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Poulsen EE, Jensen-Fangel S, Rudolf F. Severe Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in a patient with ocrelizumab-induced hypogammaglobulinaemia. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256029. [PMID: 37751973 PMCID: PMC10533684 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum in immune-competent people are typically simple and uncomplicated. However, in cases of immunosuppression, severe disseminated infections can occur.This case report describes the case of a severe, disseminated infection caused by U. urealyticum in a young female with unacknowledged humoral immunosuppression due to treatment with ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis.The patient was admitted due to a recurrent episode of a tubo-ovarian abscess. Throughout the following 2 months of hospitalisation, treatment with several types of antibiotics and the placement of various drains led to no improvement. As extensive investigations indicated hypogammaglobulinaemia, U. urealyticum was suspected, and tests came back positive. Treatment with doxycycline and moxifloxacin led to a full recovery.This demonstrates how humoral immunosuppression is a risk factor for severe disseminated infections and how these may be avoided through monitoring of immunoglobulin levels in patients treated with ocrelizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Søren Jensen-Fangel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Frauke Rudolf
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Clinical institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Muñoz-Jurado A, Escribano BM, Agüera E, Caballero-Villarraso J, Galván A, Túnez I. SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis patients: interaction with treatments, adjuvant therapies, and vaccines against COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:4581-4603. [PMID: 35788744 PMCID: PMC9253265 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised particular concern for people with Multiple Sclerosis, as these people are believed to be at increased risk of infection, especially those being treated with disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe how COVID-19 affects people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, evaluating the risk they have of suffering an infection by this virus, according to the therapy to which they are subjected as well as the immune response of these patients both to infection and vaccines and the neurological consequences that the virus can have in the long term. The results regarding the increased risk of infection due to treatment are contradictory. B-cell depletion therapies may cause patients to have a lower probability of generating a detectable neutralizing antibody titer. However, more studies are needed to help understand how this virus works, paying special attention to long COVID and the neurological symptoms that it causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz-Jurado
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Begoña M. Escribano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Agüera
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Neurology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Villarraso
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Clinical Analysis Service, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Galván
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Cooperative Research Thematic Excellent Network on Brain Stimulation (REDESTIM), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Schiavetti I, Ponzano M, Signori A, Bovis F, Carmisciano L, Sormani MP. Severe outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with multiple sclerosis under anti-CD-20 therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103358. [PMID: 35158467 PMCID: PMC8570399 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 may spread through various ways ranging from asymptomatic to severe forms, until respiratory failure, critical conditions and death occurs. There is a particular concern for patients affected by multiple sclerosis, especially for those under disease-modifying treatments. Some studies have found an association between anti-CD20 therapies (especially rituximab) and severe COVID-19. However, results were not always clear and thus a systematic review was helpful. Methods A systematic literature search was performed independently by two authors on the main search tools considering as key inclusion criterion the presence of data on patients under ocrelizumab or rituximab positive to COVID-19. The quality of the included studies was evaluated based on a modified version of the Dutch Cochrane center critical review checklist proposed by MOOSE and in case of missing data an email was sent to the corresponding authors asking for missing information. After excluding case-reports, a random effects meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the continuity correction and the I2statistic was calculated to measure heterogeneity. Results 29 articles were included in the analysis and the median quality of the articles reached 4/5 after having integrated the additional details provided by the authors. The articles included 5173 patients, of whom 770 (14.8%) and 455 (8.8%) were, respectively, under ocrelizumab and rituximab. Pooled estimates of hospitalization, pneumonia and intensive care unit admission were 18.1%, 14.8% and 3.3%, respectively, while pooled estimate for death was 1.8% overall and 1.6% and 4.5%, respectively, for patients under ocrelizumab and rituximab. Conclusion Patients treated with rituximab seem to be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes compared to patients under other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Schiavetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Marta Ponzano
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Bovis
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Carmisciano
