1
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Filipović SR, Özturk S, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Cavallieri F, Fanciulli A, Guekht A, Helbok R, Hochmeister S, Martinelli Boneschi F, Priori A, Rakusa M, Romoli M, Willekens B, Zedde M, Sellner J, Moro E. Management of patients with neurological diseases considering post-pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related risks and dangers - An updated European Academy of Neurology consensus statement. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16408. [PMID: 39088330 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16408] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In October 2020, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was published. Due to important changes and developments that have happened since then, the need has arisen to critically reassess the original recommendations and address new challenges. METHODS In step 1, the original items were critically reviewed by the EAN COVID-19 Task Force. In addition, new recommendations were defined. In step 2, an online survey with the recommendations forged in step 1 was sent to the Managing Groups of all Scientific and Coordinating Panels of EAN. In step 3, the final set of recommendations was made. RESULTS In step 1, out of the original 36 recommendations, 18 were judged still relevant. They were edited to reflect the advances in knowledge and practice. In addition, 21 new recommendations were formulated to address the new knowledge and challenges. In step 2, out of the 39 recommendations sent for the survey, nine were approved as they were, whilst suggestions for improvement were given for the rest. In step 3, the recommendations were further edited, and some new items were formed to accommodate the participants' suggestions, resulting in a final set of 41 recommendations. CONCLUSION This revision of the 2020 EAN Statement provides updated comprehensive and structured guidance on good clinical practice in people with neurological disease faced with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It now covers the issues from the more recent domains of COVID-19-related care, vaccine complications and post-COVID-19 conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša R Filipović
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Daniel Bereczki
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Benedetta Bodini
- Neurology Department, St Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Alla Guekht
- Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of Neurology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Filippo Martinelli Boneschi
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- 'Aldo Ravelli' Centre for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, 'Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo' and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Michele Romoli
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Barbara Willekens
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Stroke Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, INSERM U1216, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
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2
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Cavallieri F, Sellner J, Akhvlediani T, Bassetti CL, Bereczki D, Fanciulli A, Filipović SR, Guekht A, Helbok R, Hochmeister S, Martinelli Boneschi F, von Oertzen TJ, Özturk S, Priori A, Ramankulov D, Willekens B, Rakusa M, Moro E. The European Academy of Neurology NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force: A lesson for the future. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16321. [PMID: 38676302 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16321] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has made its mark on world history forever causing millions of deaths, and straining health systems, economies, and societies worldwide. The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) reacted promptly. A special NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force was set up at the beginning of the pandemic to promote knowledge, research, international collaborations, and raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of COVID-19-related neurological issues. METHODS Activities carried out during and after the pandemic by the EAN NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force are described. The main aim was to review all these initiatives in detail as an overarching lesson from the past to improve the present and be better prepared in case of future pandemics. RESULTS During the pandemic, the Task Force was engaged in several initiatives: the creation of the EAN NEuro-covid ReGistrY (ENERGY); the launch of several surveys (neurological manifestations of COVID-19 infection; the pandemic's impact on patients with chronic neurological diseases; the pandemic's impact of restrictions for clinical practice, curricular training, and health economics); the publication of position papers regarding the management of patients with neurological diseases during the pandemic, and vaccination hesitancy among people with chronic neurological disorders; and the creation of a dedicated "COVID-19 Breaking News" section in EANpages. CONCLUSIONS The EAN NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force was immediately engaged in various activities to participate in the fight against COVID-19. The Task Force's concerted strategy may serve as a foundation for upcoming global neurological emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
| | | | - Claudio L Bassetti
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Bereczki
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Saša R Filipović
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Alla Guekht
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of Neurology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Filippo Martinelli Boneschi
- Neurology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tim J von Oertzen
- Medical Directorate, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Willekens
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Elena Moro
- Grenoble Alpes University, CHU of Grenoble, Division of Neurology, Grenoble, France
