDonalds' Omega of the FoR (Spanish version) was .91. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between FoR and health self-perception, and a positive correlation between FoR, fatigue, and perceived cognitive deficits. Finally, level of fatigue was a predictor of fear of relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish version of the Fear of Relapse Scale is a valid and reliable instrument to explore the experience of fear of relapse in patients with RRMS.

Demographic Patterns of MS Patients Using BRISA: An MS-Specific App in Germany

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological autoimmune disease impacting quality of life. BRISA is an app designed to help MS patients in Germany track their disease course by symptom-monitoring. This study aimed to understand demographic and health-related characteristics of BRISA users. Methods: Demographic data provided by 2095 users were analyzed to describe characteristics such as sex, age, type of MS, and medication. The distribution of tracked symptoms based on age and time since diagnosis were studied. Furthermore, the covariance of specific symptom pairs was analyzed. Results: BRISA users are predominantly female and between 26 and 55 years old. Relapsing–remitting MS was the most prevalent form of MS. First-line category 1 drugs were most frequently used, followed by high-efficacy category 3 drugs (e.g., monoclonal antibodies). The relative frequencies of use of category 1 and category 2 drugs (e.g., spingosine-1-phosphate-receptor modulators) significantly altered with time since diagnosis. Fatigue, concentration disorders, tingling, forgetfulness, and pain were the top five symptoms affecting users. Conclusion: The results highlight the diversity among MS patients and the need for extensive cohort characterization in the real-world scenario. In-depth analysis could help in identifying novel insights that could aid in disease management.

A Targeted Literature Search and Phenomenological Review of Perspectives of People with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthcare Professionals of the Immunology of Disease-Modifying Therapies

Introduction

The mechanisms of action of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and involve an interplay of immune system components. People with MS (PwMS) may lack a clear understanding of the immunological pathways involved in MS and its treatment; effective communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and PwMS is needed to facilitate shared decision-making when discussing the disease and selecting DMTs and is particularly important in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Methods

In this patient-authored two-part review, we performed a targeted literature search to assess the need for better communication between HCPs and PwMS regarding treatment selection, and also conducted a qualitative survey of four patient and care-partner authors to obtain insights regarding their understanding of and preferences for the treatment and management of MS.

Results

Following a search of the Embase and MEDLINE databases using Ovid in June 2020, an analysis of 40 journal articles and conference abstracts relating to patient empowerment and decision-making in DMT selection for MS showed a preference for safety and efficacy of treatments, followed by autonomy and convenience of administration. A need for better communication between HCPs and PwMS during treatment selection to improve patient satisfaction was also identified. The open survey responses from the patient authors revealed a need for greater involvement in decision-making processes and desire for improved communication and information tools.

Conclusions

This targeted literature search and phenomenological review confirms PwMS preferences for empowered decision-making in disease management and treatment selection, to optimize independence, safety, and efficacy. It also identifies an unmet need for improved communication and information tools that convey MS information in a relatable manner. Furthermore, this review seeks to address this unmet need by providing plain language figures and descriptions of MS immune mechanisms that can be used to facilitate discussions between HCPs and PwMS.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00349-5.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), there are different cells in the immune system that contribute to the disease. The main cells in the immune system are T and B cells. People with MS (PwMS) might not be familiar with details about the immune system, and healthcare professionals might not always communicate details about how treatments work clearly to PwMS when choosing treatments with them. It is important for PwMS to have all the information they need to help make decisions about treatments. This information needs to be given in a way they can understand. This is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this paper, we first looked at what research has already been published about what is most important to PwMS when making treatment decisions. The existing research says that safety and effectiveness are the most important things and that PwMS prefer treatments that they can take themselves. PwMS also need better communication and information from doctors to make decisions and to help explain how MS treatments work in the body. Next, we gave a survey to the patients who are authors of this paper to ask about what is important to them when making treatment decisions. Their answers were very similar to the existing research. Overall, PwMS need better communication from healthcare professionals about the immune system. This paper also includes plain language descriptions and figures to help healthcare professionals explain and discuss the importance of the immune system in MS with PwMS.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of rituximab versus natalizumab in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease in which the myelin sheaths of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for communication, are destroyed and cause physical signs and symptoms. According to studies, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have significant results in the treatment of this disease. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of rituximab against natalizumab in the patients with RRMS in southern Iran in 2020.