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Conte WL. B-cell depleters attenuate the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in multiple sclerosis patients: A case-control study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103413. [PMID: 35158480 PMCID: PMC8599138 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background B-cell depleting agents are FDA approved for the treatment of RRMS (ocrelizumab (OCR) and ofatumumab (OFA)) and PPMS (OCR). In the case of OCR, prior studies have raised concerns about patients’ ability to form antibodies in response to various antigens, especially SARS-CoV-2. In addition, emerging data have shown an attenuated humoral response to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study is to determine whether b-cell depleters or sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) modulators attenuate the antibody response to various SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with MS as compared with other MS disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Methods This is a case-control study looking at the odds of developing antibodies to three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) in patients treated with b-cell depleters or S1P modulators versus other disease modifying therapies. Patients were recruited at the Comprehensive MS Center at Methodist Hospitals. Patients who did not have a prior COVID-19 infection and received one of the three vaccines were tested for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Labcorp, semi-quantitative total antibody) at least two weeks following the final dose of the vaccine. Groups (B-cell, S1P modulators, other DMT, and no DMT) were compared on antibody level. The main outcome was whether or not a humoral response was detected by antibody testing. Dichotomous antibody response was tested using logistic regression models, and the quantitative response was tested using ANCOVA adjusted for covariates (age, sex, race, MS type, disease duration, vaccine, and lymphocyte count). P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results Sixty-seven patients were enrolled in the study, with 17 on OCR, 3 on OFA, 12 on S1P modulators, 29 on other DMT, and 6 not currently on any DMT. Patients who received OCR or OFA had decreased odds of forming antibodies (OR 0.031, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.003–0.268)). Patients who received S1P modulators did not have decreased odds of forming antibodies (OR 0.413, p = 0.413, 95% CI (0.28–21.7). However, when analyzing the antibody response as a continuous variable, patients on S1P modulators showed lower absolute levels of antibodies (p = 0.024). Conclusions Patients who received B-cell depleters within the prior 6 months of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination had decreased odds of developing antibodies compared with other DMTs. In line with other similar research, this suggests that b-cell depleters attenuate the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Although S1P modulators had an attenuation of the absolute antibody level, the odds of being negative did not differ from those on other DMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Conte
- Comprehensive MS Center, Methodist Hospitals, 200 E 89th Ave, Merrillville IN 46410, United States.
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5
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Toscano S, Chisari CG, Patti F. Multiple Sclerosis, COVID-19 and Vaccines: Making the Point. Neurol Ther 2021; 10:627-649. [PMID: 34625925 PMCID: PMC8500471 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. In this context, several studies and clinical trials have been conducted since then, and many are currently ongoing, leading to the development of several COVID-19 vaccines with different mechanisms of action. People affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) have been considered high-risk subjects in most countries and prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. However, the management of MS during the COVID-19 pandemic has represented a new challenge for MS specialists, particularly because of the initial lack of guidelines and differing recommendations. Despite an initial hesitation in prescribing disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in naïve and already treated patients with MS, most national neurology associations and organizations agree on not stopping treatment. However, care is needed especially for patients treated with immune-depleting drugs, which also require some attentions in programming vaccine administration. Many discoveries and new research results have accumulated in a short time on COVID-19, resulting in a need for summarizing the existing evidence on this topic. In this review, we describe the latest research results on the immunological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection speculating about their impact on COVID-19 vaccines' mechanisms of action and focused on the management of MS during the COVID pandemic according to the most recent guidelines and recommendations. Finally, the efficacy of COVID-19 and other well-known vaccines against infectious disease in patients with MS on DMDs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Toscano
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara G Chisari
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Yarahmadi P, Alirezaei M, Forouzannia SM, Naser Moghadasi A. The Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients with a History of Taking Rituximab: A Narrative Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 46:411-419. [PMID: 34840381 PMCID: PMC8611224 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2021.88717.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently emerging disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Notably, the safety of immunosuppressive medications
is a major concern during an infectious disease pandemic. Rituximab (RTX), as a monoclonal antibody against CD20 molecule, is widely used for the treatment of various diseases, mostly autoimmune
diseases and some malignancies. Previous studies indicated that RTX, as an immunosuppressive medication, may be associated with the increased risk of infections.
Moreover, given the wide use of RTX, a necessity of determining the different aspects of RTX use in the COVID-19 era is strongly felt. We reviewed current studies on the clinical
courses of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It appears that the use of RTX does not increase morbidity and mortality in most patients. However, underlying diseases and other
concomitant medications may play a role in the disease course, while the concerns of vaccine efficacy in patients receiving RTX still need to be addressed.