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3
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Barone S, Palmieri C, Gallelli L, Rania V, Pascarella A, Abatino A, Bruno PA, Casarella A, Pasquale M, Manzo L, De Sarro G, Gambardella A, Valentino P. Humoral and T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in multiple sclerosis patients: Correlations with DMTs and clinical variables. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00307. [PMID: 38237381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.e00307] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can affect vaccine responses in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). We assessed the humoral and T-cell responses following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in MS patients receiving various DMTs. We prospectively enrolled 243 participants, including 113 healthy control subjects and 130 MS patients. Blood samples for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were collected at three time points: T0, before the first vaccine dose; T1, before the second dose; and T2, one month after the second dose. In a subgroup of 51 patients and 20 controls, samples were collected at T0 and T2 to assess the T-cell immune response to the Spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 using ELISPOT-IFNγ. The IgG levels in patients treated with fingolimod and ocrelizumab (159.1 AU/ml and 467.1 AU/ml, respectively) were significantly lower than those in healthy controls and patients on other DMTs (P < 0.0001). The mean Ig titers were higher in patients with an absolute lymphocyte count ≥1000 cells/mm3 compared to those with a count between 500 and 1000 and with a count <500 (mean ± SD:7205.6 ± 7339.2, 2413.1 ± 4515.4 and 165.9 ± 152.2, respectively; p = 0.008). We found correlations between antibody levels and age (r = 0.233, p = 0.008). A positive Spike-specific T-cell response was detectable in 100 % of vaccinated healthy controls and patients treated with teriflunomide, dimethyl-fumarate, and natalizumab, in 90.5 % of fingolimod patients, and in 63.8 % of ocrelizumab patients. There is a correlation between IgG-specific titer after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and clinical variables (age, lymphocyte count). Notably, a T-cell-specific response to SARS-CoV-2 developed in patients treated with fingolimod and ocrelizumab, even with lower rates of humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Barone
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Camillo Palmieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Chair of Clinical Biochemistry, Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rania
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Pascarella
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Abatino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Chair of Clinical Biochemistry, Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pietro Antonio Bruno
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Casarella
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pasquale
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzo
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paola Valentino
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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4
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Rakusa M, Moro E, Akhvlediani T, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Cavallieri F, Fanciulli A, Filipović SR, Guekht A, Helbok R, Hochmeister S, Martinelli Boneschi F, Özturk S, Priori A, Romoli M, Willekens B, Zedde M, Sellner J. The COVID-19 pandemic and neurology: A survey on previous and continued restrictions for clinical practice, curricular training, and health economics. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16168. [PMID: 38038262 PMCID: PMC11235678 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health systems worldwide. Here, we assessed the pandemic's impact on clinical service, curricular training, and financial burden from a neurological viewpoint during the enforced lockdown periods and the assumed recovery by 2023. METHODS An online 18-item survey was conducted by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force among the EAN community. The survey was online between February and March 2023. Questions related to general, demographic, clinical, work, education, and economic aspects. RESULTS We collected 430 responses from 79 countries. Most health care professionals were aged 35-44 years, with >15 years of work experience. The key findings of their observations were as follows. (i) Clinical services were cut back in all neurological subspecialties during the most restrictive COVID-19 lockdown period. The most affected neurological subspecialties were services for patients with dementia, and neuromuscular and movement disorders. The levels of reduction and the pace of recovery were distinct for acute emergencies and in- and outpatient care. Recovery was slow for sleep medicine, autonomic nervous system disorders, neurorehabilitation, and dementia care. (ii) Student and residency rotations and grand rounds were reorganized, and congresses were converted into a virtual format. Conferences are partly maintained in a hybrid format. (iii) Affordability of neurological care and medication shortage are emerging issues. CONCLUSIONS Recovery of neurological services up to spring 2023 has been incomplete following substantial disruption of neurological care, medical education, and health economics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued limitations for the delivery of neurological care threaten brain health and call for action on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rakusa
- Division of NeurologyUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, INSERM U1216Grenoble Alpes UniversityGrenobleFrance
| | | | | | - Benedetta Bodini
- Neurology DepartmentSt. Antoine Hospital, APHPParisFrance
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, CNRS, INSERMSorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | | | | | - Alla Guekht
- Research and Clinical Center for NeuropsychiatryMoscowRussian Federation
