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Gelibter S, Saraceno L, Pirro F, Susani EL, Protti A. As time goes by: Treatment challenges in elderly people with multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 391:578368. [PMID: 38761652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
A demographic shift in multiple sclerosis (MS) is leading to an increased number of elderly people with MS (pwMS) and a rise in late-onset MS (LOMS) cases. This shift adds complexity to the treatment management of these patients, due to enhanced treatment-associated risks and the possible interplay between immunosenescence and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In the present paper, we performed a systematic review of the current evidence concerning the relationship between aging and treatment management in elderly pwMS. Our literature search identified 35 original studies relevant to this topic. The gathered evidence consistently indicates a diminished efficacy of DMTs in older pwMS, particularly in preventing disability accrual. Against this background, high-efficacy therapies (HETs) appear to show less benefit over moderate-low-efficacy DMTs in older patients. These data mainly derive from observational retrospective studies or meta-analyses conducted on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). RCTs, however, exclude pwMS older than 55 years, limiting our ability to acquire robust evidence regarding this patient group. Regarding treatment discontinuation in elderly pwMS with stable disease, the available data, which mainly focuses on older injectable DMTs, suggests that their suspension appears to be relatively safe in terms of disease activity. Nevertheless, the first RCT specifically targeting treatment discontinuation recently failed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of treatment discontinuation over continuation, in terms of MRI activity. On the other hand, the evidence on the impact of discontinuation on disease progression is more conflicting and less robust. Furthermore, there is an important lack of studies concerning sequestering DMTs and virtually no data on the discontinuation of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. De-escalation strategy is gaining attention as a de-risking approach alternative to complete treatment discontinuation. It may be defined as the decision to shift from HETs to less potent DMTs in elderly pwMS who have a stable disease. This strategy could reduce treatment-related risks, while minimizing the risk of disease activity and progression potentially associated with treatment discontinuation. This approach, however, remains unexplored due to a lack of studies. Given these findings, the present scenario underlines the urgent need for more comprehensive and robust studies to develop optimized, data-driven treatment strategies for elderly pwMS and LOMS, addressing the unique challenges of MS treatment and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gelibter
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Saraceno
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Pirro
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Laura Susani
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Protti
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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Goyne CE, Fair AE, Sumowski PE, Graves JS. The Impact of Aging on Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:83-93. [PMID: 38416310 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01333-2] [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] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Age is one of the most important factors in determining MS phenotype. This review provides an overview of how age influences MS clinical characteristics, pathology, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS New methods for measuring aging have improved our understanding of the aging process in MS. New studies have characterized the molecular and cellular composition of chronic active or smoldering plaques in MS. These lesions are important contributors to disability progression in MS. These studies highlight the important role of immunosenescence and the innate immune system in sustaining chronic inflammation. Given these changes in immune function, several studies have assessed optimal treatment strategies in aging individuals with MS. MS phenotype is intimately linked with chronologic age and immunosenescence. While there are many unanswered questions, there has been much progress in understanding this relationship which may lead to more effective treatments for progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Goyne
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ashley E Fair
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Paige E Sumowski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA.
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Todorović S, Vojinović S, Savić D, Aleksić D, Danilović M. Potential beneficial effect of IFN-β1a and ocrelizumab in people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:447-455. [PMID: 37962785 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) has led to added challenges in the management of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) during the COVID-19 era. It can reduce relapse in MS or slow down disease progression, but some DMTs can increased risk of infection. The aim of study was to evaluate risk and severity of COVID-19 in pwMS. METHODS The examined group of pwMS were divided in group treated with IFN-β1a, group treated with ocrelizumab and untreated group. The examination included impact of age, gender, duration of MS, type of MS, vaccination status and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) on the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection. A diagnosis of COVID-19 in pwMS was confirmed by positive polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) or antigen test. RESULTS Out of 207 pwMS, 82 patients were treated with ocrelizumab, 63 with IFN-β1a, while 62 patients were untreated pwMS. The average duration of the MS was longer in the group of patients treated with ocrelizumab than in the group treated with IFN-β1a (p < 0.05). EDSS was higher in the ocrelizumab group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). Untreated (more often unvaccinated) had the same COVID frequency as ocrelizumab-treated (more vaccinated, but higher EDSS). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that administration of IFN-β1a reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.001, OR = 0.381, 95% CI 0.602-0.160). The use of both DMTs, driven mainly by the IFN-β1a effect, reduces the risk of moderate and severe COVID-19 (p < 0.05, OR = 0.105, 95% CI 0.011-0.968). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that IFN-β1a can reduce the frequency of COVID-19 infection and that two DMTs, driven mainly by the IFN-β1a effect, do not increase the risk of moderate/severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Todorović
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia.
| | - Slobodan Vojinović
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Nis, Serbia
| | - Dejan Savić
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Nis, Serbia
| | - Dejan Aleksić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miloš Danilović
- Military Medical Academy, Clinic for Neurology, Belgrade, Serbia
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Nobile S, Beauchemin P. Hypogammaglobulinemia and Infection Risk in an Ocrelizumab-treated Multiple Sclerosis Cohort. Can J Neurol Sci 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38343112 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.21] [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: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocrelizumab is an effective anti-CD20 therapy approved for Relapsing Remitting (RRMS) and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). In clinical trials, a proportion of patients developed hypogammaglobulinemia which could contribute to infection risk. This study aimed to identify hypogammaglobulinemia and its risk factors and evaluate potentially associated serious infection risk in a real-world cohort of patients. METHODS All MS patients treated with ocrelizumab in a Quebec City MS clinic from January 2017 to August 2021 were included and detailed patient characteristics were collected by chart review. Levels of immunoglobulins (IgM, IgA and IgG) were assessed prior to each treatment. Serious infection was defined as an infection requiring hospitalization or emergency room treatment. Association between hypogammaglobulinemia and serious infection was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 266 patients (average follow-up 2.05 years) were included (87% RRMS). After 6 infusions, 32.8%, 3.5% and 4.2% of patients had at least one IgM, IgA and IgG hypogammaglobulinemia event respectively. Aside from pre-treatment hypogammaglobulinemia, there were no variables associated with on-treatment hypogammaglobulinemia. There was a total of 21 serious infections (3.36 and 12.33 per 100-person-years in RRMS and PPMS). Developing hypogammaglobulinemia during treatment was not associated with serious infection. A regression analysis did not show associations between serious infection and key disease characteristics. CONCLUSION Similar to ocrelizumab extension studies, our cohort demonstrated a significant rate of hypogammaglobulinemia over time, mostly with IgM. No association was found between hypogammaglobulinemia and serious infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Nobile
- Department of Neurology, Montreal Neurological Institute (McGill University), Montreal, QC, Canada
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Graf J, Ng HS, Zhu F, Zhao Y, Wijnands JMA, Evans C, Fisk JD, Marrie RA, Tremlett H. Disease-modifying drugs, multiple sclerosis and infection-related healthcare use in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 29:100667. [PMID: 38269206 PMCID: PMC10806332 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Much remains unknown surrounding the disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) used to treat multiple sclerosis and infection-related healthcare use in the 'real-world' setting. We examined if DMD exposure was associated with altered infection-related healthcare use. Methods We assessed if DMD (versus no) exposure was associated with altered infection-related hospitalizations, physician claims, and prescriptions filled in British Columbia, Canada (1996-2017). Healthcare use was assessed using negative binomial and proportional means regression models, reported as sex-/age-/comorbidity-/calendar year-/socioeconomic-adjusted rate and hazard ratios [aRR, aHR], with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). Findings We identified 19,360 multiple sclerosis cases (13,940/19,360; 72.0% women; mean age at study start = 44.5 standard deviation, SD = 13.3; mean follow-up = 11.7 [SD = 7.3] years). Relative to unexposed periods, exposure to any DMD was associated with a lower infection-related rate of physician claims (aRR = 0.88; 95% CI:0.85-0.92) and hazard of hospitalization (aHR = 0.64; 95% CI:0.56-0.73), and a higher rate of infection-related prescriptions (aRR = 1.14; 95% CI:1.08-1.20). Exposure to any injectable or oral DMD was associated with a lower infection-related rate of physician claims (injectable aRR = 0.88; 95% CI:0.84-0.92, oral aRR = 0.83; 95% CI:0.77-0.90) and hazard of hospitalization (injectable aHR = 0.65; 95% CI:0.56-0.75, oral aHR = 0.54; 95% CI:0.38-0.77), whereas intravenous DMD exposure was not (aRR = 0.99; 95% CI:0.86-1.14, aHR = 0.73; 95% CI:0.49-1.09). Exposure to any injectable or intravenous DMD was associated with a higher rate of infection-related prescriptions (injectable aRR = 1.15; 95% CI:1.08-1.22, intravenous = 1.34; 95% CI:1.15-1.56), whereas oral DMDs were not (aRR = 0.98; 95% CI:0.91-1.05). Interpretation DMD exposure for the treatment of MS was associated with differences in infection-related healthcare use. While infection-related hospitalizations and physician visits were lower, prescription fills were higher. How these differences in infection-related healthcare use affect outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis warrants consideration. Funding Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); German Research Foundation (DFG).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Graf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huah Shin Ng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yinshan Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - José MA. Wijnands
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charity Evans
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - John D. Fisk
- Nova Scotia Health Authority and the Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Helen Tremlett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Jacober SLS, Disanto G, Sacco R, Meng D, Mallucci G, Candrian U, Semini S, Tiberti M, Gobbi C, Zecca C. Interplay between age and disease-modifying treatments in influencing infection risk in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1765-1775. [PMID: 37786964 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231199820] [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] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) can increase the risk of infections in multiple sclerosis (MS). Aged individuals are usually excluded from clinical trials, and there is uncertainty regarding safety of immunosuppressive DMTs in these patients. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of DMTs, ageing and other clinical variables with risk of infections in MS patients. METHODS Prospective single-centre observational study collecting information on occurrence, type and grade of infections in patients followed at the MS centre, Lugano (Switzerland). Associations with infection risk were tested using multivariable Poisson and Cox regressions. RESULTS A total of 503 patients were included (injectables/untreated, n = 127; orals, n = 139; monoclonal antibodies (MAB), n = 237) and 326 infections recorded over 12.6 (11.6-14.0) months. As compared to injectable DMTs/no treatment, MAB and oral DMTs were positively associated with infection incidence (IRR = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-3.89, p = 0.001; IRR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.19-3.49, p = 0.009, respectively). After excluding COVID-19, the effect of MAB was stronger among patients <50 years (IRR = 5.90, 95% CI = 2.80-12.45, p < 0.001) than >50 years (IRR = 1.95, 95% CI = 0.91-4.15, p = 0.084). Higher disability and male sex were the only variables associated with severe infections. CONCLUSION Treatment with MAB and oral DMTs is associated with higher incidence of infections, with a stronger effect in young MS patients. Disability appears the main predictor of severe infections regardless of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lena Susanna Jacober
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Disanto
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Rosaria Sacco
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Delania Meng
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Mallucci
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Candrian
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sebastiano Semini
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Tiberti
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Gobbi
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Carlini F, Lusi V, Rizzi C, Assogna F, Laroni A. Cladribine Tablets Mode of Action, Learning from the Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1477-1490. [PMID: 37421556 PMCID: PMC10444742 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, characterized by chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative processes. MS management relies on disease-modifying drugs that suppress/modulate the immune system. Cladribine tablets (CladT) have been approved by different health authorities for patients with various forms of relapsing MS. The drug has been demonstrated to deplete CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, with a higher effect described in the former, and to decrease total CD19+, CD20+, and naive B-cell counts. COVID-19 is expected to become endemic, suggesting its potential infection risk for immuno-compromised patients, including MS patients treated with disease-modifying drugs. We report here the available data on disease-modifying drug-treated-MS patients and COVID-19 infection and vaccination, with a focus on CladT. MS patients treated with CladT are not at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. While anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended in all MS patients with guidelines addressing vaccination timing according to the different disease-modifying drugs, no vaccination timing restrictions seem to be necessary for cladribine, based on its mechanism of action and available evidence. Published data suggest that CladT treatment does not impact the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination, possibly due to its relative sparing effect on naïve B-cells and the rapid B-cell reconstitution following treatment. Slightly lower specific T-cell responses are likely not impacting the risk of breakthrough COVID-19. It could be stated that cladribine's transient effect on innate immune cells likely contributes to maintaining an adequate first line of defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Carlini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Lusi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Rizzi
- Merck Serono S.P.A., Italy an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Piazza del Pigneto 9, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Assogna
- Merck Serono S.P.A., Italy an Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Piazza del Pigneto 9, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Laroni
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Largo Daneo 3, Genoa, Italy.