Therefore, more controlled studies are needed for a better conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pourya Yarahmadi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Alirezaei
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Forouzannia
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Centonze D, Rocca MA, Gasperini C, Kappos L, Hartung HP, Magyari M, Oreja-Guevara C, Trojano M, Wiendl H, Filippi M. Disease-modifying therapies and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in multiple sclerosis: an expert consensus. J Neurol 2021; 268:3961-3968. [PMID: 33844056 PMCID: PMC8038920 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10545-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) appeared in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has quickly become a global pandemic. The disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA beta coronavirus phylogenetically similar to SARS coronavirus. To date, more than 132 million cases of COVID19 have been recorded in the world, of which over 2.8 million were fatal ( https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html ). A huge vaccination campaign has started around the world since the end of 2020. The availability of vaccines has raised some concerns among neurologists regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) taking immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- MS Center and Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Trojano
- Neurology and Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Massimo Filippi
- MS Center and Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Mado H, Kubicka-Bączyk K, Adamczyk-Sowa M. Anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 antibody responses following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab: a case report. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211044378. [PMID: 34528472 PMCID: PMC8451259 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211044378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) repeatedly receive therapies that cause B-lymphocyte depletion. This may lead to abnormal immune responses following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, as has been suggested previously. We therefore evaluated post-vaccination immune responses in a patient with MS treated with ocrelizumab. The intervals between ocrelizumab infusions and vaccination were as recommended by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society. A reactive immune response was observed in this patient following vaccination. This suggests that appropriate intervals between ocrelizumab infusions and COVID-19 vaccinations may permit the generation of efficacious immune responses in patients receiving B-lymphocyte depleting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Mado
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kubicka-Bączyk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Monika Adamczyk-Sowa
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
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Wolf A, Alvarez E. COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis on Disease-Modifying Therapy. Neurol Clin Pract 2021; 11:358-361. [PMID: 34484934 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in challenges for the practice of neurology. One major concern is how to best manage patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs frequently have immunosuppressive properties that both increase the risk for COVID-19 and potentially reduce the immunologic response to vaccination in a group already vulnerable to infection due to neurologic deficits. Here, we review early data on COVID-19 outcomes in patients with MS and discuss what is known about vaccine effectiveness in those on anti-CD20 and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agents, which are proposed to have attenuating effects based on their mechanisms of action. In addition, we provide recommendations to best use novel COVID-19 vaccines in this population and highlight what information may better inform vaccine strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wolf
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Enrique Alvarez
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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10
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Bigaut K, Kremer L, Fabacher T, Lanotte L, Fleury MC, Collongues N, de Seze J. Impact of Disease-Modifying Treatments of Multiple Sclerosis on Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: An Observational Study. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 8:e1055. [PMID: 34321333 PMCID: PMC8362343 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the humoral response after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving different disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). METHODS Patients with MS with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and available anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology were included. The primary endpoint was the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) index. The multivariate analysis was adjusted for COVID-19 severity, SARS-CoV-2 PCR result, and the time between COVID-19 onset and the serology. RESULTS We included 61 patients with available IgG index. The IgG index was lower in patients with fingolimod or anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies compared with patients without treatment (p < 0.01), patients with interferon β-1a or glatiramer (p < 0.01), and patients with another DMT (p = 0.01). The IgG index was correlated with the time between COVID-19 onset and serology (r = -0.296 [-0.510; -0.0477], p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Humoral response after COVID-19 was lower in patients with MS with fingolimod or anti-CD20 mAb. These patients could therefore be at risk of recurrent infection and could benefit from anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The humoral response after vaccination and the delay before vaccination need to be evaluated. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class IV evidence that patients treated with fingolimod or anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies for MS have a lower humoral response after COVID-19 compared with patients without DMTs or with another DMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Bigaut
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laurent Kremer
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thibaut Fabacher
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Livia Lanotte
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Marie-Celine Fleury
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Nicolas Collongues
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Jerome de Seze
- From the Department of Neurology (K.B., L.K., L.L., F.M.-C., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; Clinical Investigation Center (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg; INSERM 1119 Biopathologie de la Myéline (K.B., L.K., N.C., J.S.), Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques; and Department of Public Health (T.F.), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
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11
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Gong F, Wei HX, Li Q, Liu L, Li B. Evaluation and Comparison of Serological Methods for COVID-19 Diagnosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:682405. [PMID: 34368226 PMCID: PMC8343015 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.682405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 has become a global public health crisis. Various clinical diagnosis methods have been developed to distinguish COVID-19-infected patients from healthy people. The nucleic acid test is the golden standard for virus detection as it is suitable for early diagnosis. However, due to the low amount of viral nucleic acid in the respiratory tract, the sensitivity of nucleic acid detection is unsatisfactory. As a result, serological screening began to be widely used with the merits of simple procedures, lower cost, and shorter detection time. Serological tests currently include the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). This review describes various serological methods, discusses the performance and diagnostic effects of different methods, and points out the problems and the direction of optimization, to improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis. These increasingly sophisticated and diverse serological diagnostic technologies will help human beings to control the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwu Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hua-Xing Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiangsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bofeng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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12