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of NeurologyJohannes Kepler UniversityLinzAustria
| | | | | | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineSelcuk UniversityKonyaTurkey
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Socio‐Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo and Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Michele Romoli
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Department of NeuroscienceBufalini HospitalCesenaItaly
| | - Barbara Willekens
- Department of NeurologyAntwerp University HospitalEdegemBelgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research GroupUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Stroke UnitAzienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of NeurologyLandesklinkum Mistelbach‐GänserndorfMistelbachAustria
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5
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Hejbøl EK, Harbo T, Agergaard J, Madsen LB, Pedersen TH, Østergaard LJ, Andersen H, Schrøder HD, Tankisi H. Myopathy as a cause of fatigue in long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms: Evidence of skeletal muscle histopathology. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2832-2841. [PMID: 35661354 PMCID: PMC9348124 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Among post‐COVID‐19 symptoms, fatigue is reported as one of the most common, even after mild acute infection, and as the cause of fatigue, myopathy diagnosed by electromyography has been proposed in previous reports. This study aimed to explore the histopathological changes in patients with post‐COVID‐19 fatigue. Methods Sixteen patients (mean age = 46 years) with post‐COVID‐19 complaints of fatigue, myalgia, or weakness persisting for up to 14 months were included. In all patients, quantitative electromyography and muscle biopsies analyzed with light and electron microscopy were taken. Results Muscle weakness was present in 50% and myopathic electromyography in 75%, and in all patients there were histological changes. Muscle fiber atrophy was found in 38%, and 56% showed indications of fiber regeneration. Mitochondrial changes, comprising loss of cytochrome c oxidase activity, subsarcollemmal accumulation, and/or abnormal cristae, were present in 62%. Inflammation was found in 62%, seen as T lymphocytes and/or muscle fiber human leukocyte antigen ABC expression. In 75%, capillaries were affected, involving basal lamina and cells. In two patients, uncommon amounts of basal lamina were found, not only surrounding muscle fibers but also around nerves and capillaries. Conclusions The wide variety of histological changes in this study suggests that skeletal muscles may be a major target of SARS‐CoV‐2, causing muscular post‐COVID‐19 symptoms. The mitochondrial changes, inflammation, and capillary injury in muscle biopsies can cause fatigue in part due to reduced energy supply. Because most patients had mild–moderate acute affection, the new variants that might cause less severe acute disease could still have the ability to cause long‐term myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Hejbøl
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Harbo
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jane Agergaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Line B Madsen
- Department of Histopathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Lars J Østergaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik D Schrøder
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Histopathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Rakusa M, Öztürk S, Moro E, Helbok R, Bassetti CL, Beghi E, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Di Liberto G, Jenkins TM, Macerollo A, Maia LF, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Pisani A, Priori A, Sauerbier A, Soffietti R, Taba P, von Oertzen TJ, Zedde M, Crean M, Burlica A, Cavallieri F, Sellner J. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among people with chronic neurological disorders: a position paper. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2163-2172. [PMID: 35460319 PMCID: PMC9111566 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Health risks associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are undisputed. Moreover, the capability of vaccination to prevent symptomatic, severe, and fatal COVID‐19 is recognized. There is also early evidence that vaccination can reduce the chance for long COVID‐19. Nonetheless, the willingness to get vaccinated and receive booster shots remains subpar among people with neurologic disorders. Vaccine scepticism not only jeopardizes collective efforts to end the COVID‐19 pandemic but puts individual lives at risk, as some chronic neurologic diseases are associated with a higher risk for an unfavorable COVID‐19 course. Methods In this position paper, the NeuroCOVID‐19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) summarizes the current knowledge on the prognosis of COVID‐19 among patients with neurologic disease, elucidates potential barriers to vaccination coverage, and formulates strategies to overcome vaccination hesitancy. A survey among the Task Force members on the phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy among people with neurologic disease supports the lines of argumentation. Results The study revealed that people with multiple sclerosis and other nervous system autoimmune disorders are most skeptical of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. The prevailing concerns included the chance of worsening the pre‐existing neurological condition, vaccination‐related adverse events, and drug interaction. Conclusions The EAN NeuroCOVID‐19 Task Force reinforces the key role of neurologists as advocates of COVID‐19 vaccination. Neurologists need to argue in the interest of their patients about the overwhelming individual and global benefits of COVID‐19 vaccination. Moreover, they need to keep on eye on this vulnerable patient group, its concerns, and the emergence of potential safety signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rakusa
- Department of Neurologic Diseases, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Serefnur Öztürk