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Hauser SL, Zielman R, Das Gupta A, Xi J, Stoneman D, Karlsson G, Robertson D, Cohen JA, Kappos L. Efficacy and safety of four-year ofatumumab treatment in relapsing multiple sclerosis: The ALITHIOS open-label extension. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1452-1464. [PMID: 37691530 PMCID: PMC10580679 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231195346] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ofatumumab has demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable safety for up to 2.5 years versus teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). OBJECTIVE Further characterize efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in RMS. METHODS Efficacy set: patients randomized to ofatumumab/teriflunomide in ASCLEPIOS I/II (core). Safety set: patients who received ⩾ 1 dose of ofatumumab in ASCLEPIOS I/II, APLIOS, APOLITOS (all core), or ALITHIOS (umbrella open-label extension). Patients received continuous ofatumumab or were newly switched from teriflunomide. Data cut-off: 25 September 2021. RESULTS In the efficacy set (n = 1882), the continuous ofatumumab group had a low annualized relapse rate (ARR 0.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.07)), low numbers of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions (0.01 lesions/scan) and fewer new/enlarging T2 lesions (annualized rate 0.08). Overall, 78.8% met three-parameter "no evidence of disease activity" criteria through 4 years. Switching from teriflunomide led to reduced ARR, risk of confirmed disability worsening (CDW), new/enlarging T2 lesions, Gd+ T1 lesions, and serum neurofilament light chain. In the continuous and newly switched ofatumumab groups, cumulative 3- and 6-month CDW rates remained low. In the safety set (n = 1969), the most frequently reported adverse events were infections and infestations (58.35%). No new safety signals were identified. CONCLUSION Ofatumumab has a favorable longer-term benefit-risk profile in RMS. TRIAL REGISTRY ALITHIOS (NCT03650114): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03650114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Hauser
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 1651 4th Street, Box 3126, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ronald Zielman
- Clinical Development, Novartis Pharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ayan Das Gupta
- Analytics, Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India
| | - Jing Xi
- China Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research Co. Ltd., Novartis, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dee Stoneman
- Global Medical, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Derrick Robertson
- Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Division, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Biomedical and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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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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10
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Zaheer R, Amin R, Riddick L, Roy S, Wolff S, Nathanson A, Newsome S. Impact of COVID-19 on prescribing patterns and treatment selection of disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 71:104575. [PMID: 36857853 PMCID: PMC9924032 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain classes of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease modifying therapies (DMTs) have been associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19, resulting in prescribers considering changes in their practice habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed for differences in prescribing patterns of DMTs along with the reason(s) for modification of therapy over time. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records at Johns Hopkins Health System was performed. The timeframe of the study, April 2019 to December 2021, was divided into three subcategories: pre-pandemic (April 2019-March 2020), pre-vaccine availability (April 2020-March 2021), and post-vaccine availability (April 2021-December 2021). Patients were identified through dispense reports from the pharmacy dispensing system, and prescribing report from the health-system electronic health record (EHR). The health-system EHR was also utilized to conduct chart reviews for a subset of patients that had a modification in their therapy during the specified timeframes. The study included adult patients that were prescribed at least one DMT through the Johns Hopkins Pharmacy Services during the study timeframe and those who stayed on their DMT for at least 2 months without tolerability issues. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the prescribing practices during the timeframes with the percentage of prescribing for each type of treatment and to assess the percentage of patients that switched therapies in the different time periods. RESULTS Based on prescribing report data, 670 patients were prescribed a DMT during the pre-pandemic period with infusion therapies being the most prescribed therapies during this timeframe (38%), followed by oral therapies at 35%. In comparison, a total of 620 patients were prescribed a DMT during pre-vaccine pandemic and the percentage of prescriptions of infusion therapies decreased to 28% (-10%) during this timeframe, whereas oral prescriptions increased to 42% (+7%). These trends continued during the post-vaccine timeframe where infusion therapies decreased to 26% (-12%) and oral therapies increased to 43% (+8%) in reference to the pre-pandemic period. Prescribing patterns of self-injectable therapies remained stable throughout the 3 timeframes. A dispensing report cohort of 500 patients were randomly selected for chart reviews to assess therapy modifications due to COVID-19. The percentage of therapy change due to COVID-19 increased to 45.2% during pre-vaccine period and remained at 38.4% during post-vaccine period when compared to the pre-pandemic reference period. The majority of changes due to COVID-19 were delays in infusion therapies (96% during pre-vaccine, and 94% during post-vaccine), not medication changes. CONCLUSION Prescribing patterns and therapy modifications of DMTs for MS patients were impacted by COVID-19, with the greatest changes observed for the infusion therapies, including reduction in percentage of infusion prescriptions and delays in infusion therapies. Prescribing patterns of lower efficacy self-injectable therapies (interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate) remained stable. The outcomes of this study provide background for future outcomes-focused research studies in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roma Amin
- Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Shuvro Roy
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sujin Wolff
- Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Scott Newsome
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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11
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Knapp R, Hardtstock F, Wilke T, Maywald U, Chognot C, Craveiro L, Rouzic EML. Comparing the risk of serious infections in patients with and without MS: A German claims data analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 72:104583. [PMID: 36905817 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that serious infections (SIs), comorbidities, and advanced disability represent key drivers of early death in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Nevertheless, further research is warranted to better characterize and quantify the risk of SI among pwMS compared to the general population. METHODS Our study consisted of a retrospective analysis of claims data provided by a German statutory health insurance fund, AOK PLUS, covering 3.4 million individuals in Saxony and Thuringia from 01/01/2015-31/12/2019. A propensity score (PS) matching method was used to compare the incidence of SIs among people with and without MS. PwMS were required to have ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 confirmed outpatient diagnoses of MS (ICD-10 G35) from a neurologist from 01/01/2016-31/12/2018, while people from the general population could not have any inpatient/outpatient codes for MS during the entire study period. The index date was defined as the first observed MS diagnosis or, in the case of the non-MS cohort, a randomly assigned date within the inclusion period. For both cohorts a PS was assigned, corresponding with their probabilistic likelihood of having MS based on observable factors including patient characteristics, comorbidities, medication use and other variables. People with and without MS were matched using a 1:1 nearest neighbor strategy. An exhaustive list of ICD-10 codes was created in association with 11 main SI categories. SIs were those recorded as the main diagnosis during an inpatient stay. ICD-10 codes from the 11 main categories were sorted into smaller classification units, used to distinguish between infections. A 60-day threshold for measuring new cases was defined to account for the potential risk of re-infection. Patients were observed until the end of the study period (31/12/2019) or death. Cumulative incidence, incidence rates (IRs) and IR ratios (IRRs) were reported during follow-up and at 1-, 2- and 3-years post-index. RESULTS A total of 4250 and 2,098,626 patients were included in the unmatched cohorts of people with and without MS. Ultimately, one match was identified for all 4,250 pwMS, corresponding with a final population of 8,500 patients. On average, patients were 52.0/52.2 years in the matched MS/non-MS cohorts; the gender breakdown was 72% female. Overall, IRs of SIs per 100 patient years (PY) were higher in pwMS than in those without MS (1 year: 7.6 vs. 4.3; 2 years: 7.1 vs. 3.8; 3 years: 6.9 vs. 3.9). During follow-up, the most common infection types in pwMS were of a bacterial/parasitic origin (2.3 per 100 PY), followed by respiratory (2.0) and genitourinary (1.9) infections. Respiratory infections were most common in patients without MS (1.5 per 100 PY). Differences in the IRs of SIs were statistically significant (p<0.01) at each measurement window, with IRRs ranging from 1.7-1.9. PwMS had a higher risk of hospitalized genitourinary infections (IRR: 3.3-3.8) and bacterial/parasitic infections (2.0-2.3). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of SIs is much higher in pwMS, than comparators from the general population in Germany. Differences in hospitalized infection rates were largely driven by higher levels of bacterial/parasitic and genitourinary infections in the MS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Knapp
- Cytel Inc., Potsdamer Straße 58, 10785, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Thomas Wilke
- IPAM e.V., Alter Holzhafen 19, 23966, Wismar, Germany.
