1
|
O'Keeffe F, Cogley C, McManus C, Davenport L, O'Connor S, Tubridy N, Gaughan M, McGuigan C, Bramham J. Neuropsychology intervention for managing invisible symptoms of MS (NIMIS-MS) group: A pilot effectiveness and acceptability study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 88:105719. [PMID: 38909526 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105719] [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] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with MS (pwMS) commonly experience a range of hidden symptoms, including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression, fatigue, pain, and sensory difficulties. These "invisible" symptoms can significantly impact wellbeing, relationships, employment and life goals. We developed a novel bespoke online group neuropsychological intervention combining psychoeducation and cognitive rehabilitation with an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-informed approach for pwMS in an acute tertiary hospital. This 'Neuropsychological Intervention for Managing Invisible Symptoms' in MS (NIMIS-MS) consisted of 6 sessions, each with a psychoeducation and ACT component. The content included psychoeducation around managing cognitive difficulties, fatigue, pain, sleep and other unpleasant sensations in MS with the general approach of understanding, monitoring, and recognising patterns and potential triggers. Specific cognitive rehabilitation and fatigue management strategies were introduced. The ACT-informed component focussed on three core ACT areas of the 'Triflex' of psychological flexibility (Harris, 2019): Being Present, Opening Up, and Doing What Matters. METHODS 118 pwMS attended the NIMIS-MS group intervention which was delivered 14 times in six-week blocks over an 18-month period. To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability, participants completed measures of depression and anxiety (HADS), functional impairment (WSAS), Values- Progress (VQ) and Values- Obstruction (VQ), and Acceptance of MS (MSAS) pre and post NIMIs-MS group intervention. Qualitative feedback was obtained during focus groups after the final session and via online feedback questionnaires RESULTS: Pre-post analysis showed that symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly lower and acceptance of MS was significantly higher following completion of the NIMIS-MS group. Qualitative feedback showed that participants reported that they felt more equipped to manage the "invisible" symptoms of MS following completion of the group, and benefited from using ACT-based strategies and techniques. Participants highly valued the peer support that evolved during the NIMIS-MS groups. The online format was considered more accessible than in-person groups, due to less concerns of travel time, cost, fatigue, and comfort and infection. CONCLUSION Evaluation suggests that our novel NIMIS-MS groups is an acceptable, beneficial and feasible approach for providing neuropsychological interventions to individuals with MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiadhnait O'Keeffe
- University College Dublin, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland; University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Clodagh Cogley
- University College Dublin, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Niall Tubridy
- University College Dublin, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland
| | | | | | - Jessica Bramham
- University College Dublin, Ireland; St. Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stein C, O'Keeffe F, McManus C, Tubridy N, Gaughan M, McGuigan C, Bramham J. Premorbid cognitive functioning influences differences between self-reported cognitive difficulties and cognitive assessment in multiple sclerosis. J Neuropsychol 2024; 18:47-65. [PMID: 37212461 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12327] [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] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive difficulties are reported in up to 60% of people with MS (pwMS). There is often a discrepancy between self-reported cognitive difficulties and performance on cognitive assessments. Some of this discrepancy can be explained by depression and fatigue. Pre-MS cognitive abilities may be another important variable in explaining differences between self-reported and assessed cognitive abilities. PwMS with high estimated premorbid cognitive functioning (ePCF) may notice cognitive difficulties in daily life whilst performing within the average range on cognitive assessments. We hypothesised that, taking into account depression and fatigue, ePCF would predict (1) differences between self-reported and assessed cognitive abilities and (2) performance on cognitive assessments. We explored whether ePCF predicted (3) self-reported cognitive difficulties. Eighty-seven pwMS completed the Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF), the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), self-report measures of cognitive difficulty (MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire; MSNQ), fatigue (MS Fatigue Impact Scale; MFIS) and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS). Results revealed that, taking into account covariates, ePCF predicted (1) differences between self-reported and assessed cognitive abilities, p < .001 (model explained 29.35% of variance), and (2) performance on cognitive assessments, p < .001 (model explained 46.00% of variance), but not (3) self-reported cognitive difficulties, p = .545 (model explained 35.10% of variance). These results provide new and unique insights into predictors of the frequently observed discrepancy between self-reported and assessed cognitive abilities for pwMS. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, including the importance of exploring premorbid factors in self-reported experience of cognitive difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiadhnait O'Keeffe
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe McManus
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall Tubridy
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Christopher McGuigan
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jessica Bramham