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Kelly H, Sokola B, Abboud H. Safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in multiple sclerosis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 356:577599. [PMID: 34000472 PMCID: PMC8095041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for multiple sclerosis patients. Disease-modifying therapies can influence the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. RNA, DNA, protein, and inactivated vaccines are likely safe for multiple sclerosis patients. A few incidences of central demyelination were reported with viral vector vaccines, but their benefits likely outweigh their risks if alternatives are unavailable. Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided whenever possible in treated patients. Interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, fumarates, and natalizumab are not expected to impact vaccine efficacy, while cell-depleting agents (ocrelizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, alemtuzumab, and cladribine) and sphingosine-1-phosphate modulators will likely attenuate vaccine responses. Coordinating vaccine timing with dosing regimens for some therapies may optimize vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kelly
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brent Sokola
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Hesham Abboud
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA,Corresponding author at: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center Bolwell, 5th floor 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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13
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Multiple Sclerosis, Disease-Modifying Therapies and COVID-19: A Systematic Review on Immune Response and Vaccination Recommendations. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070773. [PMID: 34358189 PMCID: PMC8310076 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the risks of COVID-19 in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and their immune reactions is vital to analyze vaccine response dynamics. A systematic review on COVID-19 course and outcomes in patients receiving different DMTs was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Emerging data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was used to elaborate recommendations. Data from 4417 patients suggest that MS per se do not portend a higher risk of severe COVID-19. As for the general population, advanced age, comorbidities, and higher disability significantly impact COVID-19 outcomes. Most DMTs have a negligible influence on COVID-19 incidence and outcome, while for those causing severe lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia, such as anti-CD20 therapies, there might be a tendency of increased hospitalization, worse outcomes and a higher risk of re-infection. Blunted immune responses have been reported for many DMTs, with vaccination implications. Clinical evidence does not support an increased risk of MS relapse or vaccination failure, but vaccination timing needs to be individually tailored. For cladribine and alemtuzumab, it is recommended to wait 3-6 months after the last cycle until vaccination. For the general anti-CD20 therapies, vaccination must be deferred toward the end of the cycle and the next dose administered at least 4-6 weeks after completing vaccination. Serological status after vaccination is highly encouraged. Growing clinical evidence and continuous surveillance are extremely important to continue guiding future treatment strategies and vaccination protocols.
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14
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Kulikowska J, Kulczyńska-Przybik A, Mroczko B, Kułakowska A. The Significance of COVID-19 Immunological Status in Severe Neurological Complications and Multiple Sclerosis-A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5894. [PMID: 34072715 PMCID: PMC8199258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2/Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is responsible for the pandemic, which started in December 2019. In addition to the typical respiratory symptoms, this virus also causes other severe complications, including neurological ones. In diagnostics, serological and polymerase chain reaction tests are useful not only in detecting past infections but can also predict the response to vaccination. It is now believed that an immune mechanism rather than direct viral neuroinvasion is responsible for neurological symptoms. For this reason, it is important to assess the presence of antibodies not only in the serum but also in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), especially in the case of neuro-COVID. A particular group of patients are people with multiple sclerosis (MS) whose disease-modifying drugs weaken the immune system and lead to an unpredictable serological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on available data, the article summarizes the current serological information concerning COVID-19 in CSF in patients with severe neurological complications and in those with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kulikowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Kulczyńska-Przybik
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (B.M.)
| | - Alina Kułakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland;
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15
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Conte WL. Attenuation of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab: A case-control study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 52:103014. [PMID: 34000684 PMCID: PMC8102087 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a monoclonal antibody directed at B-cells that is FDA approved for treatment of RRMS and PPMS. Prior studies have raised concerns about patients’ ability to form antibodies in response to various antigens, especially SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study is to determine whether OCR attenuates the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with MS as compared with other disease modifying therapies. Methods This is a case-control study looking at the odds of developing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in patients treated with OCR versus other disease modifying therapies. From May 13, 2020 through March 1, 2021, patients with a RT-PCR-confirmed infection to SARS-CoV-2 were tested for presence of antibodies and the data was recorded. Outpatients with MS at the Methodist Hospitals Comprehensive MS Center were selected who had a prior infection with COVID-19 as demonstrated by RT-PCR in the electronic health records. Odds ratios were calculated to compare rates of antibody formation with OCR exposure vs other DMT. Results 24 patients had evidence of COVID-19 and had antibody testing available at the time of analysis. Patients who received OCR had decreased odds of forming antibodies (OR 0.045, p = 0.011, 95% CI (0.004,0.488)). Conclusions Patients who received OCR within the prior 6 months of COVID-19 infection had decreased odds of developing antibodies as compared with other DMTs. This suggests that OCR may attenuate the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. Additional studies should analyze the odds of spike protein antibody formation in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for patients on OCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Conte
- Comprehensive MS Center, Methodist Hospitals, Merrillville IN 46410, USA.