| | - Ulf Maywald
- AOK PLUS, Sternplatz 7, 01067, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cathy Chognot
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Licinio Craveiro
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Takahashi J, Okamoto T, Lin Y, Saika R, Katsumoto A, Sato W, Yamamura T, Takahashi Y. Ratio of lymphocyte to monocyte area under the curve as a novel predictive factor for severe infection in multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133444. [PMID: 36865535 PMCID: PMC9972680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are vulnerable to all types of infection, because MS itself involves immunodeficiency, in addition to involving treatment with immunosuppressants. Simple predictive variables for infection that are easily assessed in daily examinations are warranted. Lymphocyte area under the curve (L_AUC), defined as the sum of serial absolute lymphocyte counts under the lymphocyte count-time curve, has been established as a predictive factor for several infections after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We assessed whether L_AUC could also be a useful factor for predicting severe infection in MS patients. Methods From October 2010 to January 2022, MS patients, diagnosed based on the 2017 McDonald criteria, were retrospectively reviewed. We extracted patients with infection requiring hospitalization (IRH) from medical records and matched with controls in a 1:2 ratio. Variables including clinical severity and laboratory data were compared between the infection group and controls. L_AUC was calculated along with the AUC of total white blood cells (W_AUC), neutrophils (N_AUC), lymphocytes (L_AUC), and monocytes (M_AUC). To correct for different times of blood examination and extract mean values of AUC per time point, we divided the AUC by follow-up duration. For example, in evaluating lymphocyte counts, we defined the ratio of [L_AUC] to [follow-up duration] as [L_AUC/t]. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to extract predictive factors associated with IRH. Also, discriminative analysis was conducted using candidate variables from multivariate analysis. Results The total case-control sample included 177 patients of MS with IRH (n=59) and non-IRH (controls) (n=118). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the risk of serious infection in patients with MS with higher baseline expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (OR 1.340, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.070-1.670, p = 0.010) and lower ratio of L_AUC/t to M_AUC/t (OR 0.766, 95%CI 0.591-0.993, p = 0.046) were significant. Notably, the kind of treatment, including glucocorticoids (GCs), disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) and other immunosuppressants agents, and dose of GCs were not significantly associated with serious infection after correlated with EDSS and ratio of L_AUC/t to M_AUC/t. In discriminative analysis, sensitivity was 88.1% (95%CI 76.5-94.7%) and specificity was 35.6% (95%CI 27.1-45.0%), using EDSS ≥ 6.0 or ratio of L_AUC/t to M_AUC/t ≤ 3.699, while sensitivity was 55.9% (95%CI 42.5-68.6%) and specificity was 83.9% (95%CI 75.7-89.8%), using both EDSS ≥ 6.0 and ratio of L_AUC/t to M_AUC/t ≤ 3.699. Conclusion Our study revealed the impact of the ratio L_AUC/t to M_AUC/t as a novel prognostic factor for IRH. Clinicians should pay more attention to laboratory data such as lymphocyte or monocyte counts itself, directly presenting individual immunodeficiency, rather than the kind of drug to prevent infection as a clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichiro Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okamoto
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Tomoko Okamoto,
| | - Youwei Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Saika
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Katsumoto
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wakiro Sato
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Goedken AM, Foster KY, Ernst EJ. Urinary Tract Infection Frequency and Prescription Prophylaxis in Females and Males with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020170. [PMID: 36839442 PMCID: PMC9961979 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Females and males with recurrent urinary tract infections may receive prescription prophylaxis to reduce the infection frequency. Little is known about how prescription prophylaxis differs between patients meeting and exceeding the minimum threshold for recurrent urinary tract infections. The objectives of this study were to estimate the association between infection frequency and receipt of prescription prophylaxis and describe the type of prescription prophylaxis initiated. This observational study used de-identified fully-insured commercial insurance data from the Midwest from 2003-2016 to identify females and males under age 64 with recurrent urinary tract infections. The patients were categorized as having three or more urinary tract infections in twelve months or only two infections in six months. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between the infection frequency and receipt of prophylaxis. The frequency of the type of prophylaxis initiated was measured. The odds of receiving prophylaxis were greater in the females and males with three or more infections compared to the patients with only two infections. Estrogen prophylaxis was initiated at a higher rate in females aged 45-63 with two infections than the females with three or more infections. Prescription prophylaxis in females and males with recurrent urinary tract infections differs between those meeting and exceeding the minimum frequency threshold.
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14
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Graves JS, Krysko KM, Hua LH, Absinta M, Franklin RJM, Segal BM. Ageing and multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:66-77. [PMID: 36216015 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The factor that is most relevant and strongly associated with the clinical course of multiple sclerosis is chronological age. Very young patients exclusively have relapsing remitting disease, whereas those with later onset disease face a more rapid development of permanent disability. For people with progressive multiple sclerosis, the poor response to current disease modifying therapies might be related to ageing in the immune system and CNS. Ageing is also associated with increased risks of side-effects caused by some multiple sclerosis therapies. Both somatic and reproductive ageing processes might contribute to development of progressive multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of ageing in immune and neural cell function in patients with multiple sclerosis might be key to halting non-relapse-related progression. The growing literature on potential therapies that target senescent cells and ageing processes might provide effective strategies for remyelination and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, San Diego VA Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Kristen M Krysko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Le H Hua
- Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Martina Absinta
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Robin J M Franklin
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Segal
- Department of Neurology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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15
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Knapp R, Hardtstock F, Krieger J, Wilke T, Maywald U, Chognot C, Muros-Le Rouzic E, Craveiro L. Serious infections in patients with relapsing and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: A German claims data study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104245. [PMID: 36306609 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have a higher risk of serious infection (i.e., infection-related hospitalizations) than people without MS. Few studies have explored the risk of serious infections by MS phenotype in a real-world setting. This retrospective study compared the incidence of serious infections among people with relapse remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). METHODS Adult pwMS were selected from a German claims database, based on one inpatient or two outpatient diagnoses of MS (ICD-10 G35) by a neurologist from 01/01/2016 to 12/31/2018. Three cohorts (RRMS, PPMS, SPMS) were identified based on codes for MS subtypes included in the German Modification of the ICD-10 system. A fourth cohort of unspecified MS patients combined those with conflicting MS subtype diagnoses and multiple unspecified codes for MS. Serious infections were defined as hospitalizations for which infections were selected as the primary inpatient diagnosis. Infections were identified from a basket of ICD-10 codes distributed across 11 main categories, according to possible pathogen (e.g., other bacterial diseases [A30-A49]) or anatomical location (e.g., urinary tract infection [N39.0]). Multiple infections were counted if an interval of at least 60 days was recorded between episodes. Serious infections were counted from index (i.e., first recorded MS code) until the end of the study period or death. Incidence rates (IRs) were reported per 100 patient years (PY). RESULTS A total of 4,250 pwMS (RRMS: 2,307, PPMS: 282, SPMS: 558, unspecified MS: 1,135) were included; 32 patients progressed from RRMS to SPMS during the follow-up period. Mean (SD) age at baseline was 46.6 (13.6), 61.9 (12.4), and 62.5 (11.8) years in patients with RRMS, PPMS, and SPMS, respectively. Most pwMS were female (RRMS 74.8%, PPMS 62.1%, SPMS 67.4%). Progressive pwMS were more likely to have at least 1 comorbidity (PPMS 87.2%, SPMS 87.5%) compared to those with relapsing MS (61.9%). Most RRMS patients received disease-modifying therapy during follow-up (82.1%), while less than half of progressive MS patients did (PPMS 23.8%, SPMS 31.4%). Over a mean (SD) follow-up period of 3.5 (0.8) years, the IR of serious infections per 100 PY was higher in progressive MS cohorts (PPMS 13.5 [11.3-16.1], SPMS 13.6 [12.0-15.3]) than in the RRMS group (3.4 [3.0-3.7]). Yearly IRs remained stable over time in each cohort. Where anatomical location was specified, respiratory (2.0 per 100 PY) and genitourinary (1.9 per 100 PY) infections were most common. Across all subtypes, higher rates of serious infections were observed in men and older patients. CONCLUSION Progressive MS, older age and male sex are associated with an increased risk of serious infections. Overall, respiratory and genitourinary infections were the most commonly reported serious infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Knapp
- Cytel, Potsdamer Straße 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Wilke
- IPAM e.V., Alter Holzhafen 19, 23966 Wismar, Germany
| | - Ulf Maywald
- AOK PLUS, Sternplatz 7, 01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Cathy Chognot
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Licinio Craveiro
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Cauchi M, Willis M, Andrews A, Backx M, Brownlee W, Ford HL, Gran B, Jolles S, Price S, Rashid W, Schmierer K, Tallantyre EC. Multiple sclerosis and the risk of infection: Association of British Neurologists consensus guideline. Pract Neurol 2022; 22:practneurol-2022-003370. [PMID: 35863879 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2022-003370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Infection in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is of major concern, particularly for those receiving disease-modifying therapies. This article explores the risk of infection in people with MS and provides guidance-developed by Delphi consensus by specialists involved in their management-on how to screen for, prevent and manage infection in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Cauchi
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Willis
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Angela Andrews
- Pharmacy Neurosciences Directorate, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthijs Backx
- Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Wales and Department of Microbiology, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Wallace Brownlee
- Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, London, UK
| | - Helen L Ford
- Centre for Neurosciences, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, Leeds, UK
| | - Bruno Gran
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience Academic Unit, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen Jolles
- Immunodeficiency Centre for Wales, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sian Price
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Waqar Rashid
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Klaus Schmierer
- The Blizard Institute (Neuroscience, Surgery & Trauma), Queen Mary University of London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma C Tallantyre
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Brand JS, Smith KA, Piehl F, Olsson T, Montgomery S. Risk of serious infections in multiple sclerosis patients by disease course and disability status: Results from a Swedish register-based study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 22:100470. [PMID: 35607517 PMCID: PMC9123212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Serious infections are an emerging concern with increasing use of potent immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the extent to which MS disease features influence infectious susceptibility is poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of MS disease course and disability status with risk of serious infections. Methods A cohort of 8660 MS patients was individually matched on age, sex and region of residence with 86,600 people without MS from the general population using national registers in Sweden. The study period was from 1996 to 2012, with follow-up until December 31, 2014. The main outcomes were infection as the underlying or contributory cause of death or infection-related hospital admission identified in the Cause of Death and Patient registers. MS disease course (relapsing-remitting or progressive disease) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (six and over or below six) were extracted from the MS Register Hazard ratios (HRs) for any serious infection were estimated using flexible parametric models. Results During a median follow-up of 9.6 years (interquartile range = 5.5-13.5 years), 1337 MS patients experienced a serious infection. Compared with individually matched people without MS, risk of serious infection was greater for progressive disease (HR = 3.80; 95% CI 3.52: 4.09) than relapsing-remitting disease (HR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.62:1.93). A similar pattern of risk was seen for dichotomised EDSS score (HR = 4.26; 95% CI 3.87: 4.70 for EDSS 6.0-9.5 and HR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.1853: 1.43 for EDSS 0.0-5.5). Overall, associations with greater disability did not notably differ by immunomodulatory therapy use, but associations with lower disability were more pronounced in patients receiving these therapies. Conclusions Disease course or EDSS score (which may be more readily available than MS course in some patients) should be considered in individual management and monitoring of MS patients, including assessing benefit-risk of therapies that influence general immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith S. Brand
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Kelsi A. Smith
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott Montgomery
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
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18
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Abstract
Purpose of Review COVID-19 has posed a continuously evolving challenge for providers caring for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). While guidelines from national and international organizations came quickly, these have required constant reassessment and modification as the pandemic has progressed. This review aims to assess the first 2 years of literature on COVID-19 relevant to the clinical management of patients with MS. In particular, we will review how MS impacts the risk of COVID-19 infection, how disease-modifying therapies may alter this risk, and explore considerations regarding disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and vaccination for COVID-19. We will also explore potential ways in which a COVID-19 infection may impact multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to provide an overarching review of the major findings at this stage of the pandemic relevant to those that care for patients with MS. Recent Findings Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, providers have had to re-evaluate the priorities in the management of MS. A growing number of studies have evaluated the relevant risk factors and considerations regarding MS and particular disease-modifying therapies. Summary The long-term impacts of the pandemic on the health of those with MS will continue to be revealed. In general, most patients with MS do not need major revisions to their treatment plan due to COVID-19 risk. However, individuals who are older, more disabled, and on more potent therapies may need to consider strategies for decreasing their overall risk. Regardless, continued improvement in our understanding of interactions between infections, disease-modifying therapy, and MS are paramount to optimizing the care of those with MS going forward.
