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Pelletier J, Sugar D, Koyfman A, Long B. Multiple Sclerosis: An Emergency Medicine-Focused Narrative Review. J Emerg Med 2024; 66:e441-e456. [PMID: 38472027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.12.003] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but serious condition associated with significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE This review provides a focused assessment of MS for emergency clinicians, including the presentation, evaluation, and emergency department (ED) management based on current evidence. DISCUSSION MS is an autoimmune disorder targeting the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by clinical relapses and radiological lesions disseminated in time and location. Patients with MS most commonly present with long tract signs (e.g., myelopathy, asymmetric spastic paraplegia, urinary dysfunction, Lhermitte's sign), optic neuritis, or brainstem syndromes (bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia). Cortical syndromes or multifocal presentations are less common. Radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may or may not progress to chronic forms of MS, including relapsing remitting MS, primary progressive MS, and secondary progressive MS. The foundation of outpatient management involves disease-modifying therapy, which is typically initiated with the first signs of disease onset. Management of CIS and acute flares of MS in the ED includes corticosteroid therapy, ideally after diagnostic testing with imaging and lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Emergency clinicians should evaluate whether patients with MS are presenting with new-onset debilitating neurological symptoms to avoid unnecessary testing and admissions, but failure to appropriately diagnose CIS or MS flare is associated with increased morbidity. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of MS can assist emergency clinicians in better diagnosing and managing this neurologically devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pelletier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Davis Sugar
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Alex Koyfman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Brit Long
- SAUSHEC (San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium), Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
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Iaffaldano P, Lucisano G, Guerra T, Patti F, Cocco E, De Luca G, Brescia Morra V, Pozzilli C, Zaffaroni M, Ferraro D, Gasperini C, Salemi G, Bergamaschi R, Lus G, Inglese M, Romano S, Bellantonio P, Di Monte E, Maniscalco GT, Conte A, Lugaresi A, Vianello M, Torri Clerici VLA, Di Sapio A, Pesci I, Granella F, Totaro R, Marfia GA, Danni MC, Cavalla P, Valentino P, Aguglia U, Montepietra S, Ferraro E, Protti A, Spitaleri D, Avolio C, De Riz M, Maimone D, Cavaletti G, Gazzola P, Tedeschi G, Sessa M, Rovaris M, Di Palma F, Gatto M, Cargnelutti D, De Robertis F, Logullo FO, Rini A, Meucci G, Ardito B, Banfi P, Nasuelli D, Paolicelli D, Rocca MA, Portaccio E, Chisari CG, Fenu G, Onofrj M, Carotenuto A, Ruggieri S, Tortorella C, Ragonese P, Nica M, Amato MP, Filippi M, Trojano M. Evaluation of drivers of treatment switch in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a study from the Italian MS Registry. J Neurol 2024; 271:1150-1159. [PMID: 38135850 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently defined as "relapsing MS" (RMS). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess drivers of treatment switches due to clinical relapses in a population of RMS patients collected in the Italian MS and Related Disorders Register (I-MS&RD). METHODS RRMS and SPMS patients with at least one relapse in a time window of 2 years before of data extraction were defined as RMS. Factors associated with disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching due to clinical activity were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models in which treatment exposure was included as the last recorded DMT and the last DMT's class [moderate-efficacy (ME), high-efficacy (HE) DMTs and anti-CD20 drugs]. RESULTS A cohort of 4739 RMS patients (4161 RRMS, 578 SPMS) was extracted from the I-MS&RD. A total of 2694 patients switching DMTs due to relapses were identified. Switchers were significantly (p < 0.0001) younger, less disabled, more frequently affected by an RR disease course in comparison to non-switcher patients. The multivariable logistic regression models showed that Alemtuzumab (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.37), Natalizumab (0.48, 0.30-0.76), Ocrelizumab (0.1, 0.02-0.45) and Rituximab (0.23, 0.06-0.82) exposure was a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses. Moreover, the use of HE DMTs (0.43, 0.31-0.59), especially anti-CD20 drugs (0.14, 0.05-0.37), resulted to be a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses in comparison with ME DMTs. CONCLUSIONS More than 50% of RMS switched therapy due to disease activity. HE DMTs, especially anti-CD20 drugs, significantly reduce the risk of treatment switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucisano
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Pescara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Guerra
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche E Chirurgiche E Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
- UOS Sclerosi Multipla, AOU Policlinico G Rodolico-San Marco, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari/Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Luca
- Centro Sclerosi MultiplaClinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS Annunziata, Università "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Zaffaroni
- Neuroimmunology Unit and Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASST Della Valle Olona, Hospital of Gallarate, Via Pastori 4, 21013, Gallarate, VA, Italy