Methods

This is an economic evaluation including cost-effectiveness analysis in which the Markov model with a lifetime horizon was used. The study sample consisted of 120 patients randomly selected from among those referred to the MS Association and the Special Diseases Unit of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the costs were collected from a societal perspective, and the outcomes were obtained in the form of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) and the mean relapse rate. The TreeAge pro 2020 and Excel 2016 software were used for data analysis.

Results

The comparative study of rituximab and natalizumab showed that the patients receiving rituximab had lower costs ($ 58,307.93 vs. $ 354,174.85) and more QALYs (7.77 vs. 7.65). In addition, the incidence of relapse by rituximab was lower compared to natalizumab (1.15 vs. 2.57). The probabilistic one-way sensitivity analysis showed the robustness of the results. The scatter plots also showed that rituximab was more cost-effective for the patients in 100% of the simulations for the threshold of < $ 37,641.

Discussion and conclusion

According to the results of this study, rituximab had higher cost-effectiveness than natalizumab. Therefore, it could be a priority for RRMS patients compared to natalizumab because it reduced treatment costs and increased effectiveness.

Fitness, physical activity, and exercise in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review on current evidence for interactions with disease activity and progression

Background

A moderate to high level of physical activity, including regular exercise, represents an established behavioral and rehabilitative approach for persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Although being increasingly proposed to limit disease activity and progression, high-quality evidence is lacking.

Objective

The objective of the study is to provide valuable information for MS clinicians and researchers by systematically evaluating the current state of evidence (i) whether exercise interventions affect established clinical measures of disease activity and progression in pwMS (i.e., EDSS, relapse rate, lesion load, brain volume, MSFC) and (ii) how the physical activity and fitness level interact with these measures.

Methods

Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Evaluation of evidence quality was done based on standards published by The American Academy of Neurology.

Results

It is likely that exercise improves the MSFC score, whereas the EDSS score, lesion load, and brain volume are likely to remain unchanged over the intervention period. It is possible that exercise decreases the relapse rate. Results from cross-sectional studies indicate beneficial effects of a high physical activity or fitness level on clinical measures which, however, is not corroborated by high evidence quality.

Conclusions

A (supportive) disease-modifying effect of exercise in pwMS cannot be concluded. The rather low evidence quality of existing RCTs underlines the need to conduct more well-designed studies assessing different measures of disease activity or progression as primary end points. A major limitation is the short intervention duration of existing studies which limits meaningful exercise-induced effects on most disability measures. Findings from cross-sectional studies are difficult to contextualize regarding clinical importance due to their solely associative character and low evidence quality.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020188774.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10935-6.

Repository corticotropin injection improves quality metrics in an observational study of multiple sclerosis relapse

Aim: To determine whether clinicians evaluate American Academy of Neurology (AAN) quality metrics for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and whether repository corticotropin injection (RCI) improves clinical and patient-reported outcomes associated with these metrics at 2 and 6 months after treatment. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, observational registry evaluating patients receiving RCI for MS relapse (N = 125) categorized data according to AAN quality metrics involving diagnosis, disability, fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and quality of life. Results: Clinicians assessed all 11 AAN quality metrics in patients with MS relapse. Disability, fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and quality of life outcomes improved with RCI therapy. Conclusion: RCI was associated with improved quality metrics, and AAN guidelines were followed during routine RCI treatment for MS relapse.

Cost-Effectiveness of Repository Corticotropin Injection for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations in Multiple Sclerosis

Background

Relapses are common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) despite treatment with disease-modifying therapies. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI, Acthar^® Gel), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) are alternative therapies for MS relapse. There is a dearth of economic assessments of these therapies for the acute exacerbations of MS. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of RCI compared to PMP or IVIg.