- Department of Neurology and Neurointensive Care, Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Elena Moro
- Grenoble Alpes University, Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudio L Bassetti
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Bereczki
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Benedetta Bodini
- Department of Neurology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Paris Brain Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Di Liberto
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas M Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Antonella Macerollo
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Luis F Maia
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi
- Neurology Unit and MS Centre, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurology, 'Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, University of Milan and ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Sauerbier
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Tartu, Estonia.,Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tim J von Oertzen
- Department of Neurology, Neuromed Campus, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria.,Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Michael Crean
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head Office, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Burlica
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head Office, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
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7
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Achtnichts L, Ovchinnikov A, Jakopp B, Oberle M, Nedeltchev K, Fux CA, Sellner J, Findling O. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination in People with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Fingolimod: Protective Humoral Immune Responses May Develop after the Preferred Third Shot. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:341. [PMID: 35214799 PMCID: PMC8875864 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests limited development of protective IgG responses to mRNA-based vaccines in sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR)-modulator treated individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied the extent of the humoral immune response after the preferred third mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in S1PR-modulator treated people with MS (pwMS) and insufficient IgG responses after the standard immunization scheme. Eight pwMS that were treated with fingolimod received a third homologous SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine dose, either the Moderna's mRNA-1273 or Pfizer-BioNTech's BNT162b2 vaccine. We quantified the serum levels of IgG antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 four weeks later. An antibody titer of 100 AU/mL or more was considered protective. After the third vaccination, we found clinically relevant IgG titers in four out of eight individuals (50%). We conclude that the humoral immune response may reach protective levels after the third preferred dose of the homologous SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Vaccine shots in S1PR-modulator treated pwMS ahead of schedule may be a strategy to overcome insufficient humoral immune responses following the standard vaccination scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Achtnichts
- Department of Neurology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (L.A.); (A.O.); (K.N.)
| | - Arkady Ovchinnikov
- Department of Neurology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (L.A.); (A.O.); (K.N.)
| | - Barbara Jakopp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Infection Prevention, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (B.J.); (C.A.F.)
| | - Michael Oberle
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland;
| | - Krassen Nedeltchev
- Department of Neurology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (L.A.); (A.O.); (K.N.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Andreas Fux
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Infection Prevention, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (B.J.); (C.A.F.)
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, 2130 Mistelbach, Austria;
| | - Oliver Findling
- Department of Neurology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland; (L.A.); (A.O.); (K.N.)
- MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Humoral Immune Response after the Third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination in CD20 Depleted People with Multiple Sclerosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121470. [PMID: 34960216 PMCID: PMC8707582 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CD20 depletion is a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes of COVID-19 in people with MS (pwMS). Evidence suggests that protective IgG response to mRNA-based vaccines in B cell-depleted individuals is limited. We studied the seroconversion after the third mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in B cell-depleted pwMS with limited or no IgG response after the standard immunization. Sixteen pwMS treated with ocrelizumab or rituximab received a third homologous SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, either the Moderna mRNA-1273 or Pfizer-BioNTech’s BNT162b2 vaccine. We quantified the response of IgG antibodies against the spike receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 four weeks later. An antibody titer of 100 AU/mL or more was considered clinically relevant. The median time between the last infusion of the anti-CD20 treatment and the third vaccination was 22.9 weeks (range 15.1–31.3). After the third vaccination, one out of 16 patients showed an IgG titer deemed clinically relevant. Only the seroconverted patient had measurable B-cell counts at the time of the third vaccination. The development of a humoral immune response remains rare in pwMS on anti-CD20 therapy, even after third dose of the homologous SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. It remains to be determined whether T-cell responses can compensate for the lack of seroconversion and provide sufficient protection against CoV-2 infections.