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19
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Interrogating large multiple sclerosis registries and databases: what information can be gained? Curr Opin Neurol 2022; 35:271-277. [PMID: 35674068 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the natural history of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the development of new therapies, many questions concerning disease behavior and therapeutics remain to be answered. Data generated from real-world observational studies, based on large MS registries and databases and analyzed with advanced statistical methods, are offering the scientific community answers to some of these questions that are otherwise difficult or impossible to address. This review focuses on observational studies published in the last 2 years designed to compare the effectiveness of escalation vs. induction treatment strategies, to assess the effectiveness of treatment in pediatric-onset and late-onset MS, and to identify the clinical phenotype of secondary progressive (SP)MS. RECENT FINDINGS The main findings originating from real-world studies suggest that MS patients who will qualify for high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) should be offered these as early as possible to prevent irreversible accumulation of neurological disability. Especially pediatric patients derive substantial benefits from early treatment. In patients with late-onset MS, sustained exposure to DMTs may result in more favorable outcomes. Data-driven definitions are more accurate in defining transition to SPMS than diagnosis based solely on neurologists' judgment. SUMMARY Patients, physicians, industry, and policy-makers have all benefited from real-world evidence based on registry data, in answering questions of diagnostics, choice of treatment, and timing of treatment decisions.
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Nicholas JA, Gudesblatt M, Garabedian M, Belviso N, Shen C, Geremakis C, Shankar SL, Mendoza JP, Lewin JB. Dimethyl fumarate is associated with lower rates of infection and lower infection-related healthcare costs when compared with ocrelizumab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Panisset MG, Kilpatrick T, Cofré Lizama LE, Galea MP. Implementing education: Personal communication with a healthcare professional is a critical step to address vaccine hesitancy for people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103933. [PMID: 35671672 PMCID: PMC9158244 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) were first able to access COVID-19 vaccines in Australia from March 2021, when vaccine hesitancy in the general population was high (14–43%). High uptake of vaccination is important globally and critical to protect this vulnerable population. We conducted an on-line survey to examine factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination willingness among PwMS in Australia. Methods 149 PwMS living in Australia completed the on-line survey (April-September 2021) examining demographic, environmental and clinical factors with respect to vaccine willingness, including attitudes towards COVID-19 illness and vaccines. Additional items explored the influence of different information sources on vaccination decisions. Continuous and ordinal data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. All tests were two-tailed, with alpha set at 0.5. Results A majority of the respondents were female (87.2%) with relapsing-remitting MS (77.5%) treated by a neurologist (94.0%). A majority were on high efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) (64.9%), while 19.9% were on no DMTs. About one third of respondents (32.9%) had had two doses, 20.8% had received their first dose, and 22.1% were unvaccinated, while 24.2% of responses were missing. When asked about vaccine intentions, 60.6% of the unvaccinated indicated they were likely to extremely likely to get vaccinated, while 15.2% were very unlikely or extremely unlikely to do so and 24.2% were undecided. Unvaccinated people were significantly more concerned about vaccine side effects (mean 5.3 versus 3.1/10; p < .001). Only 53.3% of people on DMTs were vaccinated, compared to 75% of those who were not. People on ocrelizumab therapy (n = 35) had a lower vaccination rate (39%) than those on other medications (n = 86, 59%). Vaccine willingness in the unvaccinated was most highly correlated with knowledge regarding the vaccine (rs2=.709), agreement with the statement that COVID-19 vaccination is “too new for me to be confident about getting vaccinated” (rs2= -.709), anticipation of regret due to side effects of vaccination (rs2= -.642), and lack of knowledge regarding interactions between COVID-19 vaccines and DMTs (rs2= -.570). Almost two thirds had read MS-specific information about COVID-19 vaccinations and found it easy to understand (67.6%) and applicable to their situation (53.6%). However, less than half (47.8%) reported the information helped them make a personal vaccination decision. Over two-thirds (64.9%) had discussed vaccinations with their healthcare professional and 31.1% had not. Those who had not, were significantly more uninformed about the interactions of the vaccine with MS medications (mean 3.9 versus 2.9/10; p = .044) and significantly lower intention of vaccine uptake than those who had (mean 5.8 versus 7.9/10; p = .009). Conclusion Our study highlights that vaccination efforts should be delivered by healthcare professionals, focus on educating those who are managed with DMTs, and include individual recommendations related to specific DMTs, how the vaccines work, expectations regarding potential side-effects, potential exacerbation of MS symptoms, likelihood of recovery from any exacerbation, and the relative risks of side effects versus COVID-19 infection. Specific recommendations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Panisset
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Clinical Sciences Building 601, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.
| | - T Kilpatrick
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Clinical Sciences Building 601, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; MS Unit, Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Level 5, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - L E Cofré Lizama
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Clinical Sciences Building 601, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - M P Galea
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Clinical Sciences Building 601, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; Department of Rehabilitation, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, 34-45 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Australia Australian Rehabilitation Research Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, 34-45 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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22
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Weber MS, Buttmann M, Meuth SG, Dirks P, Muros-Le Rouzic E, Eggebrecht JC, Hieke-Schulz S, Leemhuis J, Ziemssen T. Safety, Adherence and Persistence in a Real-World Cohort of German MS Patients Newly Treated With Ocrelizumab: First Insights From the CONFIDENCE Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:863105. [PMID: 35614917 PMCID: PMC9126090 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.863105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Real-world relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) populations may be more diverse than in clinical trials. Here, we present a first analysis of safety, adherence and persistence data from a real-world cohort of patients newly treated with ocrelizumab. Methods CONFIDENCE (ML39632, EUPAS22951) is an ongoing multicenter, non-interventional post authorization safety study assessing patients with RMS or PPMS newly treated with ocrelizumab or other disease-modifying therapies for up to 10 years. For this analysis, patients newly treated with ocrelizumab were analyzed in subgroups by MS phenotype and age over a mean ~1 year of exposure totaling 2,329 patient years [PY]). Results At data cutoff (14 October 2020), 1,702 patients with RMS and 398 patients with PPMS were treated with ≥1 dose of ocrelizumab. At baseline, the mean ages (SD) of patients with RMS and PPMS were 41.59 (11.24) and 50.95 (9.88) years and the mean EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) was 3.18 (1.87) and 4.41 (1.59), respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs across both phenotypes were infections and infestations, with infection SAE rates of 2.8 events/100 PY and 1.5 events/100 PY in patients with RMS and PPMS, respectively. Across all phenotypes, ocrelizumab persistence was 92% at 24 months; median time between doses was ~6 months. Conclusions The ocrelizumab safety profile observed in the CONFIDENCE real-world MS population was consistent to the one observed in pivotal clinical trials. High treatment persistence and adherence were observed. Trial Registration ML39632, EUPAS22951
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S Weber
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuropathology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Sven G Meuth
- Clinic of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Petra Dirks
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, Carl Gustav Carus University Clinic, University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
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23
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Marrie RA, Dolovich C, Cutter GR, Fox RJ, Salter A. Attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2022; 8:20552173221102067. [PMID: 35634013 PMCID: PMC9131385 DOI: 10.1177/20552173221102067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We estimated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) population and investigated reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Methods In Spring 2021, we surveyed the NARCOMS participants about COVID-19 vaccinations. Participants reported whether they had received any COVID-19 vaccination; if not, they reported why not. They also reported whether they had received influenza vaccination. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed participant characteristics associated with uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Results Of 4955 eligible respondents, 3998 (80.7%) were females with a mean (SD) age of 64.0 (9.7) years. Overall, 4165 (84.1%) reported that they had received a COVID-19 vaccine, most often Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and 3723 (75.4%) received a seasonal influenza vaccine. Reasons for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine included possible adverse effects (47.73%), possible lack of efficacy (13.7%), and lack of perceived need (17.1%). Factors associated with receiving the COVID-19 vaccine included receipt of influenza vaccine, older age, higher socioeconomic status, any leisure physical activity, and use of disease-modifying therapy. Conclusion In this older cohort of people with multiple sclerosis, COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high, exceeding uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine. Concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and lack of perceived risk were associated with not obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Casandra Dolovich
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Gary R Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Robert J. Fox
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amber Salter
- Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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24
