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Silva BA, Carnero Contentti E, Becker J, Carranza JI, Correa-Díaz PE, Galleguillos Goiry L, Garcea O, Gracia F, Hamuy F, Macías MA, Navas C, Nuñez S, Rojas JI, Farez MF, Alonso R, López P. Latin American consensus recommendations on the risk of infections in people with multiple sclerosis treated with disease modifying drugs. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 77:104840. [PMID: 37399673 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104840] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of several therapeutic options in multiple sclerosis (MS), which significantly modify the immune system functioning, has led to the need for the consideration of additional factors, such as risk of infections, in the decision-making process. The aim of these consensus recommendations was to discuss and perform a practical guide to Latin American neurologists on the risk of infections at diagnosis, follow-up and prior to initiation of DMDs. METHODS A panel of Latin American neurologists, experts in demyelinating diseases and dedicated to management and care of MS patients, gathered during 2021 and 2022 to make consensus recommendations on the risk of infections in PwMS treated with DMDs in Latin America. The RAND/UCLA methodology was developed to synthesize the scientific evidence and expert opinions on health care topics and was used for reaching a formal agreement. RESULTS Recommendations were established based on relevant published evidence and expert opinion, focusing on: 1- baseline infection disease and vaccination status; 2- opportunistic infections; 3- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; 4- genitourinary system infections; 5- respiratory tract infections; 6- digestive system infections, 7-others local infections and 8- COVID-19. CONCLUSION The recommendations of this consensus seek to optimize the care, management and treatment of PwMS in Latin America. The standardized evidence-based care of pwMS infections will allow better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice A Silva
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple (CUEM), Hospital JM Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sección Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Edgar Carnero Contentti
- Unidad de Neuroinmunología, Departamento de Neurociencias, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jefferson Becker
- Hospital São Lucas - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José I Carranza
- Sección Zoopatología y Parasitología Médica, Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Orlando Garcea
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple (CUEM), Hospital JM Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Fernando Hamuy
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital IMT, Paraguay; Departamento de Neurología de Diagnostico, Codas Thompson, Paraguay
| | | | - Carlos Navas
- Clínica Enfermedad Desmielinizantes, Clinica Universitaria Colombia, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Nuñez
- Servicio de Infectología, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Rojas
- Service of Neurology, Hospital Universitario CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires (CEMBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ricardo Alonso
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple (CUEM), Hospital JM Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo López
- Unidad de Neuroinmunología, Departamento de Neurociencias, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tavazzi E, Pichiecchio A, Colombo E, Rigoni E, Asteggiano C, Vegezzi E, Masi F, Greco G, Bastianello S, Bergamaschi R. The Potential Role of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccines in Multiple Sclerosis Onset and Reactivation: A Case Series and Literature Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1569. [PMID: 37515255 PMCID: PMC10385211 DOI: 10.3390/v15071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and related vaccines have raised several issues. Among them, the potential role of the viral infection (COVID-19) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as causal factors of dysimmune CNS disorders, as well as the safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients affected by such diseases and on immune-active treatments have been analyzed. The aim is to better understand the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines with dysimmune CNS diseases by describing 12 cases of multiple sclerosis/myelitis onset or reactivation after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines and reviewing all published case reports or case series in which MS onset or reactivation was temporally associated with either COVID-19 (8 case reports, 3 case series) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (13 case reports, 6 case series). All the cases share a temporal association between viral/vaccine exposure and symptoms onset. This finding, together with direct or immune-based mechanisms described both during COVID-19 and MS, claims in favor of a role for SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines in unmasking dysimmune CNS disorders. The most common clinical presentations involve the optic nerve, brainstem and spinal cord. The preferential tropism of the virus together with the presence of some host-related genetic/immune factors might predispose to the involvement of specific CNS districts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Asteggiano
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Masi
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Greco
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bastianello