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9
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Sellner J. Einblicke in die Behandlung der Multiplen Sklerose mit Cladribin-Tabletten seit Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie. PSYCHOPRAXIS. NEUROPRAXIS 2021. [PMCID: PMC8558779 DOI: 10.1007/s00739-021-00761-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Der Prävention von Infektionskrankheiten kommt bei der Multiplen Sklerose (MS) eine besondere Bedeutung zu, da diese den Krankheitsverlauf ungünstig beeinflussen können. Dies wird uns im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie verdeutlicht, wo die SARS-CoV-2-Infektion als Auslöser von besonders schweren und prolongierten Schüben und klinischer Verschlechterung identifiziert werden konnte. Umso wichtiger ist es daher, den Einfluss der für die MS zugelassenen Immuntherapien auf eine etwaige Suszeptibilität für eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, den COVID-19-Krankheitsverlauf und das Impfansprechen zu verstehen. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden diese Punkte unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Cladribin-Tabletten, einer für den hochaktiven MS-Verlauf zugelassenen Immunrekonstitutionstherapie, beleuchtet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Abteilung für Neurologie, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Liechtensteinstr. 67, 2130 Mistelbach, Österreich
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10
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Sellner J, Jenkins TM, von Oertzen TJ, Bassetti CL, Beghi E, Bereczki D, Bodini B, Cavallieri F, Di Liberto G, Helbok R, Macerollo A, Maia LF, Oreja‐Guevara C, Özturk S, Rakusa M, Pisani A, Priori A, Sauerbier A, Soffietti R, Taba P, Zedde M, Crean M, Burlica A, Twardzik A, Moro E. A plea for equitable global access to COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccination and therapy: The NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3849-3855. [PMID: 33460486 PMCID: PMC8014664 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a multi-organ disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to challenge health and care systems around the globe. The pandemic has disrupted acute neurology services and routine patient care and has impacted the clinical course in patients with chronic neurological disease. COVID-19 appears to have exposed inequalities of societies and healthcare systems and had a disproportionate impact on already vulnerable communities. The next challenge will be to set up initiatives to stop disparities in all aspects related to COVID-19. From the medical perspective, there is a need to consider inequalities in prevention, treatment and long-term consequences. Some of the issues of direct relevance to neurologists are summarised. With this appraisal, the European Academy of Neurology NeuroCOVID-19 Task Force intends to raise awareness of the potential impact of COVID-19 on inequalities in healthcare and calls for action to prevent disparity at individual, national and supranational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Department of NeurologyLandesklinikum Mistelbach‐GänserndorfMistelbachAustria
- Department of NeurologyChristian Doppler Medical CenterParacelsus Medical UniversitySalzburgAustria
- Department of NeurologyKlinikum rechts der IsarTechnische Universität MünchenMünchenGermany
| | - Thomas M. Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational NeuroscienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustSheffieldUK
| | - Tim J. von Oertzen
- Faculty of MedicineJohannes‐Kepler UniversitätLinzAustria
- Department of Neurology 1Kepler UniversitätsklinikumLinzAustria
| | | | - Ettore Beghi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriIRCCSMilanItaly
| | | | - Benedetta Bodini
- Department of NeurologySaint‐Antoine HospitalAPHPSorbonne UniversityParisFrance
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology UnitNeuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD ProgramUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Giovanni Di Liberto
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Antonella Macerollo
- Walton Centre NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
- School of PsychologyFaculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Luis F. Maia
- Department of NeurologyHospital Santo AntónioCentro Hospitalar Universitário do PortoPortoPortugal
- i3S ‐ Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Celia Oreja‐Guevara
- Department of NeurologyHospital Clinico San CarlosMadridSpain
- Departamento de MedicinaFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad Complutense de Madrid (UCMMadridSpain
- IdISSCMadridSpain
| | - Serefnur Özturk
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of MedicineSelcuk UniversityKonyaTurkey
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
- IRCCS Mondino FoundationPaviaItaly
| | - Alberto Priori
- Division of NeurologyDepartment of Neurology‘Aldo Ravelli’ Research CenterUniversity of Milan and ASST Santi Paolo e CarloMilanItaly
| | - Anna Sauerbier
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital CologneCologneGermany
- King's College HospitalNational Parkinson Foundation International Centre of ExcellenceLondonUK
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Division of Neuro‐OncologyDepartment of NeuroscienceUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology UnitNeuromotor and Rehabilitation DepartmentAzienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD ProgramUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Michael Crean
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Anja Burlica
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Alex Twardzik
- European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Head OfficeViennaAustria
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of NeurologyCHU of GrenobleGrenoble Institute of NeurosciencesGrenoble Alpes UniversityGrenobleFrance
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11
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Mohseni Afshar Z, Babazadeh A, Janbakhsh A, Mansouri F, Sio TT, Sullman MJM, Carson-Chahhoud K, Hosseinzadeh R, Barary M, Ebrahimpour S. Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination recommendations in special populations and patients with existing comorbidities. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2309. [PMID: 34677889 PMCID: PMC8646697 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a crucial step in ending the current worldwide pandemic. However, several particularly vulnerable groups in the population were not included in sufficient numbers in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) vaccine trials. Therefore, as science advances, the advice for vaccinating these special populations against Covid‐19 will continue to evolve. This focused review provides the latest recommendations and considerations for these special populations (i.e., patients with rheumatologic and autoimmune disorders, cancer, transplant recipients, chronic liver diseases, end‐stage renal disease, neurologic disorders, psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, human immunodeficiency virus, current smokers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, children, and patients with allergic reactions) using the currently available research evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Mohseni Afshar