Methods

A Markov state-transition model compared outcomes (costs, relapses, remission, and utilities) with RCI versus PMP or IVIg for the acute exacerbations in MS. The model was developed from the United States (US) payer and societal perspectives over one to three years. Patients initiated on alternative therapies were evaluated in one-day increments for the first 30 days during treatment. The model assumes the natural history of MS after treatment in the first month, adjusting for the effect of treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The uncertainty in model parameters was evaluated in probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

In the base case, RCI has an ICER of USD 42,078 per QALY compared to PMP over one year from the payer perspective and is dominant over two and three years; RCI is dominant compared to PMP from the societal perspective over all three years. Compared to IVIg, RCI is a dominant strategy from both payer and societal perspectives over all three years. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis supports the base case findings, suggesting that RCI may be cost-effective versus PMP and IVIg for acute exacerbations in MS.

Conclusion

RCI is a cost-effective alternative treatment for MS relapses compared to PMP and IVIg from the US payer and societal perspectives.

Effect of Health Care Providers' Focused Discussion and Proactive Education About Relapse Management on Patient Reporting of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse

Background

Treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse include intravenous corticosteroids and repository corticotropin injection. Despite available treatment, in the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 survey, only 47% of patients reported always/often contacting their MS health care provider (HCP) during relapse. In this study, the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 survey participants who received intravenous corticosteroids or repository corticotropin injection for treatment of past relapses completed a follow-up survey to understand how patients characterize relapse severity and to explore predictors of patients contacting their HCP during a relapse.

Methods

Patients were 18 years and older, diagnosed as having MS by an HCP, and currently using disease-modifying therapy. Patients completed an online survey assessing relapse characteristics and interactions with the HCP treating the patient's MS. Regression analysis identified predictors of patients contacting their HCP during relapse.

Results

Mean age of the 126 respondents was 49.2 years, 81.0% were female, and most (80.2%) had one or more relapses in the past 2 years. Patients estimated that 38.3% of their relapses were mild; 45.1%, moderate; and 16.6%, severe. Number and frequency of symptoms increased with relapse severity. Less than half (46.0%) reported they were extremely likely to contact their HCP during a relapse. The best predictors of being likely to contact the HCP during relapse were the HCP having previously discussed the importance of immediately communicating a relapse and patients' willingness to accept the HCP's recommendation for relapse treatment.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of HCPs' advance discussions with patients with MS regarding relapse management to increase the likelihood patients will contact their HCP during relapse.

Triggering Innate Immune Receptors as New Therapies in Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease are two complex neurodegenerative diseases involving the immune system. So far, available treatments provide at best mild improvements to patients' conditions. For decades now, a new set of molecules have been used to modulate and regulate the innate immunity in these pathologies. Most studies have been carried out in rodents and some of them have reported tremendous beneficial effects on the disease course. The modulation of innate immune cells is of great interest since it provides new hope for patients. In this review, we will briefly overview the therapeutic potential of some molecules and receptors in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease and how they could be used to exploit new therapeutic avenues.

System-Level Variation in Multiple Sclerosis Care Outcomes: Initial Findings from the Multiple Sclerosis Continuous Quality Improvement Research Collaborative

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a "3C" (complex, chronic, costly) condition that is a common and disabling neurological illness affecting approximately 1 million adults in the United States. MS has been studied at the basic science, individual, and population levels, but not at the system level to assess small-area variation effects on MS population health outcomes. System-level effects have been observed in other 3C conditions including cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The authors report here on system-level variation findings from the baseline period during the first year of the Multiple Sclerosis Continuous Quality Improvement (MS-CQI) study. Stepwise binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate system-level (small-area variation) effects on MS relapses (exacerbations), disease-modifying therapy (DMT) utilization, and brain MRI utilization, controlling for demographics (age and sex) and other potential confounders. Significant differences were observed in people with MS (PwMS) between centers for a number of demographic and disease characteristics, including sex, age, and MS subtype. Controlling for these factors, significant system-level effects were observed on outcomes, including DMT utilization, MRI utilization, and relapses. Significant relationships also were observed between outcomes and urgent care utilization, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This initial study provides evidence establishing the presence of system-level variation effects on MS outcomes in a multicenter population study - where PwMS get their care can influence their outcomes. Results support continued systems-level research and improvement initiatives to optimize MS population health outcomes in this challenging and costly complex chronic condition.

