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Rojas JI, Alonso R, Luetic G, Patrucco L, Casas M, Silva B, Miguez J, Deri N, Vrech C, Liwacki S, Piedrabuena R, Silva E, Tkachuk V, Burgos M, Tavolini D, Zanga G, Pinheiro AA, Hryb J, Leguizamon F, Knorre E, Lopez PA, Martinez A, Carrá A, Alonso Serena M, Cristiano E, Correale J, Garcea O, Fernandez Liguori N, Carnero Contentti E. Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Cladribine in Multiple Sclerosis: Longitudinal Data From the Nationwide Registry in Argentina. Clin Neuropharmacol 2024; 47:120-127. [PMID: 39008542 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate patient profiles, effectiveness and safety of cladribine (CLAD) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Argentina. METHODS This was a substudy included in RelevarEM (MS and neuromyelitis optica registry in Argentina, NCT03375177). Patients with MS who received CLAD tablets and were followed up for at least 24 months were included. Clinical evaluations every 3 months collect information about: a) clinical relapses; b) progression of physical disability, evaluated through Expanded Disability Status Scale, and c) new lesions found in the magnetic resonance imaging. Lymphopenia was evaluated during the follow-up and defined as grade 1: absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) 800-999/μL; grade 2: ALC 500-799/μL; grade 3: ALC 200-499/μL and grade 4: ALC <200/μL. RESULTS A total of 240 patients were included from 19 centers from Argentina. The mean annualized relapse rate during the 12-month pre-CLAD initiation was 1.19 ± 0.56 versus 0.22 ± 0.18 at month 12 and 0.19 ± 0.15 at month 24 ( P < 0.001). A total of 142 (59.2%) fulfilled the criteria of disease activity during the 12 months before treatment initiation, whereas 27 (11.3%) fulfilled it at month 12 and 38 (15.8%) at month 24, P < 0.001. Regarding no evidence of disease activity (NEDA), 202 (84.2%) patients achieved NEDA status at month 12 and 185 (77%) at month 24. The most frequent incidence density of lymphopenia for course 2 observed was also for grade 1, 6.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.5-7.1). The overall incidence density of lymphopenia grade 4 was 0.1 (95% CI = 0.06-0.19). CONCLUSION This information will help when choosing the best treatment option for Argentinean patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Magdalena Casas
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple - Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina - UBA, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Jimena Miguez
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norma Deri
- Centro de Investigaciones Diabaid, CABA, Argentina
| | - Carlos Vrech
- Departamento de Enfermedades desmielinizantes - Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba
| | | | | | - Emanuel Silva
- Predigma - Centro de Medicina Preventiva, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Verónica Tkachuk
- Sección de Neuroinmunología y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología - Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, CABA, Argentina
| | - Marcos Burgos
- Servicio de Neurología - Hospital San Bernardo, Salta, Argentina
| | - Dario Tavolini
- INECO Neurociencias Oroño - Fundación INECO, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gisela Zanga
- Unidad asistencial César Milstein, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Javier Hryb
- Servicio de Neurología - Hospital Carlos G. Durand, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Eduardo Knorre
- Hospital de Agudos, Dr. Teodoro Álvarez, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pablo A Lopez
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Aleman, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Martinez
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA, Argentina
| | - Adriana Carrá
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes - Hospital Británico, CABA, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Orlando Garcea
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple - Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina - UBA, CABA, Argentina
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Van Hijfte L, Cambron M, Capron B, Dachy B, Decoo D, Dive D, Dubois B, Sankari SE, London F, Perrotta G, Popescu V, Van Pesch V, Van Wijmeersch B, Willekens B, Laureys G. Multiple Sclerosis Multidisciplinary Care: A National Survey and Lessons for the Global Community. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105540. [PMID: 38489948 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105540] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to, standardization and reimbursement of multidisciplinary care for people with MS (PwMS) is lacking in many countries. Therefore, this study aims to describe the current multidisciplinary care for people with MS (PwMS) in Belgium and identify benefits, needs and future perspectives METHODS: A survey for PwMS questioned various aspects of MS and viewpoints on care. For MS nurses (MSN) and neurologists, employment, education, job-content, care organization and perspectives were inquired. Descriptive and univariate statistics were performed RESULTS: The PwMS survey comprised 916 respondents with a mean age of 46±12.7 years and 75,4 % of the respondents being female. The majority of the participants had relapsing remitting MS (60.8 %) and the mean patient determined disease steps (PDDS) was 2.0 (IQR=3). 