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arefeh Babazadeh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alireza Janbakhsh
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Feizollah Mansouri
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Terence T Sio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark J M Sullman
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Rezvan Hosseinzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barary
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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12
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Bodini B, Moro E, Jaarsma J, Cunningham E, Sellner J, Walsh D. Lessons learned from people with neurological diseases at the time of COVID-19: The EFNA-EAN survey. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:318-323. [PMID: 34463009 PMCID: PMC8652681 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA), in partnership with the NeuroCOVID-19 taskforce of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), has investigated the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with neurological diseases, as well as the hopes and fears of these patients about the post-pandemic phase. METHODS An EFNA-EAN survey was available online to any person living with a neurological disorder in Europe. It consisted of 18 items concerning the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medical care of people with neurological disorders, and the hopes and fears of these individuals regarding the post-pandemic phase. RESULTS For 44.4% of the 443 survey participants, the overall care of their neurological disease during the pandemic was inappropriate. This perception was mainly due to significant delays in accessing medical care (25.7%), insufficiently reliable information received about the potential impact of COVID-19 on their neurological disease (49.6%), and a substantial lack of involvement in their disease management decisions (54.3%). Participants indicated that their major concerns for the post-pandemic phase were experiencing longer waiting times to see a specialist (24.1%), suffering from social isolation and deteriorating mental well-being (23.1%), and facing delays in clinical trials with disinvestment in neuroscience research (13.1%). CONCLUSIONS Despite the great efforts of health services to cope with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with neurological conditions feel they have been left behind. These findings provide invaluable insights for improving the care of patients with neurological disorders in the further course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Bodini
- Paris Brain Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Department of Neurology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Joke Jaarsma
- European Federation of Neurological Associations, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Donna Walsh
- European Federation of Neurological Associations, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Steinmaurer A, Wimmer I, Berger T, Rommer PS, Sellner J. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibition in the treatment of preclinical models and multiple sclerosis. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:437-444. [PMID: 34218776 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210701152934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in understanding the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) over recent years. Successful clinical trials with CD20-depleting monoclonal antibodies have corroborated the fundamental role of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS and reinforced the notion that cells of the B cell lineage are an attractive treatment target. Therapeutic inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), an enzyme involved in B cell and myeloid cell activation and function, is regarded as a next-generation approach that aims to attenuate both errant innate and adaptive immune functions. Moreover, brain-penetrant BTK inhibitors may impact compartmentalized inflammation and neurodegeneration within the central nervous system by targeting brain-resident B cells and microglia, respectively. Preclinical studies in animal models of MS corroborated an impact of BTK inhibition on meningeal inflammation and cortical demyelination. Notably, BTK inhibition attenuated the antigen-presenting capacity of B cells and the generation of encephalitogenic T cells. Evobrutinib, a selective oral BTK inhibitor, has been tested recently in a phase 2 study of patients with relapsing-remitting MS. The study met the primary endpoint of a significantly reduced cumulative number of Gadolinium-enhancing lesions under treatment with evobrutinib compared to placebo treatment. Thus, the results of ongoing phase 2 and 3 studies with evobrutinib, fenobrutinib, and tolebrutinib in relapsing-remitting and progressive MS are eagerly awaited. This review article introduces the physiological role of BTK, summarizes the pre-clinical and trial evidence, and addresses the potential beneficial effects of BTK inhibition in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Steinmaurer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna. Austria
| | - Isabella Wimmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna. Austria
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna. Austria
| | | | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach. Austria
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14
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Sellner J, Rommer PS. Multiple Sclerosis and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: Considerations for Immune-Depleting Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020099. [PMID: 33525459 PMCID: PMC7911298 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several concerns have been raised about the use of immunodepleting agents including alemtuzumab, cladribine and CD20-depleting antibodies in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) during the coronavirus disease (COVID) 2019 pandemic. As the end of the pandemic is not yet in sight, vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be an elegant strategy to overcome the potential hazards associated with initiating and continuing treatment with immune-depleting agents. In this review, we summarize the immunological effects of immune-depleting therapy and underlying considerations for the hitherto existing recommendations that suggest a restricted use of immune-deleting therapies during the pandemic. Moreover, we critically discuss open questions regarding vaccination in general and against SARS-CoV-2 in pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, 2130 Mistelbach, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-2572-9004-12850; Fax: +43-2572-9004-49281
| | - Paulus S. Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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