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16
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Comment on the paper Negative anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody response following Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a patient on ocrelizumab: the likely explanation for this phenomenon based on our observations. J Neurol 2021; 268:3998-3999. [PMID: 33864125 PMCID: PMC8051542 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10547-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Khoshnood M, Mahabir R, Shillingford NM, Santoro JD. Post-infectious inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 in a paediatric patient with Down syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/4/e240490. [PMID: 33858888 PMCID: PMC8054062 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 continue to be recognised. In children, neurological phenomenon has been reported generally in the acute infectious period. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 could trigger an immune-mediated post-infectious phenomenon. Here, we present a unique case of post-infectious marantic cardiac lesion causing cerebrovascular accident in a patient with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellad Khoshnood
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Roshan Mahabir
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nick M Shillingford
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jonathan D Santoro
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA .,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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18
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Alshami A, Al Attas R, Azzam A, Mohammed A, Al-Quhaidan N. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pediatric kidney transplant patients. BMC Nephrol 2021; 22:123. [PMID: 33827461 PMCID: PMC8025893 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-021-02325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been studied in immunocompetent children. However, data in the pediatric kidney transplant population (PKT) are lacking. METHODS Using two commercial immunoassays that measured IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and IgG against the nucleocapsid (N) protein, we screened 72 PKT recipients who attended the outpatient clinic for routine blood work. The majority of patients with positive serology underwent an additional serology test at least once during subsequent clinical follow-up. Patients were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection if they had two positive tests. RESULTS Eight patients out of the 72 screened (11.1%) had positive results for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in both serological tests. Of those who tested positive, 4 had positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR results before screening. All patients were asymptomatic or had a history of mild symptoms. All tested patients had persistently positive antibodies at a median follow-up time of 75 days (IQR, 44.5, 86.5 days). One patient had a positive PCR test at 75 days and a positive serology test at 120 days post infection. CONCLUSION The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was relatively high (11.1%) in our population. Although all patients were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, they mounted a strong humoral immune response that persisted for a few months despite being on triple immunosuppressants. These findings have positive implications regarding vaccination efficacy in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanoud Alshami
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Multiorgan Transplant Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital-Dammam/Saudi Arabia, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rabab Al Attas
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Azzam
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Multiorgan Transplant Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital-Dammam/Saudi Arabia, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Mohammed
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Al-Quhaidan
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over 70 million people worldwide, including those with neurodegenerative disease (NDD), have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to date. We review outcomes in patients with NDD and COVID-19 and discuss the hypothesis that due to putative commonalities of neuropathogenesis, COVID-19 may unmask or trigger NDD in vulnerable individuals. RECENT FINDINGS Based on a systematic review of published literature, patients with NDD, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) make up a significant portion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Such patients are likely to present with altered mental status or worsening of their preexisting neurological symptoms. Patients with NDD and poor outcomes often have high-risk comorbid conditions, including advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart/lung disease. Patients with dementia including Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk for hospitalization and death, whereas those with preexisting Parkinson's disease are not. MS patients have good outcomes and disease modifying therapies do not increase the risk for severe disease. Viral infections and attendant neuroinflammation have been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and MS, suggesting that COVID-19 may have the potential to incite or accelerate neurodegeneration. SUMMARY Since patients with Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk for hospitalization and death in the setting of COVID-19, additional precautions and protective measures should be put in place to prevent infections and optimize management of comorbidities in this vulnerable population. Further studies are needed to determine whether COVID-19 may lead to an increased risk of developing NDD in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S McAlpine
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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20
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Khayat-Khoei M, Conway S, Rubinson DA, Jarolim P, Houtchens MK. Negative anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody response following Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in a patient on ocrelizumab. J Neurol 2021; 268:3592-3594. [PMID: 33638680 PMCID: PMC7910800 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10463-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Khayat-Khoei
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Conway
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas A Rubinson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Jarolim
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria K Houtchens
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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COVID-19 and disease-modifying therapies in patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system: A systematic review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 50:102800. [PMID: 33578206 PMCID: PMC7845520 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to expand across the world. This pandemic has had a significant impact on patients with chronic diseases. Among patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), concerns remain about the potential impact of COVID-19 on these patients given their treatment with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies. In this study, we review the existing literature investigating the impact of disease-modifying therapies(DMT) on COVID-19 risks in this group of patients. Method For this systematic review, we searched PubMed from January 1, 2020, to December 3, 2020. The following keywords were used: “COVID-19” AND “Multiple Sclerosis” OR “Neuromyelitis Optica.” Articles evaluating COVID-19 in patients with demyelinating diseases of CNS were included. This study evaluates the different aspects of the DMTs in these patients during the COVID-19 era. Results and conclusion A total of 262 articles were found. After eliminating duplicates and unrelated research papers, a total of 84 articles met the final inclusion criteria in our study. Overall, the experiences of 2493 MS patients and 37 NMOSD patients with COVID-19 were included in this review. Among them, 46(1.8%) MS patients died(the global death-to-case ratio of Covid-19 was reported about 2.1%). Among DMTs, Rituximab had the highest mortality rate (4%). Despite controversies, especially concerning anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapies, a relation between DMT-use and COVID-19 disease- course was not found in many studies. This observation reinforces the recommendation of not stopping current DMTs. Other variables such as age, higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, cardiac comorbidities, and obesity were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. Despite the risks of infection, most patients were willing to continue their DMT during the pandemic because of more significant concern about the risk of relapse or worsening MS symptoms. After the infection, an immune response's attenuation was seen in the patients on Fingolimod and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. This may be a critical finding in future vaccinations.