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Vercellino M, Bosa C, Alteno A, Muccio F, Marasciulo S, Garelli P, Cavalla P. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as a model to assess the relationship between intercurrent viral infections and disease activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A propensity score matched case-control study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 74:104715. [PMID: 37058763 PMCID: PMC10083140 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An association between intercurrent viral respiratory infections and exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease activity has been proposed by several studies. Considering the rapid spread of SARS-CoV2 worldwide and the systematic effort to immediately detect all incident cases with specific diagnostic tests, the pandemic can represent an interesting experimental model to assess the relationship between viral respiratory infections and MS disease activity. AIMS AND METHODS In this study, we have performed a propensity score matched case-control study with a prospective clinical/MRI follow-up, on a cohort of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 in the period 2020-2022, with the aim to evaluate if the SARS-CoV2 infection influences the short-term risk of disease activity. Controls (RRMS patients not exposed to SARS-CoV-2, using 2019 as the reference period) were matched 1:1 with cases for age, EDSS, sex and disease-modifying treatment (DMT) (moderate efficacy vs high efficacy). Differences in relapses, MRI disease activity and confirmed disabilty worsening (CDW) between cases in the 6 months following the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and controls in a similar 6 months reference period in 2019 were compared. RESULTS We identified 150 cases of SARS-CoV2 infection in the period March 2020 - March 2022, out of a total population of approximately 1500 MS patients, matched with 150 MS patients not exposed to SARS-CoV2 (controls). Mean age was 40.9 ± 12.0 years in cases and 42.0 ± 10.9 years in controls, mean EDSS was 2.54±1.36 in cases and 2.60±1.32 in controls. All patients were treated with a DMT, and a considerable proportion with a high efficacy DMT (65.3% in cases and 66% in controls), reflecting a typical real world RRMS population. 52.8% of patients in this cohort had been vaccinated with a mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. We did not observe a significant difference in relapses (4.0% cases, 5.3% controls; p = 0.774), MRI disease activity (9.3% cases, 8.0% controls; p = 0.838), CDW (5.3% cases, 6.7% controls; p = 0.782) in the 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection between cases and controls. CONCLUSION Using a propensity score matching design and including both clinical and MRI data, this study does not suggest an increased risk of MS disease activity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. All MS patients in this cohort were treated with a DMT, and a considerable number with a high efficacy DMT. These results therefore may not be applicable to untreated patients, for which the risk of increased MS disease activity after SARS-CoV-2 infection may not be excluded. A possible hypothesis explaining these results could be that SARS-CoV2 is less prone, compared to other viruses, to induce exacerbations of MS disease activity; another possible interpretation of these data might be that DMT is able to effectively suppress the increase of disease activity triggered by SARS-CoV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vercellino
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bosa
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Anastasia Alteno
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Muccio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Stella Marasciulo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Garelli
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Breu M, Lechner C, Schneider L, Tobudic S, Winkler S, Siegert S, Baumann M, Seidl R, Berger T, Kornek B. Humoral immune response following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination and infection in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 143:19-25. [PMID: 36966598 PMCID: PMC9979636 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Currently, there is no data available on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and little is known about the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this age group. We therefore investigated humoral immune responses after Covid-19 vaccination and/or infection in POMS. Methods We retrospectively analyzed seroconversion rates and SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels in 30 POMS and 1 pediatric CIS patient treated with either no disease-modifying therapy (no DMT), immunomodulatory DMT (IM-DMT), or immunosuppressive DMT (IS-DMT) from two Austrian MS centers. Results Median age at MS onset was 15.39 years (IQR 1.97). Median age at first COVID-19 vaccination was 17.43 years (IQR 2.76). After two vaccine doses, seroconversion (≥0.8 BAU/ml) was reached in 25/28 patients (89.3%). All patients with no DMT or IM-DMT generated robust immune responses to vaccination (seroconversion: no DMT: 6/6, IM-DMT: 7/7 (100%); median titers: no DMT: 2075 BAU (IQR 1268.50), IM-DMT: 2500 BAU (IQR 0)). In the IS-DMT group seroconversion was achieved in 12/14 patients (80%), median titers were 50.8 BAU (IQR 254.63). Titers were significantly higher in no DMT versus IS-DMT (p=0.012) and in IM-DMT versus IS-DMT (p=0.001). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 11 of 31 patients and symptoms were mild in all cases. One relapse occurred after infection, but no relapses were documented after vaccination. Conclusions Generally, mRNA vaccinations were well tolerated in POMS patients with and without DMT. Immune response was significantly reduced in patients treated with IS-DMT. No unexpected adverse events or relapses related to vaccinations were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Breu