| | - Diana Ferraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Ospedale Civile di BaggiovaraAzienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salemi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Lus
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento di NeuroscienzeRiabilitazioneOftalmologiaGenetica e Scienze Materno-Infantili (DINOGMI), Universita' di Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Di Monte
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Hospital ASL 4 "Madonna delle Grazie", 75100, Matera, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neurophysiopatology Unit, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marika Vianello
- MS Unit, OU Neurology "Ca' Foncello" Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Department of Neurology, Regional Referral Multiple Sclerosis Center, University Hospital San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pesci
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale Vaio-Fidenza, Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Granella
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rocco Totaro
- Centro Malattie Demielinizzanti-Clinica Neurologica, Ospedale San Salvatore, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - Girolama Alessandra Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Chiara Danni
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla e Neurologia 1 D.U, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Valentino
- Istituto di neurologia, Università Magna Graecia Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Montepietra
- MS Centre, SMN Hospital, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Carlo Avolio
- MS Center, University of Neurology, Foggia, Italy
| | - Milena De Riz
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla-Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Maimone
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ARNAS Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Paola Gazzola
- SC Neurologia, Ospedale P. Antero Micone-ASL 3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- I Division of Neurology, Universita della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Sessa
- Centro Provinciale Sclerosi Multipla, ASST papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Rovaris
- MS Center, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Di Palma
- SM Center Neurology Department, ASST Lariana S. Anna Hospital, Como, Italy
| | - Maurizia Gatto
- Centro Malattie Demielinizzanti, Ospedale Generale Regionale F. Miulli, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Augusto Rini
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Ospedale A. Perrino, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Meucci
- Ambulatorio Sclerosi MultiplaUnita' Operativa di Neurologia e Neurofisiopatologia, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno, Livorno, Italy
| | - Bonaventura Ardito
- Centro Sclerosi Mutipla UOC di Neurologia, Ospedale Della Murgia Fabio Perinei, Altamura, Italy
| | - Paola Banfi
- Dipartimento di Neurologia, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Nasuelli
- ASST Della Valle Olona Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno Ambulatorio Sclerosi Multipla, Saronno, Italy
| | - Damiano Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Rocca
- Neurology Unit and Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Portaccio
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche E Chirurgiche E Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
- UOS Sclerosi Multipla, AOU Policlinico G Rodolico-San Marco, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari/Centro Sclerosi Multipla, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Centro Sclerosi MultiplaClinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS Annunziata, Università "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Ragonese
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 141, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, Neurophysiology Service, Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- School of Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, Italy.
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Fuh-Ngwa V, Charlesworth JC, Zhou Y, van der Mei I, Melton PE, Broadley SA, Ponsonby AL, Simpson-Yap S, Lechner-Scott J, Taylor BV. The association between disability progression, relapses, and treatment in early relapse onset MS: an observational, multi-centre, longitudinal cohort study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11584. [PMID: 37463930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The indirect contribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses to disability worsening outcomes, and vice-versa, remains unclear. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are potential modulators of this association. Understanding how these endo-phenotypes interact may provide insights into disease pathogenesis and treatment practice in relapse-onset MS (ROMS). Utilising a unique, prospectively collected clinical data from a longitudinal cohort of 279 first demyelinating event cases followed for up to 15 years post-onset, we examined indirect associations between relapses and treatment and the risk of disability worsening, and vice-versa. Indirect association parameters were estimated using joint models for longitudinal and survival data. Early relapses within 2.5 years of MS onset predicted early disability worsening outcomes (HR = 3.45, C.I 2.29-3.61) per relapse, but did not contribute to long-term disability worsening thereinafter (HR = 0.21, C.I 0.15-0.28). Conversely, disability worsening outcomes significantly contributed to relapse risk each year (HR = 2.96, C.I 2.91-3.02), and persisted over time (HR = 3.34, C.I 2.90-3.86), regardless of DMT treatments. The duration of DMTs significantly reduced the hazards of relapses (1st-line DMTs: HR = 0.68, C.I 0.58-0.79; 3rd-line DMTs: HR = 0.37, C.I 0.32-0.44) and disability worsening events (1st-line DMTs: HR = 0.74, C.I 0.69-0.79; 3rd-line DMTs: HR = 0.90, C.I 0.85-0.95), respectively. Results from time-dynamic survival probabilities further revealed individuals having higher risk of future relapses and disability worsening outcomes, respectively. The study provided evidence that in ROMS, relapses accrued within 2.5 years of MS onset are strong indicators of disability worsening outcomes, but late relapses accrued 2.5 years post onset are not overt risk factors for further disability worsening. In contrast, disability worsening outcomes are strong positive predictors of current and subsequent relapse risk. Long-term DMT use and older age strongly influence the individual outcomes and their associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery Fuh-Ngwa