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Leung MW, Bazelier MT, Souverein PC, Uitdehaag BM, Klungel OH, Leufkens HG, Pajouheshnia R. Mapping the risk of infections in patients with multiple sclerosis: A multi-database study in the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and Aurum. Mult Scler 2022; 28:1808-1818. [PMID: 35575214 PMCID: PMC9442628 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221094218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have an increased risk of infections; risk factors include underlying disease, physical impairment and use of some disease-modifying treatments. Objective: To quantify changes in population-level infection rates among pwMS and compare these to the general population and people with rheumatoid arthritis (pwRA), and identify patient characteristics predictive of infections after MS diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a multi-database study using data on 23,226 people with MS diagnosis from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and GOLD (January 2000–December 2020). PwMS were matched to MS-free controls and pwRA. We calculated infection rates, and estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of predictors for infections ⩽ 5 years after MS diagnosis using Poisson regression. Results: Among pwMS, overall infection rates remained stable – 1.51-fold (1.49–1.52) that in MS-free controls and 0.87-fold (0.86–0.88) that in pwRA – although urinary tract infection rate per 1000 person-years increased from 98.7 (96.1–101) (2000–2010) to 136 (134–138) (2011–2020). Recent infection before MS diagnosis was most predictive of infections (1 infection: IRR 1.92 (1.86–1.97); ⩾2 infections: IRR 3.00 (2.89–3.10)). Conclusion: The population-level elevated risk of infection among pwMS has remained stable despite the introduction of disease-modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Wy Leung
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes T Bazelier
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C Souverein
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard Mj Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VUmc MS Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf H Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert Gm Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Romin Pajouheshnia
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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Cross AH, Delgado S, Habek M, Davydovskaya M, Ward BJ, Cree BAC, Totolyan N, Pingili R, Mancione L, Hu X, Sullivan R, Su W, Zielman R, Gupta AD, Montalban X, Winthrop K. COVID-19 Outcomes and Vaccination in People with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Ofatumumab. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:741-758. [PMID: 35284994 PMCID: PMC8918079 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated better understanding of the impact of disease-modifying therapies on COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination. We report characteristics of COVID-19 cases and vaccination status in ofatumumab-treated relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients. Methods COVID-19 data analyzed were from the ongoing, open-label, long-term extension phase 3b ALITHIOS study from December 2019 (pandemic start) and post-marketing cases from August 2020 (ofatumumab first approval) up to 25 September 2021. COVID-19 cases, severity, seriousness, outcomes, vaccination status, and breakthrough infection were evaluated. Results As of 25 September 2021, 245 of 1703 patients (14.4%) enrolled in ALITHIOS receiving ofatumumab (median exposure: 2.45 years) reported COVID-19 (confirmed: 210; suspected: 35). Most COVID-19 was of mild (44.1%) or moderate (46.5%) severity, but 9% had severe/life-threatening COVID-19. There were 24 serious cases (9.8%) with 23 patients hospitalized; 22 recovered and 2 died. At study cut-off, 241 patients (98.4%) had recovered or were recovering or had recovered with sequelae and 2 (0.8%) had not recovered. Ofatumumab was temporarily interrupted in 39 (15.9%) patients. Before COVID-19 onset, IgG levels were within the normal range in all COVID-19–affected patients, while IgM was < 0.4 g/l in 23 (9.4%) patients. No patient had a reinfection. Overall, 559 patients were vaccinated (full, 476; partial, 74; unspecified, 9). Breakthrough infection was reported in 1.5% (7/476) patients, and 11 reported COVID-19 after partial vaccination. As of 25 September 2021, the Novartis Safety Database (~ 4713 patient-treatment years) recorded 90 confirmed COVID-19 cases receiving ofatumumab. Most cases were non-serious (n = 80), and ten were serious (1 medically significant, 9 hospitalized, 0 deaths). Among 36 of 90 cases with outcomes reported, 30 recovered and 6 did not recover. Conclusion COVID-19 in RMS patients on ofatumumab was primarily of mild/moderate severity and non-serious in these observational data. Most recovered from COVID-19 without treatment interruption. Two people died with COVID-19. Breakthrough COVID-19 despite being fully/partially vaccinated was uncommon. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00341-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne H Cross
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silvia Delgado
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mario Habek
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maria Davydovskaya
- Moscow State Public Healthcare InsCity Clinical Hospital 24, Moscow, Russia
| | - Brian J Ward
- Infectious Diseases Division, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bruce A C Cree
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Totolyan
- First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Linda Mancione
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Xixi Hu
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | - Wendy Su
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Xavier Montalban
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Winthrop
- School of Public Health at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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26
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Krzystanek E, Jurczak A, Kocur K, Jurkiewicz J, Kaczmarczyk A. Awareness of COVID-19 Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Vaccinations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063366. [PMID: 35329050 PMCID: PMC8951455 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, affecting around 2.8 million people worldwide. Patients’ knowledge about COVID-19 infection, and their proper protective actions, may reduce the risk of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of patients with MS about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 illness, the relationship between MS and COVID-19, willingness to be vaccinated, and the impact of the pandemic on MS care. An original, anonymous, 35-items, self-reported questionnaire was used in both web-based and on-site survey formats. Two-hundred and forty-eight questionnaires were analyzed (mean age 40.8 ± 10.6 years, 77.8% women). Participants reported the use of multiple sources of information, and the most common were websites (77.8%) and television (59.3%). The majority of participants knew the correct symptoms of COVID-19 or transmission routes (94.4%), and accepted the pandemic’s restrictions (96.8%). A total of 93.2% considered SARS-CoV-2 as highly infectious, and 69% thought they were at higher risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, mainly because of immunodeficiency (82.7%). Although most of them were afraid of COVID-19 (69.0%), only two-thirds wanted to be vaccinated. Patients who were afraid of COVID-19 had a 3.5-times higher chance to declare willingness for vaccination. A total of 29.8% patients claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to the healthcare system. This study shows that Polish patients with MS represent a good level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease, and acceptance for public rules, but their willingness for vaccinations is not sufficient. Country-wide educational campaigns should be conducted, particularly on the internet and TV. Restrictions in healthcare facilities should be balanced to secure access for patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krzystanek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-635 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Agata Jurczak
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.J.); (K.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Kinga Kocur
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.J.); (K.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Jakub Jurkiewicz
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.J.); (K.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Aleksandra Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
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27
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Graf J, Ng HS, Zhu F, Zhao Y, Wijnands JM, Evans C, Fisk JD, Marrie RA, Tremlett H. Emergency department use by persons with MS: A population-based descriptive study with a focus on infection-related visits. Mult Scler 2022; 28:1825-1828. [PMID: 35232298 PMCID: PMC9442277 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221078497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We described emergency department (ED) visits (all visits and infection-related)
by persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) in British Columbia, Canada (1 April
2012 to 31 December 2017). We identified 15,350 MS cases using health
administrative data; 73.4% were women, averaging 51.4 years at study entry. Over
4.9 years of follow-up (mean), 56.0% of MS cases visited an ED (mean = 0.6
visits/person/year; total = 37,072 visits). A diagnosis was documented for
25,698 (69.3%) ED visits, and 18.4% (4725/25,698) were infection-related.
Inpatient admissions were reported for 20.4% (5238/25,698) of all and 29.2%
(1380/4725) of infection-related ED visits. Findings suggest that the ED plays a
substantial role in MS healthcare and infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Graf
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huah Shin Ng
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Feng Zhu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yinshan Zhao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - José Ma Wijnands
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charity Evans
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - John D Fisk
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Helen Tremlett
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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28
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Zabalza A, Arrambide G, Tagliani P, Cárdenas-Robledo S, Otero-Romero S, Esperalba J, Fernandez-Naval C, Trocoli Campuzano J, Martínez Gallo M, Castillo M, Bonastre M, Resina Sallés M, Beltran J, Carbonell-Mirabent P, Rodríguez-Barranco M, López-Maza S, Melgarejo Otálora PJ, Ruiz-Ortiz M, Pappolla A, Rodríguez Acevedo B, Midaglia L, Vidal-Jordana A, Cobo-Calvo A, Tur C, Galán I, Castilló J, Río J, Espejo C, Comabella M, Nos C, Sastre-Garriga J, Tintore M, Montalban X. Humoral and Cellular Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Convalescent COVID-19 Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. NEUROLOGY - NEUROIMMUNOLOGY NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/2/e1143. [PMID: 35105687 PMCID: PMC8808353 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Information about humoral and cellular responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and antibody persistence in convalescent (COVID-19) patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate factors influencing humoral and cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its persistence in convalescent COVID-19 PwMS. Methods This is a retrospective study of confirmed COVID-19 convalescent PwMS identified between February 2020 and May 2021 by SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. We examined relationships between demographics, MS characteristics, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and humoral (immunoglobulin G against spike and nucleocapsid proteins) and cellular (interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]) responses to SARS-CoV-2. Results A total of 121 (83.45%) of 145 PwMS were seropositive, and 25/42 (59.5%) presented a cellular response up to 13.1 months after COVID-19. Anti–CD20-treated patients had lower antibody titers than those under other DMTs (p < 0.001), but severe COVID-19 and a longer time from last infusion increased the likelihood of producing a humoral response. IFN-γ levels did not differ among DMT. Five of 7 (71.4%) anti-–CD20-treated seronegative patients had a cellular response. The humoral response persisted for more than 6 months in 41/56(81.13%) PwMS. In multivariate analysis, seropositivity decreased due to anti-CD20 therapy (OR 0.08 [95% CI 0.01–0.55]) and increased in males (OR 3.59 [1.02–12.68]), whereas the cellular response decreased in those with progressive disease (OR 0.04 [0.001–0.88]). No factors were associated with antibody persistence. Discussion Humoral and cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 are present in COVID-19 convalescent PwMS up to 13.10 months after COVID-19. The humoral response decreases under anti-CD20 treatment, although the cellular response can be detected in anti–CD20-treated patients, even in the absence of antibodies.