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Correspondence to: Markus Breu, MD, PhD, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +431 40400 32580. Fax: +431 40400 74710
| | - Christian Lechner
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lisa Schneider
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selma Tobudic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandy Siegert
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rainer Seidl
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Kornek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Peeters G, Van Remoortel A, Nagels G, Van Schependom J, D'haeseleer M. Occurrence and Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Are Associated With Clinical Disability Worsening in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2023; 10:10/3/e200089. [PMID: 36807080 PMCID: PMC9942531 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Large-scale observational studies have shown that, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the risk of becoming more severely ill from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is determined by older age, male sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, African American ethnicity, progressive disease, recent use of corticosteroids, and B cell-depleting disease-modifying treatment. In contrast, the effect of COVID-19 on the disease course of MS has been studied much less extensively. Our main goal was to explore whether COVID-19 is associated with accelerated clinical disability worsening in patients with MS. METHODS Since March 2020, demographics and infectious outcome (categorized as ambulatory, hospitalized, and/or death) of patients with MS who developed COVID-19 have been collected at the Belgian National MS Center in Melsbroek. On February 28, 2022, this database was locked and complemented with clinical disability measures-Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)-that were available from a larger local database, obtained during routine medical follow-up. For each parameter, the first 2 assessments before COVID-19 diagnosis (T0 and T1; T1 is the closest to COVID-19 diagnosis), and the first thereafter (T2), were retrieved. RESULTS We identified 234 unique cases of COVID-19. Thirty-one patients were hospitalized (13.2%), and 5 died (2.1%) as a result of their infection. Among survivors with complete EDSS results (N = 138), mean annualized T1-to-T2 EDSS worsening was more pronounced, compared with the respective change between T0 and T1 (0.3 ± 0.9 vs 0.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.012). No such differences were found for the T25FWT, 9HPT, and SDMT scores. Severe COVID-19 (hospitalization) was associated with clinically relevant T1-to-T2 EDSS worsening (OR 2.65, p = 0.042). Vaccination coverage in the total cohort was 53.8%. Being unprotected by vaccination at the time of infection was associated with a worse COVID-19 outcome (hospitalization and/or death; OR 3.52, p = 0.002) but not with clinically relevant T1-to-T2 EDSS worsening. DISCUSSION The occurrence and severity of COVID-19 are both associated with clinical disability worsening in patients with MS. Vaccination protects against a more severe course of COVID-19 in this specific population. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (study registration number: NCT05403463).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Miguel D'haeseleer
- From the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel) (G.P., G.N., M.D.), Department of Neurology, Belgium; Nationaal Multiple Sclerose Centrum (NMSC) (G.P., A.V.R., M.D.), Melsbroek, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) (G.N., J.V.S., M.D.), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), NEUR and AIMS, Brussels, Belgium; Icometrix (G.N.), Leuven, Belgium; and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) (J.V.S.), Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO), Belgium.
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Characteristics and management of multiple sclerosis patients during the Omicron era: is there a concern about the MS course in the face of the new variant of COVID-19? Neurol Sci 2023; 44:659-665. [PMID: 36253579 PMCID: PMC9576316 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly transmissible, triggering unprecedented infection rates. The present study aimed to investigate the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Omicron era among Iranian patients with MS. METHODS This observational study was designed on MS patients of the national MS registry of Iran through a self-designed online questionnaire. A questionnaire was prepared as a Google Form for MS patients during the Omicron outbreak from 1 March to 30 April 2022. RESULTS One hundred seventy-four patients with a mean age of 37.3 ± 9.04 were enrolled. Of the patients, 95.97% used DMT, the most common of which were rituximab and fingolimod. Of the patients, 77.58% were fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Regardless of the COVID-19 vaccination status, 76 patients developed COVID-19, which was mild to moderate. Except for recent corticosteroid therapy and secondary progressive MS (SPMS), other demographic and MS characteristics were not significantly associated with the severity of COVID-19. There was also a marginal association between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the severity of COVID-19. In addition, 17.10% of patients reported MS relapse following COVID-19 leading to escalation therapy in eight patients. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that in the Omicron era, most patients developed mild COVID-19. Although the predominant COVID-19 variant in this period was Omicron, we could not separate the pathogenic variants. The risk factors for COVID-19 during the Omicron era were not different from other pandemic waves. Our preliminary results revealed that the MS relapse following COVID-19 was higher than in previous waves.