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Jac C Charlesworth
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Phillip E Melton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Simon A Broadley
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Steve Simpson-Yap
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- School of Medicine and Public Health New Lambton, Hunter New England Health, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The University of Newcastle Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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4
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Montgomery SM, Green L, Karoui H, Nicholas R, Loh J. To wait, or too late? Modeling the effects of delayed ofatumumab treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. J Med Econ 2023; 26:139-148. [PMID: 36546701 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2161746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) reduce relapse rates and slow disease progression. RRMS DMTs have varying efficacy and administration routes; DMTs prescribed first may not be the most effective on relapses or disease progression. Here, we aimed to quantify the benefit of initiating ofatumumab, a high-efficacy DMT, earlier in the treatment pathway. METHODS Aggregate data from a real-world cohort of patients with RRMS, who were eligible for dimethyl fumarate (DMF) or ofatumumab treatment within the UK National Health Service (N = 615), were used to produce a simulated patient cohort. The cohort was tracked through a discrete event simulation (DES) model, based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), with a lifetime time horizon. Outcomes assessed were: mean number of relapses, time to wheelchair (EDSS ≥7), and time to death. Two modeling approaches were used. The first compared outcomes between two treatment sequences (base case: ofatumumab to natalizumab versus DMF to ofatumumab). The second incorporated a time-specific delay of 1-5 years for switching from DMF to ofatumumab; the difference in outcomes as a function of increasing delay to ofatumumab are reported. RESULTS Compared with delayed ofatumumab, fewer relapses and increased time to wheelchair were predicted for earlier ofatumumab in the treatment-sequence approach (mean relapses over the lifetime time horizon: 8.63 versus 9.00; time to wheelchair: 17.55 versus 16.60 years). Time to death was similar for both sequences. At Year 10, a numerically greater proportion of patients receiving earlier ofatumumab had mild disease (EDSS 0-3: 44.12% versus 40.06%). Greater differences, reflecting poorer outcomes, were predicted for relapses and time to wheelchair with increasing delays to ofatumumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS The DES model provided a means by which the magnitude of benefit associated with earlier ofatumumab initiation could be quantified; fewer relapses and a prolonged time to wheelchair were predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke Green
- Costello Medical Consulting Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hajer Karoui
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Nicholas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jaclyn Loh
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, London, UK
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Lublin FD, Häring DA, Ganjgahi H, Ocampo A, Hatami F, Čuklina J, Aarden P, Dahlke F, Arnold DL, Wiendl H, Chitnis T, Nichols TE, Kieseier BC, Bermel RA. OUP accepted manuscript. Brain 2022; 145:3147-3161. [PMID: 35104840 PMCID: PMC9536294 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with multiple sclerosis acquire disability either through relapse-associated worsening (RAW) or progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA). This study addresses the relative contribution of relapses to disability worsening over the course of the disease, how early progression begins and the extent to which multiple sclerosis therapies delay disability accumulation. Using the Novartis-Oxford multiple sclerosis (NO.MS) data pool spanning all multiple sclerosis phenotypes and paediatric multiple sclerosis, we evaluated ∼200 000 Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) transitions from >27 000 patients with ≤15 years follow-up. We analysed three datasets: (i) A full analysis dataset containing all observational and randomized controlled clinical trials in which disability and relapses were assessed (n = 27 328); (ii) all phase 3 clinical trials (n = 8346); and (iii) all placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trials (n = 4970). We determined the relative importance of RAW and PIRA, investigated the role of relapses on all-cause disability worsening using Andersen-Gill models and observed the impact of the mechanism of worsening and disease-modifying therapies on the time to reach milestone disability levels using time continuous Markov models. PIRA started early in the disease process, occurred in all phenotypes and became the principal driver of disability accumulation in the progressive phase of the disease. Relapses significantly increased the hazard of all-cause disability worsening events; following a year in which relapses occurred (versus a year without relapses), the hazard increased by 31–48% (all P < 0.001). Pre-existing disability and older age were the principal risk factors for incomplete relapse recovery. For placebo-treated patients