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29
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Tur C, Dubessy AL, Otero-Romero S, Amato MP, Derfuss T, Di Pauli F, Iacobaeus E, Mycko M, Abboud H, Achiron A, Bellinvia A, Boyko A, Casanova JL, Clifford D, Dobson R, Farez MF, Filippi M, Fitzgerald KC, Fonderico M, Gouider R, Hacohen Y, Hellwig K, Hemmer B, Kappos L, Ladeira F, Lebrun-Frénay C, Louapre C, Magyari M, Mehling M, Oreja-Guevara C, Pandit L, Papeix C, Piehl F, Portaccio E, Ruiz-Camps I, Selmaj K, Simpson-Yap S, Siva A, Sorensen PS, Sormani MP, Trojano M, Vaknin-Dembinsky A, Vukusic S, Weinshenker B, Wiendl H, Winkelmann A, Zuluaga Rodas MI, Tintoré M, Stankoff B. The risk of infections for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder disease-modifying treatments: Eighth European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Focused Workshop Review. April 2021. Mult Scler 2022; 28:1424-1456. [PMID: 35196927 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211069068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the recent years, the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has evolved very rapidly and a large number of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are now available. However, most DMTs are associated with adverse events, the most frequent of which being infections. Consideration of all DMT-associated risks facilitates development of risk mitigation strategies. An international focused workshop with expert-led discussions was sponsored by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and was held in April 2021 to review our current knowledge about the risk of infections associated with the use of DMTs for people with MS and NMOSD and corresponding risk mitigation strategies. The workshop addressed DMT-associated infections in specific populations, such as children and pregnant women with MS, or people with MS who have other comorbidities or live in regions with an exceptionally high infection burden. Finally, we reviewed the topic of DMT-associated infectious risks in the context of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Herein, we summarize available evidence and identify gaps in knowledge which justify further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Tur
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne-Laure Dubessy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Paris, France/ Department of Neurology, Saint Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Susana Otero-Romero
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy/IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedicine and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Di Pauli
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ellen Iacobaeus
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcin Mycko
- Department of Neurology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Hesham Abboud
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anat Achiron
- Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Angelo Bellinvia
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alexey Boyko
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia/Institute of Clinical Neurology and Department of Neuroimmunology, Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Clifford
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ruth Dobson
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK/Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mauricio F Farez
- Center for Research on Neuroimmunological Diseases, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, Neurorehabilitation Unit and Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy/Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Kathryn C Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mattia Fonderico
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Riadh Gouider
- Department of Neurology, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yael Hacohen
- Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine, and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filipa Ladeira
- Neurology Department, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Christine Lebrun-Frénay
- CRCSEP Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice Pasteur 2, UR2CA-URRIS, Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Céline Louapre
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Paris, France/Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, CIC Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias Mehling
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedicine and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Idissc, Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lekha Pandit
- Center for Advanced Neurological Research, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Caroline Papeix
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Paris, France/Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, CIC Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilio Portaccio
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Isabel Ruiz-Camps
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Selmaj
- Collegium Medicum, Department of Neurology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland/Center of Neurology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Steve Simpson-Yap
- Clinical Outcomes Research Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aksel Siva
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Per Soelberg Sorensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Adi Vaknin-Dembinsky
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, The Agnes-Ginges Center for Neurogenetics Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Service de neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France/Centre des Neurosciences de Lyon, Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR5292, Lyon, France/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de médecine Lyon Est, Lyon, France
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Mar Tintoré
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bruno Stankoff
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Paris, France/ Department of Neurology, Saint Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
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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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Kasatkin D, Korobko D, Matson M, Lendoeva D, Ivanova S. Approaches to vaccine prevention in multiple sclerosis. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:29-36. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212209129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Baba C, Yigit P, Dastan S, Hancer P, Sagici O, Ozakbas S, Abasiyanik Z. Challenges of persons with multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment during COVID-19 pandemic. NEUROLOGY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 10:3-8. [PMID: 34909197 PMCID: PMC8661795 DOI: 10.1111/ncn3.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease of the 2019 pandemic caused much fear among people with chronic diseases and those on immunosuppressant treatment because of spreading knowledge that the infection has a fatal course in these populations. People with Multiple Sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment share this fear too. We aimed to investigate treatment and lifestyle changes of people with multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment during the lockdown. Methods We surveyed 199 of our registered multiple sclerosis patients on ocrelizumab treatment by phone. Results In this survey, delays in treating 22 (11%) patients were not caused by fear of immunosuppressive drug use but rather by the general fear of contracting a fatal disease, which is the case during traveling and hospital visits. There was a positive correlation between living alone and treatment delay (P = .029), emphasizing the role of family support or just the presence of another person during the pandemic. Conclusion Vaccines might soon solve the pandemic's issue, which is not the case with multiple sclerosis progression, so we should think twice before discontinuing the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cavid Baba
- Institute of Health ScienesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Pinar Yigit
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Seda Dastan
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Pelin Hancer
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Ozge Sagici
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Serkan Ozakbas
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of MedicineDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Zuhal Abasiyanik
- Graduate School of Health SciencesDokuz Eylul UniversityIzmirTurkey
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Barbieri MA, Bagnato G, Ioppolo C, Versace AG, Irrera N. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chronic Neurological Disorders: Focus on Patients with Dementia. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:1017-1026. [PMID: 35021982 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220111124928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) represents a public health problem worldwide. COVID-19 triggers a maladaptive cytokine release commonly referred to as cytokine storm syndrome with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, which also appears to contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders' appearance, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 might enter the central nervous system through binding with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors which are highly expressed in glial cells and neurons. For this reason, an association between COVID-19, its dependent cytokine storm, and the development and/or progression of neurodegenerative disorders might be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this review was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on the possible increased mortality risk and/or deterioration of the clinical course of pre-existing chronic neurological diseases in patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Barbieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bagnato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Ioppolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Versace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Nelson CA, Bove R, Butte AJ, Baranzini SE. Embedding electronic health records onto a knowledge network recognizes prodromal features of multiple sclerosis and predicts diagnosis. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 29:424-434. [PMID: 34915552 PMCID: PMC8800523 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early identification of chronic diseases is a pillar of precision medicine as it can lead to improved outcomes, reduction of disease burden, and lower healthcare costs. Predictions of a patient's health trajectory have been improved through the application of machine learning approaches to electronic health records (EHRs). However, these methods have traditionally relied on "black box" algorithms that can process large amounts of data but are unable to incorporate domain knowledge, thus limiting their predictive and explanatory power. Here, we present a method for incorporating domain knowledge into clinical classifications by embedding individual patient data into a biomedical knowledge graph. MATERIALS AND METHODS A modified version of the Page rank algorithm was implemented to embed millions of deidentified EHRs into a biomedical knowledge graph (SPOKE). This resulted in high-dimensional, knowledge-guided patient health signatures (ie, SPOKEsigs) that were subsequently used as features in a random forest environment to classify patients at risk of developing a chronic disease. RESULTS Our model predicted disease status of 5752 subjects 3 years before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) (AUC = 0.83). SPOKEsigs outperformed predictions using EHRs alone, and the biological drivers of the classifiers provided insight into the underpinnings of prodromal MS. CONCLUSION Using data from EHR as input, SPOKEsigs describe patients at both the clinical and biological levels. We provide a clinical use case for detecting MS up to 5 years prior to their documented diagnosis in the clinic and illustrate the biological features that distinguish the prodromal MS state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Nelson
- Integrated Program in Quantitative Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA,Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Riley Bove
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Atul J Butte
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sergio E Baranzini
- Corresponding Author: Sergio E. Baranzini, PhD, Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
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Validation of algorithms for identifying outpatient infections in MS patients using electronic medical records. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 57:103449. [PMID: 34915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Our multiple sclerosis (MS) stakeholder groups expressed concerns about whether MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) increase the risk of specific outpatient infections. Validated methods for identifying the risk of these selected outpatient infections in the general population either do not exist, exclude the clinically important possibility of recurrent infections, or are inaccurate, largely because existing studies relied primarily on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify infectious outcomes. Additionally, no studies have validated methods among the MS population, where some MS symptoms can be mistaken for infections (e.g., urinary tract infections (UTIs)). Objective To utilize multiple data elements in the electronic health record (EHR) to improve accurate identification of selected outpatient infections in an MS cohort and general population controls. Methods We searched Kaiser Permanente Southern California's EHR based on ICD-9/10 codes for specified outpatient infections from 1/1/2008-12/31/2018 among our MS cohort (n=6000) and 5:1 general population controls matched on age, sex, and race/ethnicity (n=30,010). Random sample chart abstractions from each group were used to identify common coding errors for outpatient pneumonia, upper and lower respiratory tract infection, UTIs, herpetic infections (herpes zoster (HZ), herpes simplex virus (HSV)), fungal infections, otitis media, cellulitis, and influenza. This information was used to define discrete infectious episodes and to identify the algorithm with the highest positive predictive value (PPV) after supplementing the ICD-coded episodes with radiology, laboratory and/or pharmacy data. Results PPVs relying on ICD codes alone were inaccurate, particularly for identifying recurrent herpetic infections (HZ (42%) and HSV (60%)), UTIs (42%) and outpatient pneumonia (20%) in MS patients. Defining and validating episodes improved the PPVs for all the selected infections. The final algorithms' PPVs were 80-100% in MS and 75-100% in the general population, after including dispensed treatments (UTI, herpetic infections and yeast vaginitis), timing of dispensed treatments (UTI, herpetic infections and yeast vaginitis), removal of prophylactic antiviral use (herpetic infections), and inclusion of selected laboratory (UTIs) and imaging results (pneumonia). The only exception was outpatient pneumonia, where PPVs improved but remained ≤70%. There were no significant differences in the PPVs for the final algorithms between the MS and general population. Conclusions Provided herein are accurate and validated algorithms that can be used to improve our understanding of how the risk of recurrent outpatient infections are influenced by MS treatments, MS-related disability, and co-morbidities. Findings from such studies will be important in helping patients and clinicians engage in shared decision-making and in developing strategies to mitigate risks of recurrent infections.