65.3 % and 60.4 % of the PwMS reported having access to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) or MSN. Access to an MSN was associated with more frequent disease modifying treatment (p=.015), spasticity (p=.042) and gait treatment (p=.035), but also more physiotherapy (p=.004), driver's license adjustment (p<.001) and a higher employment rate (p=.004). MDT access was associated with more frequent symptomatic bladder treatment (p=.047), higher physiotherapy rate (p<.001), higher work- (p=.002), insurance- (p<.001) and home support measures (p=.019). PwMS without an available MDT more often indicated that MS care needs improvement (p<.001). MSN's (n = 22) were mainly funded through various budgets, including hospital and neurology practice budgets. Finally, 69 % and 75 % neurologists (n = 62) working without an MSN or MDT stated a need of such support and 61 % agreed that MDT's should be organized at hospital-network level CONCLUSION: MDT and MSN availability may enhance medical and socio-economic support for PwMS. Guidelines, alignment and reimbursement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Van Hijfte
- Ghent University Hospital, 4Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Melissa Cambron
- Sint-Jan Bruges Hospital, Department of Neurology, Brugge, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Capron
- CHU de Charleroi, Department of Neurology, Lodelinsart, Belgium
| | - Bernard Dachy
- Hôpital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danny Decoo
- AZ Alma, Department of Neurology, Eeklo, Belgium
| | | | - Bénédicte Dubois
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Souraya El Sankari
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederic London
- CHU UCL Namur, Université catholique de Louvain, Department of Neurology, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Gaetano Perrotta
- Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronica Popescu
- University MS Centre (UMSC), Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium; Noorderhart Hospitals, Revalidation and MS, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Pesch
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Van Wijmeersch
- University MS Centre (UMSC), Hasselt-Pelt, Belgium; Noorderhart Hospitals, Revalidation and MS, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Barbara Willekens
- Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Neurology and UNiCA (University Neuroimmunology Center Antwerp), Edegem, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Translational Neurosciences Research Group, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Laureys
- Ghent University Hospital, 4Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Gent, Belgium
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Rojas JI, Carnero Contentti E, Alonso R, Tavolini D, Burgos M, Federico B, Patrucco L, Cristiano E. Burden of treatment and quality of life in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients under early high efficacy therapy in Argentina: Data from the Argentinean registry. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105543. [PMID: 38520948 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105543] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe and compare the burden of treatment (BOT) and the quality of life (QoL) in early high efficacy therapy (HET) vs. escalation therapy in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients included in RelevarEM, the Argentinean registry of MS (RelevarEM, NCT 03,375,177). METHODS cross sectional study conducted between September and December 2022. Participating patients were adults, RRMS patients who initiated (during the last three years) their treatment with a HET (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab, cladribine) or with escalation treatment (beta interferon, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod). Clinical and demographic aspect were collected. QoL and BOT was measured with the validated to Spanish MusiQol and BOT questionnaire. Propensity score (PS)-based nearest-neighbor matching was applied to homogenize groups. Comparisons were be done using a linear regression analysis model stratified by matched pairs, with BOT and QoL assessments as main outcomes. RESULTS 269 patients were included in the analysis, mean age 33.7 ± 5.7 years, 193 (71.7 %) were female. A total of 136 patients were on early HET while 133 were on escalation therapy. In the entire group the mean total BOT score (±SD) was 48.5 ± 15.3 while in the group of patients receiving early HET we observed that the mean BOT score (±SD) was 43.5 ± 12.2 vs. 54.3 ± 13.3 in escalation treatment (p < 0.0001). Regarding the score QoL (±SD), in the entire sample we observed a global score of 77.4 ± 11.2. When we stratified groups, in HET (±SD) it was 81.3 ± 14 vs. 74.1 ± 18.3 in escalation therapy (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION in this multicenter study that included 269 patients from Argentina we observed in early HET a significantly lower BOT and higher QoL than patients receiving escalation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Rojas
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires (CEMBA), Billinghurst 1611, Buenos Aires CP 1181, Argentina.