Retention of Physical Gains in the Community Following Physical Training for Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Implications

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological illness whose typically young adult onset results in a nearly entire lifetime of worsening disability. But despite being an unrelenting neurodegenerative disease, numerous clinical trials over the past 40 years for MS have vigorously attempted to improve or at least stabilize declining physical function. Although the vast majority of the studies assessed training effects only within controlled laboratory or clinic settings, in recent years a growing interest has emerged to test whether newer therapies can instead benefit real-life activities in the community. Nonetheless, comparatively little attention has been paid to whether the training gains can be retained for meaningful periods. This review discusses the comparative success of various physical training methods to benefit within-community activities in MS, and whether the gains can be retained long afterward. This review will suggest future research directions toward establishing efficacious treatments that can allow persons with MS to reclaim their physical abilities and maximize functionality for meaningful periods.

Approaches and challenges in the diagnosis and management of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A Central Eastern European perspective from healthcare professionals

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a debilitating condition characterized by gradual worsening after an initial relapsing disease course. Despite the recent advances in our understanding of the disease, the diagnosis and treatment of SPMS continue to be challenging in routine clinical practice. The aim of this review article is to present the views of leading MS experts on the challenges in the diagnosis and management of SPMS and clinicians' perspectives in Central and Eastern Europe. This article also provides recommendations of MS experts to improve the situation with diagnosis and management of SPMS. Many countries within Central and Eastern Europe have high prevalence of MS (>100 per 100,000 population). Consistent with the global trend, in the absence of reliable tests or biomarkers, SPMS at early stage remains undiagnosed. Due to diagnostic uncertainty and lack of a universally accepted disease definition, clinicians rely more on retrospective analysis of the clinical symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. With the lack of awareness and poor understanding of the timing of the onset of SPMS, clinicians may tend to direct attention to relapses than the symptoms of progression, which leads to underestimation of SPMS. Although several predictors of progression to SPMS have been identified, their predictive value is highly variable. Therefore, defining the transitioning period as a separate stage of MS is essential. According to experts' opinion, frequent follow-up of patients and periodic assessment of progression are recommended for the timely identification of patients transitioning from RRMS to SPMS. MSProDiscuss Tool is an example of a quick assessment tool for identifying patients progressing from RRMS to SPMS. MS progression is usually assessed by changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. As EDSS scores tend to fluctuate when measured in the short term (3-6 months), a longer period (≥12 months) may be needed to confirm the progression. Assessment of cognitive function is also important for evaluating secondary progression. Compartmentalization of inflammation within the central nervous system is an important reason behind the limited success of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for treating SPMS. Most of the DMTs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier; only 38% of the tested DMTs achieved their primary endpoint in SPMS. In Europe, siponimod is the first oral treatment for adults with active SPMS. Particularly, in Central and Eastern Europe, patients with SPMS are still being prescribed less efficacious DMTs and interferons. The absence of alternative treatments in SPMS supports the use of new products (siponimod and others); however the decision to initiate siponimod therapy in more severe patients (EDSS score of 7 or higher) should be individualized in consultation with the payers. The focus should be on early treatment initiation to delay disease progression.

Cost per response analysis of repository corticotropin injection versus other alternative treatments for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis

Background

Relapses are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) even after the use of disease-modifying therapies. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may be utilized as alternative therapies in the management of MS relapse. There is a lack of health economic studies on these alternative therapies for the acute exacerbations of MS. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost per response of RCI compared with PMP or IVIg from the United States (US) commercial payer perspective.