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22
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Flores-Gonzalez RE, Hernandez J, Tornes L, Rammohan K, Delgado S. Development of SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in a relapsing multiple sclerosis patient on ofatumumab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 49:102777. [PMID: 33508573 PMCID: PMC7816891 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a MS patient on subcutaneous ofatumumab who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 and remained asymptomatic while developing antiviral IgM and IgG antibodies. The patient was B-cell depleted with normal serum immunoglobulin levels. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies remained positive three months after the initial infection. These findings suggest that a MS patient treated with ofatumumab may be able to mount an effective humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and probably to COVID-19 vaccines as well. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the humoral response of MS patients on ofatumumab to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon E Flores-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, MS Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 Street, Suite 1323, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hernandez
- Department of Neurology, MS Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 Street, Suite 1323, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Leticia Tornes
- Department of Neurology, MS Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 Street, Suite 1323, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Kottil Rammohan
- Department of Neurology, MS Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 Street, Suite 1323, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Silvia Delgado
- Department of Neurology, MS Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 Street, Suite 1323, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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23
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Bhise V, Dhib-Jalbut S. Potential Risks and Benefits of Multiple Sclerosis Immune Therapies in the COVID-19 Era: Clinical and Immunological Perspectives. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:244-251. [PMID: 33533012 PMCID: PMC7853164 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus SARS-CoV2 has emerged as one of the greatest infectious disease health challenges in a century. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a particular vulnerability to infections through their use of immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Specific DMTs pose particular risk based on their mechanisms of action (MOA). As a result, patients require individualized approaches to starting new treatments and continuation of therapy. Additionally, vaccinations must be considered carefully, and individuals on long-term B cell-depleting therapies may have diminished immune responses to vaccination, based on preserved T cells and diminished but present antibody titers to influenza vaccines. We review the immunology behind these treatments and their impact on COVID-19, as well as the current recommendations for best practices for use of DMTs in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Bhise
- Departments of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 89 French Street, Suite 2200, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, Suite 65000, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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24
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Hughes R, Whitley L, Fitovski K, Schneble HM, Muros E, Sauter A, Craveiro L, Dillon P, Bonati U, Jessop N, Pedotti R, Koendgen H. COVID-19 in ocrelizumab-treated people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 49:102725. [PMID: 33482590 PMCID: PMC7772086 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background There are limited data on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS. Methods Internal Roche/Genentech data sources: Cases of COVID-19 from ongoing Roche/Genentech clinical trials and from post-marketing use of ocrelizumab until July 31, 2020 were identified and assessed using descriptive statistics. External real-world data (RWD) source: An MS COVID-19 cohort and an ocrelizumab-treated MS COVID-19 cohort were identified and assessed from the OPTUMⓇ de-identified COVID-19 electronic health record (EHR) database. Results Roche/Genentech clinical trial data: There were 51 (1.3%) suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified from 4,000 patients ongoing in 10 Roche/Genentech clinical trials. Of these, 26 (51%) were confirmed COVID-19 and 25 (49%) were suspected COVID-19. Sixteen (31.4%) patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 severity was mild to moderate in most patients (35, 68.6%). Ten (19.6%) patients had severe disease and there were three (5.9%) fatal cases. Most patients (43, 84.3%) recovered or were recovering. There was no association apparent between duration of exposure to ocrelizumab and COVID-19. Among COVID-19 patients with previous serum immunoglobulin status (27/51, 52.9%), all (27/27, 100%) had IgG levels within the normal range. Roche/Genentech post-marketing safety database data: There were 307 post-marketing cases of COVID-19 in the Roche/Genentech global safety database. Of these, 263 (85.7%) were confirmed and 44 (14.3%) were suspected COVID-19. 100 (32.6%) patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 was asymptomatic, mild or moderate in 143 (46.6%) patients, severe in 52 (16.9%) patients, and critical in 15 (4.9%) patients. There were 17 (5.5%) fatal cases. Information on severity was not reported in 80 (26.1%) cases. Most patients (211, 68.7%) recovered or were recovering at the time of the report. External RWD data source: As of July 13, 2020, the OPTUMⓇ database included EHRs for almost 1.2 million patients with suspected COVID-19, 130,500 of whom met the criteria for confirmed/clinically diagnosed COVID-19. A total of 357 patients with MS with confirmed COVID-19 were identified. Forty-eight (13.4%) were treated with ocrelizumab, of whom 12 (25.0%) were hospitalized and one died (2.1%). Similar rates of hospitalization, invasive ventilation, and death were observed in the ocrelizumab-treated and non-ocrelizumab-treated MS cohorts. Across the Roche/Genentech and RWD sources assessed, age, male sex, and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension were associated with a more severe disease course of COVID-19. There was a higher number of comorbidities present in hospitalized versus non-hospitalized patients. Conclusions This assessment provides evidence that COVID-19 in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS is predominantly mild to moderate in severity with most patients not requiring hospitalization; in line with data reported from the general population and MS datasets. Risk factors known to be associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in the general population also appear to influence COVID-19 severity in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS. Case fatality rates for ocrelizumab-treated people with MS were within published ranges for the general population and other MS cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erwan Muros
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Paul Dillon