| | - Edgar Carnero Contentti
- Unidad de Neuroinmunología, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Alonso
- Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Fundación Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Liliana Patrucco
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires (CEMBA), Billinghurst 1611, Buenos Aires CP 1181, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires (CEMBA), Billinghurst 1611, Buenos Aires CP 1181, Argentina
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Viswanathan S, Vijayasingham L, Laurson-Doube J, Quek AML, Tan K, Yeo T, Seinn MMA, Ohnmar O, Estiasari R, Yassin N, Hiew FL, Pasco PM, Hoang NTT, Keosodsay S, Siritho S, Apiwattanakul M, Ros S, Dias de Deus BS, Remli R, Abdullah S, Lim SY. Multi-actor system dynamics in access to disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in Southeast Asia: A regional survey and suggestions for improvement. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 85:105555. [PMID: 38547547 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105555] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the global availability of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments, accessing and financing them in Southeast Asia (SEA) remains a challenge. This descriptive survey-based study aimed to describe the current state of MS treatment access and local access dynamics within this region. METHODS The survey questionnaire, comprising of 15 closed-ended and five open-ended questions, was developed by three neurologists with expertise in MS and routine MS patient management, or had training in neuroimmunology. Questionnaire development was guided by the recent Atlas of MS and in alignment with the Access to Treatment framework, focusing on MS diagnosis and treatment issues in SEA. Fifteen neurologists experienced in managing MS across the region were identified as key informants for this study. RESULTS All fifteen neurologists participated in the survey via email and videoconferencing between January 2020 and February 2023, which included the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. All had at least five years of experience in managing MS patients and six had previously completed a neuroimmunology fellowship programme. SEA countries showed disparities in healthcare financing, availability of neurologists, MS treatments, and investigative tools. Access to MS disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) is hindered by high cost, lack of MS specialists, and weak advocacy efforts. On-label DMTs are not listed as essential medicines regionally except for interferon beta1a and teriflunomide in Malaysia. On-label monoclonals are available only in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Generic on-label DMTs are unavailable due to lack of distributorship and expertise in using them. Off-label DMTs (azathioprine, methotrexate, and rituximab) predominate in most SEA countries. Other challenges include limited access to investigations, education, and knowledge about DMTs among general neurologists, and absence of registries and MS societies. Patient champions, communities, and MS organisations have limited influence on local governments and pharmaceutical companies. Despite its increasing prevalence, there is a lack of concerted priority setting due to MS being perceived as a rare, non-communicable disease. CONCLUSION This study highlights the distinct dynamics, challenges, and research gaps within this region, and provides suggestions to improve MS diagnosis, education, and medicine access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lavanya Vijayasingham
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amy M L Quek
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kevin Tan
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Tianrong Yeo
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | | | - Ohnmar Ohnmar
- Department of Neurology, Yangon General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Riwanti Estiasari
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Neurology Department, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Norazieda Yassin
- Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre, Brunei
| | | | - Paul M Pasco
- Department of Neurosciences, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Nghia T T Hoang
- Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Sasitorn Siritho
- Department of Neurology, Bumrungrad International Hospital and Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sina Ros
- Department of Neurology, Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Rabani Remli
- Department of Neurology, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | | | - Su-Yin Lim
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Malaysia.
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Cristiano E, Abad P, Becker J, Carrá A, Correale J, Flores J, Fruns M, Garcea O, Garcia Bónitto J, Gracia F, Hamuy F, Navas C, Patrucco L, Rivera V, Velazquez M, Rojas JI. Multiple sclerosis care units in Latin America: Consensus recommendations about its objectives and functioning implementation. J Neurol Sci 2021; 429:118072. [PMID: 34509134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Currently, there are several reasons to promote worldwide the concept of multiple sclerosis care units (MSCU) for a better management of affected patients. Ideally, the MSCU should have some human and technical resources that distinguish and improve the care of affected patients; however, local, and regional aspects should be considered when recommending how these units should operate. The objective of these consensus recommendations was to review how MSCU should work in Latin America to improve long-term outcomes in MS patients. METHODS A panel of neurology experts from Latin America dedicated to the diagnosis and care of MS patients gathered virtually during 2019 and 2020 to carry out a consensus recommendation about objectives and functioning implementation of MSCU in Latin America. To achieve consensus, the methodology of "formal consensus-RAND/UCLA method" was used. RESULTS Recommendations focused on the objectives, human and technical resources, and the general functioning that MSCU should have in Latin America. CONCLUSIONS The recommendations of these consensus guidelines attempt to optimize the health care and management of MS patients by setting how MSCU should work in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricio Abad
- Servicio Neurologia, Hospital Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador, Profesor de Neurología PUCE, Ecuador
| | - Jefferson Becker
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Adriana Carrá
- MS Section Hospital Britanico Buenos Aires, Argentina; Neurociencias Fundación Favaloro/INECO, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - José Flores
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Centro Neurológico ABC Santa Fé, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Orlando Garcea
- Clínica de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Fernando Gracia
- Clinica de Esclerosis Multiple, Servicio de Neurologia Hospital Santo Tomas, Panama. Universidad Interamericana de Panama, Panama
| | - Fernando Hamuy
- Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital IMT, Paraguay; Departamento de Neurologia de Diagnóstico Codas Thompson, Paraguay
| | - Cárlos Navas
- Clinica Enfermedad Desmielinizante Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Colombia
| | - Liliana Patrucco
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Juan Ignacio Rojas
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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