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Dubey S, Das S, Ghosh R, Dubey MJ, Chakraborty AP, Roy D, Das G, Dutta A, Santra A, Sengupta S, Benito-León J. The Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cognitive Functioning of Patients with Pre-Existing Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:119-128. [PMID: 36891252 PMCID: PMC9986710 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive postscripts of COVID-19, codenamed as 'cognitive COVID' or 'brain fog,' characterized by multidomain cognitive impairments, are now being reckoned as the most devastating sequelae of COVID-19. However, the impact on the already demented brain has not been studied. Objective We aimed to assess the cognitive functioning and neuroimaging following SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with pre-existing dementia. Methods Fourteen COVID-19 survivors with pre-existing dementia (four with Alzheimer's disease, five with vascular dementia, three with Parkinson's disease dementia, and two with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia) were recruited. All these patients had detailed cognitive and neuroimaging evaluations within three months before suffering from COVID-19 and one year later. Results Of the 14 patients, ten required hospitalization. All developed or increased white matter hyperintensities that mimicked multiple sclerosis and small vessel disease. There was a significant increase in fatigue (p = 0.001) and depression (p = 0.016) scores following COVID-19. The mean Frontal Assessment Battery (p < 0.001) and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (p = 0.001) scores also significantly worsened. Conclusion The rapid progression of dementia, the addition of further impairments/deterioration of cognitive abilities, and the increase or new appearance of white matter lesion burden suggest that previously compromised brains have little defense to withstand a new insult (i.e., 'second hit' like infection/dysregulated immune response, and inflammation). 'Brain fog' is an ambiguous terminology without specific attribution to the spectrum of post-COVID-19 cognitive sequelae. We propose a new codename, i.e. 'FADE-IN MEMORY' (i.e., Fatigue, decreased Fluency, Attention deficit, Depression, Executive dysfunction, slowed INformation processing speed, and subcortical MEMORY impairment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Dubey
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shambaditya Das
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ritwik Ghosh
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, and Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Mahua Jana Dubey
- Department of Psychiatry, Berhampur Mental Hospital, Berhampur, West Bengal, India
| | - Arka Prava Chakraborty
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipayan Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, Bihar, India.,Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, Tamil Nadu, India.,School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
| | - Gautam Das
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajitava Dutta
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arindam Santra
- Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Samya Sengupta
- Department of General Medicine, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomódica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Kong L, Wang X, Chen H, Shi Z, Lang Y, Zhang Y, Zhou H. Relapses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104167. [PMID: 36170773 PMCID: PMC9472679 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak raises the question of whether immunization is recommended for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases. On the one hand, existing studies suggested that SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are not associated with increased risk of relapse activity. On the other hand, case reports with acute CNS demyelinating disease post vaccination were emerging and raising clinicians' attention. METHODS In this longitudinal observational study, we included 556 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and 280 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Each vaccinated patient was matched to two unvaccinated patients according to age, gender, ARR and immunotherapy status, based on propensity score matching model (PSM). The primary outcome is the short- and medium-term risk of relapse, which were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis between groups. RESULTS In our cohort, 649 patients (77.6%) have not yet been vaccinated, mainly due to their concerns about relapse. After PSM, 109 vaccinated patients with NMOSD, 218 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with NMOSD, 78 vaccinated patients with RRMS, and 156 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with RRMS were included in the survival analysis to explore the safety of vaccines, with a median of 9-month follow-up. Following the first vaccination dose, 10 patients with NMOSD (9.2%) and four with RRMS (5.1%) experienced an acute relapse. Meanwhile, in the PS-matched unvaccinated group, 15 patients with NMOSD (6.9%) and 12 patients with RRMS (7.7%) presented with an acute relapse. There was no significant difference between the two curves in both NMOSD and RRMS groups over the course of the observation period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and symptoms of relapses between the vaccinated and PS-matched unvaccinated groups. Post vaccination adverse events (ADE) were reported in 39 individuals (20.9%). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines appear safe for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases.