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Toscano S, Chisari CG, Patti F. Multiple Sclerosis, COVID-19 and Vaccines: Making the Point. Neurol Ther 2021; 10:627-649. [PMID: 34625925 PMCID: PMC8500471 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00288-7] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. In this context, several studies and clinical trials have been conducted since then, and many are currently ongoing, leading to the development of several COVID-19 vaccines with different mechanisms of action. People affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) have been considered high-risk subjects in most countries and prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. However, the management of MS during the COVID-19 pandemic has represented a new challenge for MS specialists, particularly because of the initial lack of guidelines and differing recommendations. Despite an initial hesitation in prescribing disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in naïve and already treated patients with MS, most national neurology associations and organizations agree on not stopping treatment. However, care is needed especially for patients treated with immune-depleting drugs, which also require some attentions in programming vaccine administration. Many discoveries and new research results have accumulated in a short time on COVID-19, resulting in a need for summarizing the existing evidence on this topic. In this review, we describe the latest research results on the immunological aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection speculating about their impact on COVID-19 vaccines' mechanisms of action and focused on the management of MS during the COVID pandemic according to the most recent guidelines and recommendations. Finally, the efficacy of COVID-19 and other well-known vaccines against infectious disease in patients with MS on DMDs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Toscano
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara G Chisari
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department G. F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Marrie RA, Tan Q, Ekuma O, Marriott JJ. Development and Internal Validation of a Disability Algorithm for Multiple Sclerosis in Administrative Data. Front Neurol 2021; 12:754144. [PMID: 34795632 PMCID: PMC8592934 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.754144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We developed and internally validated an algorithm for disability status in multiple sclerosis (MS) using administrative data. Methods: We linked administrative data from Manitoba, Canada to a clinical dataset with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores for people with MS. Clinical EDSS scores constituted the reference standard. We created candidate indicators using the administrative data. These included indicators based on use of particular health care services (home care, long-term care, rehabilitation admission), use of specific diagnostic codes (such as spasticity, quadriplegia), and codes based on use of Employment and Income Insurance. We developed algorithms to predict severe disability (EDSS ≥6.0), and to predict disability as a continuous measure. We manually developed algorithms, and also employed regression approaches. After we selected our preferred algorithms for disability, we tested their association with health care use due to any cause and infection after potential confounders. Results: We linked clinical and administrative data for 1,767 persons with MS, most of whom were women living in urban areas. All individual indicators tested had specificities >90% for severe disability, and all but a diagnosis of visual disturbance had positive predictive values (PPV) >70%. The combination of home care or long-term care use or rehabilitation admission had a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 90.76%, PPV of 70.06% and negative predictive of 87.21%. Based on regression modeling, the best-performing algorithm for predicting the EDSS as a continuous variable included age, home care use, long-term care admission, admission for rehabilitation, visual disturbance, other paralytic syndromes and spasticity. The mean difference between observed and predicted values of the EDSS was −0.0644 (95%CI −0.1632, 0.0304). Greater disability, whether measured using the clinical EDSS or either of the administrative data algorithms was similarly associated with increased hospitalization rates due to any cause and infection. Conclusion: We developed and internally validated an algorithm for disability in MS using administrative data that may support population-based studies that wish to account for disability status but do not have access to clinical data sources with this information. We also found that more severe disability is associated with increased health care use, including due to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Qier Tan
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Okechukwu Ekuma
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - James J Marriott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Etemadifar M, Sami R, Salari M, Sedaghat N, Sigari AA, Aghababaei A, Najafi M, Tehrani DS. Outcome of COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis patients receiving disease-modifying therapies. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 26:85. [PMID: 34760002 PMCID: PMC8548892 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_1047_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background With the spread of COVID-19, treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) should be resumed with caution due to the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) used in this subset of patients and the immunoregulatory effects of these drugs. We aim to assess the outcome of COVID-19 infection in MS patients receiving DMTs. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study involving 45 COVID-19-infected patients previously diagnosed with MS. The data regarding their MS status and the type of DMT taken by the patients were extracted from the Isfahan MS Institute registry and were summarized. Diagnosis of MS was based on the 2017 McDonald Criteria, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on computed tomography scan and polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs. Results Out of the 45 MS patients infected with COVID-19, 5 had unfavorable outcomes. Two patients deceased and the other three had persistent respiratory complications on the 4-week follow-up visit. Hypertension, diabetes, seizures, and rheumatoid arthritis were among the comorbidities that the patients reported. Both patients who died received rituximab as part of their MS treatment. All other patients recovered completely. Conclusion Each different drug category may possess a distinct risk for infection, therefore until robust evidence are available, the safest drug should be utilized or the therapy should be postponed, if possible, to minimize patient risk. Disease-modifying therapy use in MS patients should be cautiously applied as their effect on COVID-19 infection prognosis is not yet studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Etemadifar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ramin Sami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Khorshid University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehri Salari
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahad Sedaghat
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Akhavan Sigari
- Alzahra Research Institute, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Aghababaei
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Najafi
- Department of Neurology, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Szepanowski F, Warnke C, Meyer Zu Hörste G, Mausberg AK, Hartung HP, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M. Secondary Immunodeficiency and Risk of Infection Following Immune Therapies in Neurology. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:1173-1188. [PMID: 34657228 PMCID: PMC8520462 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00863-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) are acquired conditions that may occur as sequelae of immune therapy. In recent years a number of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) has been approved for multiple sclerosis and related disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, some of which are frequently also used in- or off-label to treat conditions such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), myasthenia gravis, myositis, and encephalitis. In this review, we focus on currently available immune therapeutics in neurology to explore their specific modes of action that might contribute to SID, with particular emphasis on their potential to induce secondary antibody deficiency. Considering evidence from clinical trials as well as long-term observational studies related to the patients' immune status and risks of severe infections, we delineate long-term anti-CD20 therapy, with the greatest data availability for rituximab, as a major risk factor for the development of SID, particularly through secondary antibody deficiency. Alemtuzumab and cladribine have relevant effects on circulating B-cell counts; however, evidence for SID mediated by antibody deficiency appears limited and urgently warrants further systematic evaluation. To date, there has been no evidence suggesting that treatment with fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, or natalizumab leads to antibody deficiency. Risk factors predisposing to development of SID include duration of therapy, increasing age, and pre-existing low immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Prevention strategies of SID comprise awareness of risk factors, individualized treatment protocols, and vaccination concepts. Immune supplementation employing Ig replacement therapy might reduce morbidity and mortality associated with SIDs in neurological conditions. In light of the broad range of existing and emerging therapies, the potential for SID warrants urgent consideration among neurologists and other healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Szepanowski
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Clemens Warnke
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Anne K Mausberg
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Hauser SL, Kappos L, Montalban X, Craveiro L, Chognot C, Hughes R, Koendgen H, Pasquarelli N, Pradhan A, Prajapati K, Wolinsky JS. Safety of Ocrelizumab in Patients With Relapsing and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology 2021; 97:e1546-e1559. [PMID: 34475123 PMCID: PMC8548959 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives To report safety of ocrelizumab (OCR) up to 7 years in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) enrolled in clinical trials or treated in real-world postmarketing settings. Methods Safety analyses are based on integrated clinical and laboratory data for all patients who received OCR in 11 clinical trials, including the controlled treatment and open-label extension (OLE) periods of the phase 2 and 3 trials, plus the phase 3b trials VELOCE, CHORDS, CASTING, OBOE, ENSEMBLE, CONSONANCE, and LIBERTO. For selected adverse events (AEs), additional postmarketing data were used. Incidence rates of serious infections (SIs) and malignancies were contextualized using multiple epidemiologic sources. Results At data cutoff (January 2020), 5,680 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) received OCR (18,218 patient-years [PY] of exposure) in clinical trials. Rates per 100 PY (95% confidence interval) of AEs (248; 246–251), serious AEs (7.3; 7.0–7.7), infusion-related reactions (25.9; 25.1–26.6), and infections (76.2; 74.9–77.4) were similar to those within the controlled treatment period of the phase 3 trials. Rates of the most common serious AEs, including SIs (2.01; 1.81–2.23) and malignancies (0.46; 0.37–0.57), were consistent with the ranges reported in epidemiologic data. Discussion Continuous administration of OCR for up to 7 years in clinical trials, as well as its broader use for more than 3 years in the real-world setting, are associated with a favorable and manageable safety profile, without emerging safety concerns, in a heterogeneous MS population. Classification of Evidence This analysis provides Class III evidence that long-term, continuous treatment with OCR has a consistent and favorable safety profile in patients with RMS and PPMS. This study is rated Class III because of the use of OLE data and historical controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Hauser
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Xavier Montalban
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Licinio Craveiro
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Cathy Chognot
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Richard Hughes
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Harold Koendgen
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Noemi Pasquarelli
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Ashish Pradhan
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Kalpesh Prajapati
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
| | - Jerry S Wolinsky
- From the Department of Neurology (S.L.H.), University of California, San Francisco; Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedicine and Biomedical Engineering (L.K.), Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology (X.M.), Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEMCAT), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (L.C., C.C., R.H., H.K., N.P.), Basel, Switzerland; Genentech, Inc. (A.P.), South San Francisco, CA; IQVIA Solutions Inc. (K.P.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology (J.S.W.), McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
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Cajamarca-Baron J, Guavita-Navarro D, Buitrago-Bohorquez J, Gallego-Cardona L, Navas A, Cubides H, Arredondo AM, Escobar A, Rojas-Villarraga A. [SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in Patients with some Degree of Immunosuppression]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 17:408-419. [PMID: 34630575 PMCID: PMC7486041 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Antecedentes No es claro si los pacientes con algún grado de inmunosupresión tienen peores desenlaces en la infección por SARS-CoV-2, en comparación con la población sana. Objetivo Realizar una revisión narrativa de la información disponible sobre infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, especialmente pacientes con cáncer, trasplantados, con patologías neurológicas, inmunodeficiencias primarias y secundarias. Resultados Los pacientes con cáncer y tratamiento reciente del mismo (quimioterapia o cirugía) e infección por SARS-CoV-2 tienen mayor riesgo de peores desenlaces. En los pacientes trasplantados (renal, cardiaco y hepático), con patologías neurológicas (esclerosis múltiple [EM], neuromielitis óptica [NMODS], miastenia grave [MG]), inmunodeficiencias primarias e infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en asociación con uso de inmunosupresores, los estudios no han mostrado tendencia a peores desenlaces. Conclusión Dada la poca evidencia con que contamos hasta el momento no es claro el comportamiento de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con inmunosupresión, pero los estudios actuales no han mostrado peores desenlaces en este tipo de pacientes, a excepción de los pacientes con cáncer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Cajamarca-Baron
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Guavita-Navarro
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Laura Gallego-Cardona
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angela Navas
- Servicio de Neurología, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hector Cubides
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Adriana Rojas-Villarraga
- Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigaciones, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Bogotá, Colombia
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Marrie RA, Kosowan L, Cutter GR, Fox R, Salter A. Uptake and Attitudes About Immunizations in People With Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Clin Pract 2021; 11:327-334. [PMID: 34476124 PMCID: PMC8382432 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective By surveying a multiple sclerosis (MS) population, we tested the hypothesis that influenza vaccine uptake would not meet public health targets and that vaccine misconceptions would contribute to lower than desired uptake. Methods In spring 2020, we surveyed participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Registry regarding vaccinations. Participants reported whether they had received hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, shingles, varicella, measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus, or influenza vaccines. Participants who had not received influenza vaccine last year reported the reasons. We summarized responses descriptively. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed participant characteristics associated with uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine. Results Of 5,244 eligible respondents, 80.8% were female, with a mean (SD) age of 61.8 (10.1) years. Overall, 43.0% (2,161/5,032) of participants reported that their neurologist had ever asked about their immunization history. The percentage of participants who received the seasonal flu vaccine last year ranged from 59.1% among those aged 18-24 years to 79.9% for persons aged ≥65 years. Among those who did not get the influenza vaccination, the most common reasons were personal preference (29.6%), concerns about possible adverse effects in general (29.3%), and concerns that the vaccine would worsen their MS (23.7%). Conclusion Vaccination uptake is lower than desired in the MS population compared with existing recommendations, including for seasonal influenza. Misconceptions about the safety of vaccination in the context of MS and personal preference appear to play important roles in vaccination choices, highlighting the importance of education about these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Family Medicine Max Rady College of Medicine (LK), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Biostatistics (GRC), University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis (RF), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; and Department of Biostatistics (AS), Washington University in St. Louis, MO