Methods

Costs and response rates were sourced from published peer-reviewed observational studies. The cost of care included MS-related inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs. Treatment response was defined as no evidence of additional relapse treatment or procedure claims within 30 days after treatment. The cost per response for each treatment was calculated by dividing the total annual cost of care by the proportion of patients with resolved relapse for each treatment. The incremental cost per response ratio was calculated by dividing the difference in costs and the proportion of responses for RCI versus PMP or IVIg. One-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) was conducted for both costs and response rates. All included costs were inflated to the 2019 US dollars.

Results

With a lower total annual cost of care and a higher response rate, RCI had a lower cost per response (US$141,970) compared with PMP or IVIg (US$253,331). RCI had a lower cost per response even when more stringent estimates for RCI were applied in the OWSA. The annual cost of care had a greater influence on the cost per response in the OWSA.

Conclusions

Based on the estimates from the real-world evidence, our economic evaluation suggests that RCI may have real-world clinical and economic benefits for patients with MS relapse who fail on corticosteroid therapy.

Consequences of Insurance Denials Among U.S. Patients Prescribed Repository Corticotropin Injection for Acute Exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction

Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar^® Gel) is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Despite the well-documented clinical and economic benefits of RCI, many patients are denied use of the therapy by third-party payers. This study aims to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of MS relapse patients who received a prescription for RCI from their physicians and then were either approved or denied treatment by their insurers. The study compares measurable clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) between approved and denied cohorts.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of adults experiencing MS relapse from January 2015 to December 2018 was conducted using a de-identified open-source claims database [Symphony Health Integrated Dataverse^® (IDV)]. Patients were identified using ICD codes for MS and considered to have relapsing/remitting type according to established claims-based methodology. Clinical characteristics and HCRU were analyzed during the year preceding (“baseline”) and the year following (“follow-up”) each patient’s index date, defined as the date of a patient’s first approved RCI claim (for patients with ≥ 1 approved claim) or first denied RCI claim (for patients with only denied claims). Baseline characteristics were reported with unadjusted differences and p values indicating the significance of characteristics between the two cohorts. For outcomes, match-adjusted results were reported using propensity matching to account for underlying differences between cohorts.

Results

The study sample included 1902 MS relapse patients with at least one claim for RCI. At baseline, approved patients were slightly older compared to denied patients (mean age 48.0 vs. 47.2), had higher rates of hemiplegia/paraplegia (6.7% vs. 3.3%), greater mobility impairment (17% vs. 11.5%), more exacerbation episodes (66.2% vs. 59.9%), and a higher number of physical therapy/rehab claims (23.5 vs. 14.0), respectively. Outcomes among the matched sample show an increased use of corticosteroids for patients denied access to RCI compared to approved patients (51.1% vs. 42.4%), more exacerbation episodes (36.6% vs. 28.2%), and an increased number of physical therapy/rehab claims (11.5% vs. 9.9%), respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this study may aid providers and payers in evaluating scenarios where RCI may be beneficial and improve quality of care for patients experiencing MS relapse.

Beneficial Roles of Microglia and Growth Factors in MS, a Brief Review

Microglia are the brain resident immune cells; they can produce a large variety of growth factors (GFs) to prevent neuronal damages and promote recovery. In neurodegenerative diseases, microglia can play both benefic and deleterious roles, depending on different factors and disease context. In multiple sclerosis, microglia are involved in both demyelination (DM) and remyelination (RM) processes. Recent studies suggest a beneficial role of microglia in regenerative processes. These include the regenerative development of myelin after DM. This review gives an overlook of how microglia and GFs can influence the RM properties.

Harnessing Real-World Data to Inform Decision-Making: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS)

Background: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) is the first example of a learning health system in multiple sclerosis (MS). This paper describes the initial implementation of MS PATHS and initial patient characteristics.

