Pape K, Steffen F, Zipp F, Bittner S. Supplementary medication in multiple sclerosis: Real-world experience and potential interference with neurofilament light chain measurement.
Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2020;
6:2055217320936318. [PMID:
32922829 PMCID:
PMC7457677 DOI:
10.1177/2055217320936318]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
As vitamins and dietary supplements are obtainable without prescription,
treating physicians often ignore their intake by patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS) and may therefore miss potential adverse effects and
interactions.
Objective
We aimed to assess the spectrum and intake frequency of supplementary
medication in a cohort of MS patients and to analyse the effect of biotin
intake on measurement of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), an emerging
marker of disease activity.
Methods
MS patients visiting our neurology outpatient clinic completed a
questionnaire on their past or present use of vitamins or dietary
supplements. In addition, the impact of two different doses of biotin (10
and 300 mg/day) on sNfL was studied in healthy volunteers.
Results
Of 186 patients, 72.6% reported taking over-the-counter vitamins or dietary
supplements currently or previously. Most frequently used was vitamin D
(60.0%), followed by biotin. Female patients and patients with primary
progressive MS tended to use supplements more frequently. Biotin intake did
not interfere with sNfL measurement by single molecule array (Simoa).
Conclusions
The use of vitamins and dietary supplements is frequent among patients with
MS. Thus, treating physicians should be aware of the pitfalls of
supplementary treatment and educate their patients accordingly.
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