| | - Leanne Kosowan
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Family Medicine Max Rady College of Medicine (LK), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Biostatistics (GRC), University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis (RF), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; and Department of Biostatistics (AS), Washington University in St. Louis, MO
| | - Gary R Cutter
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Family Medicine Max Rady College of Medicine (LK), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Biostatistics (GRC), University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis (RF), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; and Department of Biostatistics (AS), Washington University in St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert Fox
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Family Medicine Max Rady College of Medicine (LK), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Biostatistics (GRC), University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis (RF), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; and Department of Biostatistics (AS), Washington University in St. Louis, MO
| | - Amber Salter
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Family Medicine Max Rady College of Medicine (LK), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Biostatistics (GRC), University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis (RF), Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH; and Department of Biostatistics (AS), Washington University in St. Louis, MO
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Cajamarca-Baron J, Guavita-Navarro D, Buitrago-Bohorquez J, Gallego-Cardona L, Navas A, Cubides H, Arredondo AM, Escobar A, Rojas-Villarraga A. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in patients with some degree of immunosuppression. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2021; 17:408-419. [PMID: 34301385 PMCID: PMC7566826 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not clear whether patients with some degree of immunosuppression have worse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to healthy people. OBJECTIVE To carry out a narrative review of the information available on infection by SARS-CoV-2 in immunosuppressed patients, especially patients with cancer, transplanted, neurological diseases, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. RESULTS Patients with cancer and recent cancer treatment (chemotherapy or surgery) and SARS-CoV-2 infection have a higher risk of worse outcomes. In transplant patients (renal, cardiac and hepatic), with neurological pathologies (multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMODS), myasthenia gravis (MG)), primary immunodeficiencies and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in association with immunosuppressants, studies have shown no tendency for worse outcomes. CONCLUSION Given the little evidence we have so far, the behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunosuppressed patients is unclear, but current studies have not shown worse outcomes, except for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Cajamarca-Baron
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Diana Guavita-Navarro
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Laura Gallego-Cardona
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angela Navas
- Servicio de Neurología, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hector Cubides
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Adriana Rojas-Villarraga
- Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigaciones, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Bogotá, Colombia
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Miljković Đ, Stanisavljević S, Jensen IJ, Griffith TS, Badovinac VP. Sepsis and multiple sclerosis: Causative links and outcomes. Immunol Lett 2021; 238:40-46. [PMID: 34320384 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by an acute cytokine storm followed by prolonged dysfunction of the immune system in the survivors. Post-septic lymphopenia and functional deficits of the remaining immune cells lead to increased susceptibility to secondary infections and other morbid conditions causing late death in the patients. This state of post-septic immunoparalysis may also influence disorders stemming from inappropriate or overactive immune responses, such as autoimmune and immunoinflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis. In addition, ongoing autoimmunity likely influences the susceptibility to and outcome of sepsis. This review article addresses the bidirectional relationship between sepsis and multiple sclerosis, with a focus on the immunologic mechanisms of the interaction and potential directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đorđe Miljković
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Suzana Stanisavljević
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Isaac J Jensen
- Department of Pathology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Interdisciplinary Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Thomas S Griffith
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology PhD Program, Department of Urology, Center for Immunology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
| | - Vladimir P Badovinac
- Department of Pathology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Interdisciplinary Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Barzegar M, Mirmosayyeb O, Gajarzadeh M, Afshari-Safavi A, Nehzat N, Vaheb S, Shaygannejad V, Maghzi AH. COVID-19 Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 8:8/4/e1001. [PMID: 34016734 PMCID: PMC8142838 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We systematically reviewed the literature on COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and World Health Organization database from December 1, 2019, to December 18, 2020. Three conference abstract databases were also searched. We included any types of studies that reported characteristics of patients with MS with COVID-19. RESULTS From an initial 2,679 publications and 3,138 conference abstracts, 87 studies (67 published articles and 20 abstracts) consisting of 4,310 patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 with MS met the inclusion criteria. The female/male ratio was 2.53:1, the mean (SD) age was 44.91 (4.31) years, the mean disease duration was 12.46 (2.27), the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 2.54 (0.81), the relapsing/progressive ratio was 4.75:1, and 32.9% of patients had at least 1 comorbidity. The most common symptoms were fever (68.8%), followed by cough (63.9%), fatigue/asthenia (51.2%), and shortness of breath (39.5%). In total, 837 of 4,043 patients with MS with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 (20.7%) required hospitalization, and 130 of 4,310 (3.0%) died of COVID-19. Among suspected/confirmed patients, the highest hospitalization and mortality rates were in patients with no disease-modifying therapies (42.9% and 8.4%), followed by B cell-depleting agents (29.2% and 2.5%). CONCLUSION Our study suggested that MS did not significantly increase the mortality rate from COVID-19. These data should be interpreted with caution as patients with MS are more likely female and younger compared with the general population where age and male sex seem to be risk factors for worse disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Barzegar
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Omid Mirmosayyeb
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mahsa Gajarzadeh
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alireza Afshari-Safavi
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nasim Nehzat
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Saeed Vaheb
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vahid Shaygannejad
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Amir-Hadi Maghzi
- From the Department of Neurology (M.B., O.M., N.N., S.V., V.S.), School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE) (M.G.), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (A.A.-S.), Faculty of Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (A.-H.M.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Esmaeili S, Abbasi MH, Abolmaali M, Mojtahed M, Alavi SNR, Soleimani S, Mokhtari M, Hatam J, Khotbehsara ST, Motamed MR, Joghataei MT, Mirzaasgari Z, Moghaddasi M. Rituximab and risk of COVID-19 infection and its severity in patients with MS and NMOSD. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:183. [PMID: 33933026 PMCID: PMC8087518 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing a safe disease modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. This case series study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and the course of Covid-19 infection in MS/NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab. METHODS In this study, we designed a web-based questionnaire. Baseline information such as patient- reported walking disability, total number of Rituximab infusions received, delayed injections, occurrence of any relapse, and the use of corticosteroids during the pandemic were collected. Also, information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic such as adherence to self-isolation, any recent exposure to an infected individual and the presence of suggestive symptoms were collected. In case of positive test results, patients were grouped into 2 categories; mild to moderate and seriously ill and outcomes were evaluated as favorable (improved/ discharged) and unfavorable (expired). RESULTS Two hundred fifty-eight patients with Multiple Sclerosis were enrolled in this study, 9 of the subjects (3.4%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19, five of which required hospitalizations (55.5%), two patients required ICU admission (22.2%) and 2 two patients died (22.2%). None of these patients ever mentioned using corticosteroids during the pandemic. In comparison to MS patients who were not receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT), our study indicated a higher incidence of Covid-19 infection, higher ratio of serious illness and a higher fatality ratio. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab seems not to be safe enough during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Esmaeili
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Abbasi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Abolmaali
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mojtahed
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sevim Soleimani
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahisa Mokhtari
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Hatam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mirzaasgari
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Moghaddasi
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Koo BS, Lim YC, Lee MY, Jeon JY, Yoo HJ, Oh IS, Shin JY, Kim TH. The risk factors and incidence of major infectious diseases in patients with ankylosing spondylitis receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Mod Rheumatol 2021; 31:1192-1201. [PMID: 33494621 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2021.1878985] [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
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the risk factor and incidence of infections in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy for ankylosing spondylitis using data from the national health insurance service. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Data regarding patients with ankylosing spondylitis prescribed TNFis were obtained from an insurance claims database of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in Korea. Outcomes used were incidence rates of serious infection, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and herpes zoster during the follow-up period as well as the relationship between each TNFi and sex, hazard ratio (HR) of infection-related risk factors, and incidence of infections. RESULTS A total of 2515 patients were included. There were no significant differences among the hazard ratios of TNFis for serious infection, pneumonia, and herpes zoster. However, the hazard ratio of tuberculosis was significantly higher for infliximab than for etanercept (adjusted HR 8.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.06-66.91]). In the subgroup analysis by sex, women treated with golimumab had a significantly higher hazard of herpes zoster than those treated with etanercept (adjusted HR 12.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.40-109.58]). CONCLUSION We recommend that risk factors for these infectious diseases be identified prior to prescribing TNFis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bon San Koo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Cheol Lim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | | | | | | | - In-Sun Oh
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Ju-Young Shin
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
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Naser Moghadasi A, Shabany M, Heidari H, Eskandarieh S. Can pulse steroid therapy increase the risk of infection by COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 203:106563. [PMID: 33631509 PMCID: PMC7883704 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Iran is one of the countries with a high prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and COVID-19.MS patients receiving the immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapy have a higher risk of infection. Due to the significance of determining the risk factors for getting COVID-19 among MS patients, the present study was designed to assess the risk of infection following the pulse steroid therapy. Methods This cross-sectional study included all MS patients that received corticosteroids in Tehran from December 2019 to August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic spread. The subjects’ clinical records including their sex, age, the type of MS, the type of medication, the number of days using corticosteroids, the status of prednisolone intake, and the number of days receiving prednisolone after the corticosteroid therapy were obtained. Moreover, main outcomes such as COVID-19 infection and the occurrence of death were recorded by patient’s visits and follow-up phone calls. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by physicians according to the clinical performance of RT-PCR, chest CT scan, and antibody tests. Results Totally, 133 MS cases participated in the study, and the pulse therapy was completed for 104 (78.2%) patients up to 5−7 days. 89 (66.9%) cases used the prednisolone tablet following the pulse therapy. Overall, the infection by Covid-19 was observed in 8 (6%) cases, among whom 5 (71.4%) cases received the pulse therapy for 5−7 days and 4 (57.1%) cases had a history of taking the prednisolone tablet. The age of less than 40 years (OR = 1.03; 95% CI (0.23−4.51)), male sex (OR = 0.35; 95% CI (0.03−3.34)), and the RRMS type (OR = 2.87; 95% CI (0.52−15.72)) had no effect on the risk of Covid-19 infection. In addition, there was not statistically significant difference between subjects with the short-term pulse therapy duration (3−4 days) (OR 0.68 (0.12–3.74) and those with the long-term pulse therapy duration (5−7 days). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed between subjects taking prednisolone (OR = 1.62 (0.34–7.61) and those not taking prednisolone. Furthermore, there was no significant association between different medication groups and the risk of Covid-19 infection (p < 0.05). No death occurred due to Covid-19 infection among the subjects. Conclusion COVID-19 infection was more common among female and younger patients as well as patients with a longer duration of the pulse therapy and prednisolone intake. There was no significant association between the pulse steroid therapy in MS patients and the risk of infection by COVID-19 in the Iranian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shabany
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hora Heidari
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharareh Eskandarieh
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Mantero V, Abate L, Salmaggi A, Cordano C. Multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: How could therapeutic scenarios change during the pandemic? J Med Virol 2021; 93:1847-1849. [PMID: 33448419 PMCID: PMC8014825 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Abate
- Department of Neurology, MS Center, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaggi
- Department of Neurology, MS Center, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Christian Cordano
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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