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Experience in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with COVID-19 and Disease-Modifying Therapies: A Review of 873 Published Cases. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9124067. [PMID: 33339436 PMCID: PMC7766122 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9124067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is a challenge for all participants in the healthcare system. At the beginning of the pandemic, many physicians asked themselves what risk their patients, especially those with chronic diseases, were exposed to. We present an overview of all patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and SARS-CoV-2 infection published in the literature so far. In total, there are publications on 873 SARS-CoV-2 positive MS patients and information on the outcome can be given for 700 patients. With regard to the different disease modifying therapies (DMTs), by far the most cases were described under anti-CD20 treatment (n = 317). The mortality rate of all MS patients was 4% and a further 3% required invasive or non-invasive ventilation. When looking at the severe and fatal cases, it is particularly noticeable that patients without DMTs, with previous cardiovascular diseases, or with a severe degree of disability are at risk. Immunosuppressive therapy itself does not appear to be a substantial risk factor. Rather, it is reasonable to assume that the therapies could be protective, either directly, by mitigating the cytokine storm, or indirectly, by reducing the disease activity of MS.
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Laroni A, Schiavetti I, Sormani MP, Uccelli A. COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing disease-modifying treatments. Mult Scler 2020; 27:2126-2136. [PMID: 33205695 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520971817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The CoronaVirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a threat of particular concern for people affected by chronic immune-mediated diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), who are often treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs, which may increase the risk of infections in general. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, empirical guidelines on how to manage treatments for immune-mediated diseases, including MS, were released. Subsequently, the first clinical pictures and data sets have been published, describing the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with MS treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs. Here we will review available information on how infections by human coronaviruses affect the immune system in untreated subjects and in patients affected by MS treated with drugs which modulate the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Laroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy/IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Schiavetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy/Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy/IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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27
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Baker D, Roberts CAK, Pryce G, Kang AS, Marta M, Reyes S, Schmierer K, Giovannoni G, Amor S. COVID-19 vaccine-readiness for anti-CD20-depleting therapy in autoimmune diseases. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:149-161. [PMID: 32671831 PMCID: PMC7405500 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most autoimmune diseases are considered to be CD4 T cell- or antibody-mediated, many respond to CD20-depleting antibodies that have limited influence on CD4 and plasma cells. This includes rituximab, oblinutuzumab and ofatumumab that are used in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and off-label in a large number of other autoimmunities and ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic created concerns about immunosuppression in autoimmunity, leading to cessation or a delay in immunotherapy treatments. However, based on the known and emerging biology of autoimmunity and COVID-19, it was hypothesised that while B cell depletion should not necessarily expose people to severe SARS-CoV-2-related issues, it may inhibit protective immunity following infection and vaccination. As such, drug-induced B cell subset inhibition, that controls at least some autoimmunities, would not influence innate and CD8 T cell responses, which are central to SARS-CoV-2 elimination, nor the hypercoagulation and innate inflammation causing severe morbidity. This is supported clinically, as the majority of SARS-CoV-2-infected, CD20-depleted people with autoimmunity have recovered. However, protective neutralizing antibody and vaccination responses are predicted to be blunted until naive B cells repopulate, based on B cell repopulation kinetics and vaccination responses, from published rituximab and unpublished ocrelizumab (NCT00676715, NCT02545868) trial data, shown here. This suggests that it may be possible to undertake dose interruption to maintain inflammatory disease control, while allowing effective vaccination against SARS-CoV-29, if and when an effective vaccine is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Baker
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - C. A. K. Roberts
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - G. Pryce
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - A. S. Kang
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative MedicineInstitute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - M. Marta
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Clinical Board: Medicine (Neuroscience)The Royal London HospitalBarts Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - S. Reyes
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Clinical Board: Medicine (Neuroscience)The Royal London HospitalBarts Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - K. Schmierer
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Clinical Board: Medicine (Neuroscience)The Royal London HospitalBarts Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - G. Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Clinical Board: Medicine (Neuroscience)The Royal London HospitalBarts Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - S. Amor
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Pathology DepartmentAmsterdam UMCVUmc siteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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28
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Celius EG. Normal antibody response after COVID-19 during treatment with cladribine. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 46:102476. [PMID: 32882501 PMCID: PMC7832623 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cladribine is a highly effective, recently available treatment in multiple sclerosis. This case report describes a patient with COVID-19 infection during second year treatment with cladribine. The infection was mild and she was able to mount an adequate immune response with detectable antibodies three months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G Celius
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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29
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Iannetta M, Cesta N, Stingone C, Malagnino V, Teti E, Vitale P, De Simone G, Rossi B, Ansaldo L, Compagno M, Spalliera I, Di Lorenzo A, Landi D, Nicoletti CG, Marfia GA, Andreoni M, Sarmati L. Mild clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia in two patients with multiple sclerosis under treatment with ocrelizumab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 45:102442. [PMID: 32777745 PMCID: PMC7399651 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ocrelizumab is not associated to increased severity in MS patients with COVID-19. B-cell depleting treatment could impact on virus-specific antibody production. B-cell depleting therapies can reduce IL-6 production, thus modulating inflammation.