with minimal disability (EDSS 1), it took 8.95 years until increased limitation in walking ability (EDSS 4) and 18.48 years to require walking assistance (EDSS 6). Treating patients with disease-modifying therapies delayed these times significantly by 3.51 years (95% confidence limit: 3.19, 3.96) and 3.09 years (2.60, 3.72), respectively. In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, those who worsened exclusively due to RAW events took a similar length of time to reach milestone EDSS values compared with those with PIRA events; the fastest transitions were observed in patients with PIRA and superimposed relapses. Our data confirm that relapses contribute to the accumulation of disability, primarily early in multiple sclerosis. PIRA begins in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and becomes the dominant driver of disability accumulation as the disease evolves. Pre-existing disability and older age are the principal risk factors for further disability accumulation. The use of disease-modifying therapies delays disability accrual by years, with the potential to gain time being highest in the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred D Lublin
- Correspondence to: Professor Fred D. Lublin The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 5 East 98th Street, Box 1138 New York, NY 10029-6574, USA E-mail:
| | | | - Habib Ganjgahi
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Farhad Hatami
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Douglas L Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas E Nichols
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Robert A Bermel
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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6
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Calabresi PA, Kappos L, Giovannoni G, Plavina T, Koulinska I, Edwards MR, Kieseier B, de Moor C, Sotirchos ES, Fisher E, Rudick RA, Sandrock A. Measuring treatment response to advance precision medicine for multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:2166-2173. [PMID: 34704393 PMCID: PMC8607451 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the independent contributions of clinical measures (relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] scores, and neuroperformance measures) and nonclinical measures (new brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] activity and serum neurofilament light chain [sNfL] levels) for distinguishing natalizumab‐treated from placebo‐treated patients. Methods We conducted post hoc analyses using data from the AFFIRM trial of natalizumab for multiple sclerosis. We used multivariable regression analyses with predictors (EDSS progression, no relapse, new or enlarging MRI activity, brain atrophy, sNfL levels, and neuroperformance worsening) to identify measures that independently discriminated between treatment groups. Results The multivariable model that best distinguished natalizumab from placebo was no new or enlarging T2 or gadolinium‐enhancing activity on MRI (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 7.2; 4.7–10.9), year 2 sNfL levels <97.5th percentile (4.1; 2.6–6.2), and no relapses in years 0–2 (2.1; 1.5–3.0). The next best‐fitting model was a two‐component model that included no MRI activity and sNfL levels <97.5th percentile at year 2. There was little difference between the three‐ and two‐component models. Interpretation Nonclinical measures (new MRI activity and sNfL levels) discriminate between treatment and placebo groups similarly to or better than clinical outcomes composites and have implications for patient monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizzard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Bernd Kieseier
- Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine Universitat, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Elias S Sotirchos
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Koch-Henriksen N, Sørensen PS, Magyari M. Relapses add to permanent disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 53:103029. [PMID: 34116481 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether relapses have direct effects on permanent disability in multiple sclerosis is still an unsettled issue. We aimed at investigating the cumulative effect of breakthrough relapses on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in relapsing-onset MS patients under disease modifying therapy (DMT). METHODS From the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry we identified all patients in Denmark with relapsing-onset MS who had started DMT and followed them from the first day of treatment. We included patients aged 18-59 with Kurtzke's EDSS score < 6.0 at entry, and we compared patients with and without relapses during follow-up. Endpoints were 1) annualized increase in EDSS; 2) time to 6-month sustained EDSS-worsening; 3) time to EDSS 6.0; and 4) time to increase in pyramidal- and cerebellar functional systems. Patients with and without relapses after entry were 1:1 matched by sex, EDSS, and age at entry. We analysed EDSS-worsening with adjusted Generalized Linear Models and time to the endpoints with adjusted Cox regression. RESULTS We included 1,428 patients with breakthrough relapses and 1,428 without. The adjusted annualized increase in EDSS was 0.179 in patients with relapses (95% CI 0.164 - 9.194) and 0.086 in patients without relapses (95% CI 0.074 - 0.097), but in patients with EDSS ≥ 4.0 at entry there was no difference. The hazard ratio for irreversible worsening of EDSS was 1.83 (95% CI 1.58 - 2.12) and for irreversible increase to EDSS 6.0 or more 1.62 (95% CI 1.25 - 2.10). Irreversible increase in pyramidal and cerebellar functional system scores also happened significantly earlier in patients with breakthrough relapses. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that breakthrough relapses under DMT is associated with increasing permanent disability in patients with EDSS < 4.0 at treatment start which calls for effective prevention of relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Koch-Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Per Soelberg Sørensen