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Lotan I, Nishiyama S, Manzano GS, Lydston M, Levy M. COVID-19 and the risk of CNS demyelinating diseases: A systematic review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:970383. [PMID: 36203986 PMCID: PMC9530047 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.970383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral infections are a proposed possible cause of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). During the past 2 years, CNS demyelinating events associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported, but causality is unclear. Objective To investigate the relationship between CNS demyelinating disease development and exacerbation with antecedent and/or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods A systematic literature review of all publications describing either a new diagnosis or relapse of CNS demyelinating diseases (MS, NMOSD, MOGAD) in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed utilizing PRISMA guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, using a case analysis approach. Results Sixty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the study. Most of the reported cases of NMOSD (n = 13, 72.2% of reported cases) and MOGAD (n = 27, 96.5% of reported cases) were of new disease onset, presenting with typical clinical and radiographic features of these conditions, respectively. In contrast, reported MS cases varied amongst newly diagnosed cases (n = 10, 10.5% of reported cases), relapses (n = 63, 66.4%) and pseudo-relapses (n = 22, 23.2%). The median duration between COVID-19 infection and demyelinating event onset was 11.5 days (range 0–90 days) in NMOSD, 6 days (range−7 to +45 days) in MOGAD, and 13.5 days (range−21 to +180 days) in MS. Most cases received high-dose corticosteroids with a good clinical outcome. Conclusion Based upon available literature, the rate of CNS demyelinating events occurring in the setting of preceding or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection is relatively low considering the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical outcomes of new onset or relapsing MS, NMOSD, or MOGAD associated with antecedent or concurrent infection were mostly favorable. Larger prospective epidemiological studies are needed to better delineate the impact of COVID-19 on CNS demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Lotan
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Itay Lotan ;
| | - Shuhei Nishiyama
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Giovanna S. Manzano
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Melissa Lydston
- Treadwell Virtual Library for the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Levy
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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10
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Wais T, Hasan M, Rai V, Agrawal DK. Gut-brain communication in COVID-19: molecular mechanisms, mediators, biomarkers, and therapeutics. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:947-960. [PMID: 35868344 PMCID: PMC9388545 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2105697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection with COVID-19 results in acute respiratory symptoms followed by long COVID multi-organ effects presenting with neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. Temporal relationship between gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms is unclear but warranted for exploring better clinical care for COVID-19 patients. AREAS COVERED We critically reviewed the temporal relationship between gut-brain axis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroinvasion following GI infection. Mediators are identified that could serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SARS-CoV-2. We discussed the potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate the effects of GI infection with SARS-CoV-2. EXPERT OPINION Altered gut microbiota cause increased expression of various mediators, including zonulin causing disruption of tight junction. This stimulates enteric nervous system and signals to CNS precipitating neurological sequalae. Published reports suggest potential role of cytokines, immune cells, B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19), ACE2, TMRSS2, TMPRSS4, IFN-γ, IL-17A, zonulin, and altered gut microbiome in gut-brain axis and associated neurological sequalae. Targeting these mediators and gut microbiome to improve immunity will be of therapeutic significance. In-depth research and well-designed large-scale population-based clinical trials with multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches are warranted. Investigating the temporal relationship between organs involved in long-term sequalae is critical due to evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tameena Wais
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Mehde Hasan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
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11
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Mouliou DS, Dardiotis E. Temelimab for MS and SARS-CoV-2: Could it be a double-edged blessing? Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 64:103938. [PMID: 35717898 PMCID: PMC9169463 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra S Mouliou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41100, Greece.
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41100, Greece
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12
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Conway SE, Healy BC, Zurawski J, Severson C, Kaplan T, Stazzone L, Galetta K, Chitnis T, Houtchens MK. COVID-19 severity is associated with worsened neurological outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103946. [PMID: 35709663 PMCID: PMC9556032 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Conway
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Healy
- Biostatistics Center, Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jonathan Zurawski
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Severson
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamara Kaplan
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynn Stazzone
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin Galetta
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria K Houtchens
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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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.