Methods: MS PATHS is an ongoing initiative conducted in 10 healthcare institutions in three countries, each contributing standardized information acquired during routine care. Institutional participation required the following: active MS patient census of ≥500, at least one Siemens 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and willingness to standardize patient assessments, share standardized data for research, and offer universal enrolment to capture a representative sample. The eligible participants have diagnosis of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, and consent for sharing pseudonymized data for research. MS PATHS incorporates a self-administered patient assessment tool, the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test, to collect a structured history, patient-reported outcomes, and quantitative testing of cognition, vision, dexterity, and walking speed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging is acquired using standardized acquisition sequences on Siemens 3T scanners. Quantitative measures of brain volume and lesion load are obtained. Using a separate consent, the patients contribute DNA, RNA, and serum for future research. The clinicians retain complete autonomy in using MS PATHS data in patient care. A shared governance model ensures transparent data and sample access for research.

Results: As of August 5, 2019, MS PATHS enrolment included participants (n = 16,568) with broad ranges of disease subtypes, duration, and severity. Overall, 14,643 (88.4%) participants contributed data at one or more time points. The average patient contributed 15.6 person-months of follow-up (95% CI: 15.5–15.8); overall, 166,158 person-months of follow-up have been accumulated. Those with relapsing–remitting MS demonstrated more demographic heterogeneity than the participants in six randomized phase 3 MS treatment trials. Across sites, a significant variation was observed in the follow-up frequency and the patterns of disease-modifying therapy use.

Conclusions: Through digital health technology, it is feasible to collect standardized, quantitative, and interpretable data from each patient in busy MS practices, facilitating the merger of research and patient care. This approach holds promise for data-driven clinical decisions and accelerated systematic learning.

Patient- versus physician-reported relapses in multiple sclerosis: insights from a large observational study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The patient's perspective is becoming increasingly important for endpoints in studies on multiple sclerosis. However, relapse data generated from the patient's perspective in combination with independent documentation by the physician are scarce. Our objective was to compare self-reported relapses by the patient to physician-documented relapses within a routine clinical practice setting of quarterly visits.

METHODS

Two-year data (n = 1921 patients) were extracted from two prospective, non-interventional, multicentre cohort studies in Germany. The number of relapses independently reported by patients and physicians was analysed. In addition, inter-rater reliability and measures of validity were evaluated. Patterns of associations were investigated in subgroup analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

Patients and physicians showed good overall agreement [κ = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.80]. Nevertheless, patients reported, on average, more relapses than physicians during follow-up (0.55 vs. 0.44; P < 0.001). Corresponding annualized relapse rates were 0.38 (95% CI 0.36-0.39) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.29-0.31), respectively. Differences between physicians and patients were particularly pronounced in patient groups with greater disability levels, decreased health-related quality of life or treatment satisfaction. The positive predictive value was 74.01% (95% CI 71.85-76.07), and the negative predictive value was 98.86% (95% CI 98.67-99.03).

CONCLUSION

Some disagreement on the occurrence of relapses appears in specific patient subgroups, where factors such as pseudo-relapses or confounding factors may have promoted over- or under-reporting.

Engagement of people with multiple sclerosis to enhance research into the physiological effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

BACKGROUND

Thousands of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have used self-administered oxygen therapy in the UK. Clinical trials have been performed, with scant evidence that people with MS have been consulted to explore how they benefit from or how to optimize this treatment. The conventional MS disease disability scores used in trials seldom reflect the effects individuals report when using oxygen therapy to treat their symptoms.

METHODS

Three people with MS and the manager of an MS Centre formed a public involvement group and collaborated with clinicians and scientists to inform a lab-based study to investigate the physiological effects of oxygen therapy on microvascular brain endothelial cells.