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arntzen EC, Braaten T, Fikke HK, Normann B. Feasibility of a new intervention addressing group-based balance and high-intensity training, physical activity, and employment in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 4:1258737. [PMID: 38259873 PMCID: PMC10801079 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1258737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and purpose Impaired sensorimotor function, reduced physical activity and unemployment are common challenges in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), even when disability is low. CoreDISTparticipation is a new, multidisciplinary intervention delivered across healthcare levels systematically addressing these elements. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the feasibility of CoreDISTparticipation in terms of process, resources, management, and scientific outcomes. The secondary aim was to evaluate initial efficacy in terms of possible short-term effects compared with the usual care on barriers to employment, balance, walking, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and physical activity. Methods This assessor-blinded prospective pilot randomized controlled trial included 29 pwMS [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 0-3.5] randomly allocated to the intervention group (CoreDISTparticipation) (n = 15) or usual care (n = 14). CoreDISTparticipation consists of three phases: (1) hospital outpatient clinic: MS nurse work-focused session and physiotherapist exploring balance; (2) municipality: a digital meeting with pwMS, employer, MS nurse, and physiotherapist addressing employment and physical activity, 4 weeks indoor CoreDIST balance training (60 min × 2/week); and (3) 4 weeks outdoor CoreDIST balance training and high-intensity running/walking (60 min × 2/week). Assessments were undertaken at baseline and at weeks 6 and 11. Primary feasibility metric outcomes were the reporting of process, resources, management, and scientific outcomes. Efficacy measures included evaluation of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 Norwegian Version (MSWDQ-23NV) and 6 Minute Walk-test as well as the Trunk Impairment Scale-modified Norwegian Version, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 Norwegian Version (MSIS-29NV), ActiGraph wGT3x-BT monitors, and AccuGait Optimized force platform. The statistical analyses included repeated-measures mixed models performed in IBM SPSS Version 29. Results The primary feasibility metric outcomes demonstrated the need for minor adjustments in regard to the content of the intervention and increasing the number of staff. In regard to the efficacy measures, one person attended no postintervention assessments and was excluded, leaving 28 participants (mean EDSS: 1.8, SD: 1). The mean percentage employment was 46.3 (SD: 35.6) and 65.4 (SD: 39.3) in the CoreDISTparticipation and usual care group, respectively. No between-group differences were found. MSWDQ-23NV demonstrated a within-group difference of 5.7 points from baseline to Week 11 (P = 0.004; confidence interval: 2.2-9.3). Mini-BESTest and MSIS-29NV demonstrated within-group differences. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05057338). Discussion The CoreDISTparticipation intervention is feasible to support pwMS when the identified feasibility metric outcomes in regard to process, resource, management, and scientific outcome metrics are adjusted to improve feasibility. Regarding efficacy measures, no between-group differences were detected; however, within-group differences in barriers to employment, balance, and HRQoL were detected for the CoreDISTparticipation group. A larger comparative trial is needed to explore between-group differences and should accurately and precisely define usual care and address the identified limitations of this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Christin Arntzen
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kongsgården Physiotherapy, Bodø, Norway
| | - Tonje Braaten
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Britt Normann
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kister I, Oh C, Douglas EA, Bacon TE, O'Shea IL, Parrotta EH, Bouley A, Lathi E, Katz J. No Increase in Symptoms Toward the End of the Ocrelizumab Infusion Cycle in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Symptom Burden on Ocrelizumab: A Longitudinal Study (SymBOLS). Neurol Clin Pract 2023; 13:e200185. [PMID: 37674871 PMCID: PMC10479935 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving ocrelizumab (OCR) report worsening symptoms toward the end of the 6-month infusion cycle ('wearing off'). The objective of our study was to comprehensively assess changes in symptom burden across 2 consecutive OCR infusion cycles. Methods SYMptom Burden on Ocrelizumab, a Longitudinal Study (SymBOLS; NCT04855617) was an investigator-initiated, 2-center study of patients with MS starting or receiving OCR. Patients' symptoms were assessed with NeuroQoL short forms, SymptoMScreen, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire at the start-cycle, mid-cycle, and end-cycle time points in each of the 2 infusion cycles. Symptom scores at the 3 time points within each cycle were compared with repeated-measures ANOVA or the Friedman rank-sum test for non-normal variables. The proportions of patients with a meaningful symptomatic change from the start to the end of each infusion cycle were calculated, and patients whose symptoms improved, worsened, and stayed the same from the start to the end of the cycle were compared with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics. Results One hundred three patients with MS provided longitudinal data for analyses (mean age [SD]: 46.7 [12.2] years, 68% female, 33% non-White, disease duration: 15.5 [5] years, 41% with the Extended Disability Status Scale score >3). On a group level, NeuroQoL and SymptoMScreen scores mostly remained stable or even improved slightly toward the end of each cycle. On an individual level, symptoms remained unchanged across either cycle for most patients, and meaningful symptom worsening from the start to the end of the cycle was no more common than improvement. Meaningful change in symptoms in both cycles was very rare and generally in the direction of improvement toward the end cycle. Despite the lack of evidence for symptom worsening with a longer time from infusion, 54% of patients endorsed feeling of "wearing off" at least sometimes, most commonly as an increase in fatigue. Discussion Our prospective study failed to uncover evidence for the worsening of symptoms with a longer time from OCR infusion. These findings cast doubt on the existence of wearing off as a physiologic phenomenon in OCR-treated patients with MS. The perception of wearing off is likely the result of natural fluctuations in MS symptoms and attribution bias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Kister
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Cheongeun Oh
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Elizabeth A Douglas
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Tamar E Bacon
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Isabella L O'Shea
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Erica H Parrotta
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Andrew Bouley
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Ellen Lathi
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| | - Joshua Katz
- NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (IK, TEB), Department of Neurology; Department of Population Health (CO), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York; The Elliot Lewis Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care (EAD, ILOS, AB, EL, JK), Wellesley, MA; and St. Peter's MS and Headache Center (EHP), Albany, NY