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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
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14
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Zanetta C, Rocca MA, Filippi M. Impact of immunotherapies on COVID-19 outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:495-512. [PMID: 35395927 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2064845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led the scientific community to maximize efforts to prevent infections and disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We analyze the impact of immunotherapies on COVID-19 outcomes in pwMS, providing our interpretation of data. AREAS COVERED Infections, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions and death rates in COVID-19 pwMS are comparable to general population. Severity of disability, MS clinical phenotype, age and comorbidities, along with the use of intravenous methylprednisolone and anti-CD20 treatments, are risk factors for COVID-19 severity. Disease modifying treatments (DMTs) can be safely started and continued during the pandemic. Benefit-risk evaluation is mandatory when managing second-line therapies, to balance risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes and MS reactivation. COVID-19 vaccination is safe in MS and its efficacy could be reduced in fingolimod and ocrelizumab-treated patients. EXPERT OPINION Rate of (re)-infection and outcomes with SARS-CoV-2 variants in pwMS and antiviral properties of DMTs need to be further explored. Data on COVID-19 in pregnant MS women, children and elderly pwMS are limited. Evidence on long-term effects of infection is needed. Impact of emerging DMTs on COVID-19 should be investigated. More data and longer follow-up are needed to characterize long-term efficacy and safety profile of vaccinations in pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neurology Unit.,Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit.,Neurorehabilitation Unit.,Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience.,Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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15
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Etemadifar M, Abhari AP, Nouri H, Salari M, Maleki S, Amin A, Sedaghat N. Does COVID-19 increase the long-term relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis clinical activity? A cohort study. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:64. [PMID: 35193507 PMCID: PMC8861623 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02590-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Some current evidence is pointing towards an association between COVID-19 and worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS), stressing the importance of preventing COVID-19 among people with MS (pwMS). However, population-based evidence regarding the long-term post-COVID-19 course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) was limited when this study was initiated. Objective To detect possible changes in MS clinical disease activity after COVID-19. Methods We conducted an observational study from July 2020 until July 2021 in the Isfahan MS clinic, comparing the trends of probable disability progression (PDP) – defined as a three-month sustained increase in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score – and relapses before and after probable/definitive COVID-19 diagnosis in a cohort of people with RRMS (pwRRMS). Results Ninety pwRRMS were identified with definitive COVID-19, 53 of which were included in the final analysis. The PDP rate was significantly (0.06 vs 0.19, P = 0.04), and the relapse rate was insignificantly (0.21 vs 0.30, P = 0.30) lower post-COVID-19, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The results were maintained after offsetting by follow-up period in the matched binary logistic model. Survival analysis did not indicate significant difference in PDP-free (Hazard Ratio [HR] [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.12, 1.73], P = 0.25) and relapse-free (HR [95% CI]: 0.69 [0.31, 1.53], P = 0.36) survivals between the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Sensitivity analysis resulted similar measurements, although statistical significance was not achieved. Conclusion While subject to replication in future research settings, our results did not confirm any increase in the long-term clinical disease activity measures after COVID-19 contraction among pwRRMS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02590-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Etemadifar
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Parsa Abhari
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific, Education, and Research Network (USERN), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hosein Nouri
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific, Education, and Research Network (USERN), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehri Salari
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Maleki
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Amin
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nahad Sedaghat
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific, Education, and Research Network (USERN), Isfahan, Iran.
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16
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Paybast S, Hejazi SA, Molavi P, Habibi MA, Moghadasi AN. A one year follow of patients with multiple sclerosis during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Qom province, Iran. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 60:103712. [PMID: 35247752 PMCID: PMC8881292 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background In the current COVID-19 pandemic, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients represent a population of particular interest as they might be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and it's complications. The present study aimed to investigate a one year follow up of patients with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Qom province, Iran. Methods This study was performed at the MS Clinic of Beheshti Hospital from June 1, 2020 to November 1, 2021. 202 patients with a diagnosis of MS and negative self-reported history of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic, were enrolled. First, the demographic characteristics of patients were collected. Second, the patients underwent serological testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Then, a year later, they were revalauted and asked about the occurrence of clinical relapse leading to hospitalization, disease progression, DMT profile, COVID-19 vaccination, and history of COVID-19 infection. We considered six weeks after COVID-19 regarding relapse occurrence. Eventually, statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS 26.0 Results Of 202 patients, 26 patients (12.87%) had initially a positive index antibody result. During the follow-up periods, 25 patients (12.37%) were infected with COVID-19 which was mainly mild (74.8%), and significantly lower than general population. 118 patients (58.41%) were vaccinated for COVID-19 which reduced the risk of COVID-19 development (P<001). Except a case of myelitis associated with vaccination, no serious adverse event was reported. Additionally, only one patient developed MS relapse following COVID-19 infection. Except clinical relapse (P = 0.001), other demographic and MS characteristics, and DMT type were not associated with COVID-19. In terms of MS course, 12 patients (5.94%) discontinued their DMTs regardless of the DMT adverse events or treatment failure. 41 patients (20.3%) experienced a clinical relapse, of whom 12 were escalated to a second line DMT. Further, 27 patients (13.4%) noted a history of worsening disability which mainly occurred after COIVD-19 infection. Conclusion The present study showed a significant lower incidence of COVID-19 infection in MS patients. Except for clinical relapse, other demographic and MS characteristics, and DMT type were not associated with COVID-19 infection. In addition, COVID-19 vaccination reduced the risk of COVID-19 development, and the prognosis was favorable in the majority of MS patients.
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