Background Recently SARS-CoV-2 has spread worldwide causing a pandemic. Little is known about disease severity in immunocompromised hosts and people receiving disease modifying therapies (DMTs). In the last decades DMTs have been widely employed, and ocrelizumab represents one of the newest therapies for the relapsing remitting and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives to describe SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia in two MS patients under ocrelizumab treatment. Methods Case series. Results Patients showed a mild clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia without complications or sequelae. Conclusion Ocrelizumab treatment is not necessarily associated to increased severity in MS patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Iannetta
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Novella Cesta
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Christof Stingone
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Teti
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Vitale
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Benedetta Rossi
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ansaldo
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Compagno
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Spalliera
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Doriana Landi
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis and Research Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Gabri Nicoletti
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis and Research Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Girolama Alessandra Marfia
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis and Research Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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30
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Zheng C, Kar I, Chen CK, Sau C, Woodson S, Serra A, Abboud H. Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapy and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications on the Risk of Infection and Future Vaccination. CNS Drugs 2020; 34:879-896. [PMID: 32780300 PMCID: PMC7417850 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-020-00756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is expected to linger. Decisions regarding initiation or continuation of disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis have to consider the potential relevance to the pandemic. Understanding the mechanism of action and the possible idiosyncratic effects of each therapeutic agent on the immune system is imperative during this special time. The infectious side-effect profile as well as the route and frequency of administration of each therapeutic agent should be carefully considered when selecting a new treatment or deciding on risk mitigation strategies for existing therapy. More importantly, the impact of each agent on the future severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine should be carefully considered in treatment decisions. Moreover, some multiple sclerosis therapies may have beneficial antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 while others may have beneficial immune-modulating effects against the cytokine storm and hyperinflammatory phase of the disease. Conventional injectables have a favorable immune profile without an increased exposure risk and therefore may be suitable for mild multiple sclerosis during the pandemic. However, moderate and highly active multiple sclerosis will continue to require treatment with oral or intravenous high-potency agents but a number of risk mitigation strategies may have to be implemented. Immune-modulating therapies such as the fumerates, sphinogosine-1P modulators, and natalizumab may be anecdotally preferred over cell-depleting immunosuppressants during the pandemic from the immune profile standpoint. Within the cell-depleting agents, selective (ocrelizumab) or preferential (cladribine) depletion of B cells may be relatively safer than non-selective depletion of lymphocytes and innate immune cells (alemtuzumab). Patients who develop severe iatrogenic or idiosyncratic lymphopenia should be advised to maintain social distancing even in areas where lockdown has been removed or ameliorated. Patients with iatrogenic hypogammaglobulinemia may require prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in certain situations. When the future SARS-CoV-2 vaccine becomes available, patients with multiple sclerosis should be advised that certain therapies may interfere with mounting a protective immune response to the vaccine and that serological confirmation of a response may be required after vaccination. They should also be aware that most multiple sclerosis therapies are incompatible with live vaccines if a live SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is developed. In this article, we review and compare disease-modifying therapies in terms of their effect on the immune system, published infection rates, potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, and vaccine-related implications. We propose risk mitigation strategies and practical approaches to disease-modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Zheng
- Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH USA
| | - Indrani Kar
- System Pharmacy Services, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Claire Kaori Chen
- Specialty Pharmacy, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Crystal Sau
- Specialty Pharmacy, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH USA ,Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Medical Center, Bolwell, 5th Floor, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Sophia Woodson
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Medical Center, Bolwell, 5th Floor, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Alessandro Serra
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Medical Center, Bolwell, 5th Floor, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA ,VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Hesham Abboud
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Medical Center, Bolwell, 5th Floor, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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