RESULTS

People with MS often use oxygen therapy at a later stage when their symptoms worsen and only after using other treatments. The frequency of oxygen therapy sessions and hyperbaric pressure is individualized and varies for people with MS. Despite direct comparisons of efficacy proving difficult, most individuals are exposed to 100% O₂ at 1.5 atmosphere absolute (ATA; 1140 mmHg absolute) for 60 min. In a laboratory-based study human brain endothelial cells were exposed in vitro to 152 mmHg O₂ for 60 min with and without pressure, as this equates to 20% O₂ achievable via hyperbarics, which was then replicated at atmospheric pressure. A significant reduction in endothelial cells ICAM-1 (CD54) implicated in inflammatory cell margination across the blood brain barrier was observed under oxygen treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

By collaborating with people living with MS, we were able to design laboratory-based experimental protocols that replicate their treatment regimens to advance our understanding of the physiological effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on brain cells and their role in neuroinflammation.

Treatment Effectiveness for Resolution of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse in a US Health Plan Population

INTRODUCTION

Timely and effective resolution of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse is critical to minimizing residual deficits, which can result in neurologic disability. Oral corticosteroids (OCS) and intravenous corticosteroids [intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP)] are earlier line treatments; alternatives include repository corticotropin injection (RCI; H.P. Acthar® Gel), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Contemporary insight into the use of relapse treatments and their effectiveness is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate relapse rates, frequency of treatments used, and treatment effectiveness (i.e., relapse resolution).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients ages 18-89 years experiencing MS relapse from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2015 was conducted using administrative claims data. MS relapse was defined based on established claims-based methodology. The first claim for relapse treatment (i.e., prescription or administration) was used to designate the treatment group and relapse date, respectively. Relapses occurring ≤ 30 days were considered an episode. The first relapse episode was identified for every patient. Treatment was deemed effective in resolving the relapse if no additional relapses followed within the episode; otherwise, the relapse was considered unresolved. A 5-day OCS taper following IVMP administration, designated IVMP ± OCS, was allowed. Relapse frequency, treatment use, and relapse resolution were quantified. Relapse resolution was likewise evaluated in patients continuously enrolled for 12 months before and after first treatment with RCI or PMP/IVIG, with PMP/IVIG administrations within 7 days of each other being considered a single course of therapy.

RESULTS

During the study period, 9574 patients experienced ≥ 1 relapse; 26.0% of patients had ≥ 2 relapses/year. The mean number of relapse episodes was 2.6 over a mean follow-up of 2.7 years for an annualized relapse rate of 1.0. Corticosteroids were the first treatment used in 90.4% of relapses (OCS = 51.8%, IVMP = 38.6%), followed by IVIG (6.0%), RCI (2.2%) and PMP (1.5%). The proportion of patients achieving relapse resolution with their first treatment was 90.5% with OCS (n = 5710), 47.8% with IVMP ± OCS (n = 3425), 96.9% with RCI (n = 195), 50.7% with PMP (n = 73), and 43.9% with IVIG (n = 171). Among continuously enrolled patients (n = 373), relapse resolution was 95.7% with RCI (n = 232) and 66.0% with PMP/IVIG (n = 141); significant cohort differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

As demonstrated in other studies, OCS were generally effective. However, real-world effectiveness varied with other treatments. Relapse resolution of the first treatment with OCS was higher than with IVMP ± OCS; similarly, relapse resolution was higher with RCI as the first treatment than with PMP/IVIG. Results demonstrate RCI's effectiveness in appropriate patients. Limitations pertaining to claims-based research apply.

FUNDING

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (Bedminster, NJ).

Diagnosis and management of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis: time for change

Identifying the transition of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to the secondary-progressive MS form remains a clinical challenge due to the gradual nature of the transition, superimposed relapses, the heterogeneous course of disease among patients and the absence of validated biomarkers and diagnostic tools. The uncertainty associated with the transition makes clinical care challenging for both patients and physicians. The emergence of new disease-modifying treatments for progressive MS and the increasing emphasis of nonpharmacological strategies mark a new era in the treatment of progressive MS. This article summarizes challenges in diagnosis and management, discusses novel treatment strategies and highlights the importance of establishing a clear diagnosis and instituting an interdisciplinary management plan in the care of patients with progressive MS.