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Barré T, Testa D, Santos M, Marcellin F, Roux P, Carrieri P, Radoszycki L, Protopopescu C. Symptom severity is a major determinant of cannabis-based products use among people with multiple sclerosis. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6460-6473. [PMID: 36880273 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16674] [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] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify correlates of cannabinoid-based products (CBP) use in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in France and Spain. BACKGROUND MS is responsible for a wide range of symptoms, including pain. Access to CBP differs according to local legislation. The French context is more restrictive than the Spanish one, and no data regarding cannabis use among MS patients has yet been published. Characterizing MS patients who use CBP constitutes a first step toward identifying persons most likely to benefit from them. DESIGN An online cross-sectional survey was submitted to MS patients who were members of a social network for people living with chronic diseases and were living in France or Spain. METHODS Two study outcomes measured therapeutic CBP use and daily therapeutic CBP use. Seemingly unrelated bivariate probit regression models were used to test for associations between the outcomes and patients' characteristics while accounting for country-related differences. STROBE guidelines were followed in reporting this study. RESULTS Among 641 study participants (70% from France), the prevalence of CBP use was similar in both countries (23.3% in France vs. 20.1% in Spain). MS-related disability was associated with both outcomes, with a gradient observed between different degrees of disability. MS-related pain level was associated with CBP use only. CONCLUSIONS CBP use is common in MS patients from both countries. The more severe the MS, the more participants turned to CBP to alleviate their symptoms. Easier access to CBP should be ensured for MS patients in need of relief, especially from pain. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study highlights the characteristics of MS patients using CBP. Such practices should be discussed by healthcare professional with MS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tangui Barré
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Melina Santos
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Camelia Protopopescu
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salter A. Severity and worsening of fatigue among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2023; 9:20552173231167079. [PMID: 37101754 PMCID: PMC10123908 DOI: 10.1177/20552173231167079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is associated with reduced quality of life and social participation, and poor employment outcomes. However, most studies examining fatigue are limited by small sample sizes or short follow-up periods. Objective To characterize the natural history of fatigue. Methods The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Registry participants with ≥7 years of longitudinal data between 2004 and 2019 and a relapsing disease course were included. A subset of participants enrolled within 5 years of diagnosis was identified. The Fatigue Performance Scale assessed fatigue and ≥1-point increase in Fatigue Performance Scale sustained at the next survey defined fatigue worsening. Results Of 3057 participants with longitudinal data, 944 were within 5 years of multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Most participants (52%) reported fatigue worsening during follow-up. Median time to fatigue worsening ranged from 3.5 to 5 years at lower levels of index fatigue. Fatigue worsening was associated with lower annual income, increasing disability, lower initial fatigue level, taking injectable disease-modifying therapies and increasing depression levels in the relapsing multiple sclerosis participants. Conclusion Most multiple sclerosis participants early in their disease suffer from fatigue and at least half reported fatigue worsening over time. Understanding factors associated with fatigue may help to identify populations most at risk of fatigue worsening will be informative for the overall management of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Salter
- Amber Salter,
UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-8806, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yeni K, Tulek Z, Terzi M. Effect of self-acupressure on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 47:101572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
8
|
MacDougall M, El-Hajj Sleiman J, Beauchemin P, Rangachari M. SARS-CoV-2 and Multiple Sclerosis: Potential for Disease Exacerbation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:871276. [PMID: 35572514 PMCID: PMC9102605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.871276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While the respiratory tract is the primary route of entry for SARS-CoV-2, evidence shows that the virus also impacts the central nervous system. Intriguingly, case reports have documented SARS-CoV-2 patients presenting with demyelinating lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, suggesting possible implications in neuroimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and other related neuroimmune disorders. However, the cellular mechanisms underpinning these observations remain poorly defined. The goal of this paper was to review the literature to date regarding possible links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neuroimmune demyelinating diseases such as MS and its related disorders, with the aim of positing a hypothesis for disease exacerbation. The literature suggests that SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and orthologous murine coronaviruses invade the CNS via the olfactory bulb, spreading to connected structures via retrograde transport. We hypothesize that a glial inflammatory response may contribute to damaged oligodendrocytes and blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, allowing a second route for CNS invasion and lymphocyte infiltration. Potential for molecular mimicry and the stimulation of autoreactive T cells against myelin is also described. It is imperative that further studies on SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion address the adverse effects of the virus on myelin and exacerbation of MS symptoms, as nearly 3 million people suffer from MS worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison MacDougall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States
- Department of Psychology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States
| | - Jad El-Hajj Sleiman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Beauchemin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Manu Rangachari
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|