- The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Melinda Magyari
- The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Zachariah J, Quezada T, Desai T, Schorr RE, Scott TF. Real world prognosis in MS: does early versus late diagnosis matter? Neurol Res 2021; 43:458-463. [PMID: 33432877 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1867947] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) often presents soon after the onset of a recognized clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). In order to interpret data from CIS trials, it is important to know whether patients presenting as classical CIS provide group data representative of RRMS. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether or not MS patients presenting soon after the onset of symptoms with clinically isolated syndromes have an identifiable clinical profile, including worse outcomes, versus MS patients presenting later. METHODS Chart review of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed relapsing MS, diagnosed in our clinic between 1989 and 2005. We divided patients into an early presentation group (EP), versus the remaining late presenting group (LP), and analyzed the impact of delay in presentation on 10- and 15-year disability outcomes. We also sought to identify reasons for later presentation. RESULTS The two groups were similar in terms of many demographics, clinical risk factors, and long-term disability outcomes (median EDSS 2.25 versus EDSS 2.0 at 10 years). Exceptionally, patients in the EP group had more frequent attacks in the first few years after onset and were diagnosed and treated earlier. CONCLUSIONS Patients in our MS clinic with EP versus LP were more likely to have multiple attacks in the first 2 years after onset and were treated earlier, but did not have a better 10- or 15-year outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikku Zachariah
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy Quezada
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Troy Desai
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca E Schorr
- Highmark Health Data Science R&D, Highmark Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas F Scott
- Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Allen CM, Mowry E, Tintore M, Evangelou N. Prognostication and contemporary management of clinically isolated syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 92:jnnp-2020-323087. [PMID: 33361410 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-323087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients present with a single attack of inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system. Recent advances in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostic criteria have expanded the number of CIS patients eligible for a diagnosis of MS at the onset of the disease, shrinking the prevalence of CIS. MS treatment options are rapidly expanding, which is driving the need to recognise MS at its earliest stages. In CIS patients, finding typical MS white matter lesions on the patient's MRI scan remains the most influential prognostic investigation for predicting subsequent diagnosis with MS. Additional imaging, cerebrospinal fluid and serum testing, information from the clinical history and genetic testing also contribute. For those subsequently diagnosed with MS, there is a wide spectrum of long-term clinical outcomes. Detailed assessment at the point of presentation with CIS provides fewer clues to calculate a personalised risk of long-term severe disability.Clinicians should select suitable CIS cases for steroid treatment to speed neurological recovery. Unfortunately, there are still no neuroprotection or remyelination strategies available. The use of MS disease modifying therapy for CIS varies among clinicians and national guidelines, suggesting a lack of robust evidence to guide practice. Clinicians should focus on confirming MS speedily and accurately with appropriate investigations. Diagnosis with CIS provides an opportune moment to promote a healthy lifestyle, in particular smoking cessation. Patients also need to understand the link between CIS and MS. This review provides clinicians an update on the contemporary evidence guiding prognostication and management of CIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Martin Allen
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ellen Mowry
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mar Tintore
- Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya, (Cemcat), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikos Evangelou
- Department of Clinical Neurology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Scott TF, Bertha N. The impact of multiple sclerosis relapses on worsening over the long term; insights in the treatment era. J Neurol Sci 2020; 413:116773. [PMID: 32193023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) are the clinical manifestations of inflammatory events involving eloquent anatomical structures within the central nervous system. Relapses are associated with worsening disability of MS patients in both early and later disease, even after progressive features are seen. The impact of relapses on the long-term course of the disease is now being realized as a generation of treated patients is now elderly. New MRI brain lesions can be viewed as a radiologic manifestation of acute inflammation and are associated with similar prognostic value. The complex relationship between clinical relapse activity and later slow progressive worsening remains incompletely understood, however, there is increasing biological plausibility for a causative association between relapse activity and lifelong disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Scott
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
| | - Nicholas Bertha
- Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States of America
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