Multiple sclerosis relapse risk in the postoperative period: Effects of invasive surgery and anesthesia

Concomitant multiple sclerosis and cervical myelopathy: A propensity-matched QOD analysis of patient-reported outcomes and return to work after cervical spine surgery

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (CM) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is challenging due to overlapping symptomatology and radiological findings. Minimal literature reports patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) for MS patients undergoing surgery for CM. Given the diagnostic difficulty, we aimed to determine if patients with MS have worse outcomes after elective cervical spine surgery.

METHODS

126 patients who underwent surgery for CM were retrospectively obtained from the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD). 63 MS patients were age and gender matched to 63 without MS. Postoperative PROMs including Visual Analogue Scale for neck/arm pain (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and satisfaction were compared at 3 and 12 months. Postoperative complications and return to work were studied as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The average age of both cohorts was 57.9 years, and 63.5 % were female. Baseline functional status and symptomatology were similar, although fewer MS patients could independently ambulate (p = .014). The operative time and length of stay were similar. MS patients had a greater average ASA grade (p = 0.018), however there were no significant differences in VAS, NDI, or satisfaction. MS patients had a higher 3-month readmission rate (p = .044), however returned to work at a similar rate greater than 70 %.

CONCLUSION

PROMs do not significantly differ for CM patients with concomitant MS. Patients with MS had a higher 3-month complication rate, although readmissions were largely unrelated to the procedure. Thus, despite the diagnostic challenge of CM in MS patients, the surgical outcomes are comparable to those without MS.

Evaluating the impact of multiple sclerosis on 2 year postoperative outcomes following long fusion for adult spinal deformity: a propensity score-matched analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE

The impact of neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) on outcomes following long segment fusion is underreported. This study evaluates the impact of MS on two-year (2Y) postoperative complications and revisions following ≥ 4-level fusion for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

METHODS

Patients undergoing ≥ 4-level fusion for ASD were identified from a statewide database. Patients with a baseline diagnosis of MS were also identified. Patients with infectious/traumatic/neoplastic indications were excluded. Subjects were 1:1 propensity score-matched (MS to no-MS) based on age, sex and race and compared for rates of 2Y postoperative complications and reoperations. Logistic regression models were utilized to determine risk factors for adverse outcomes at 2Y.

RESULTS

86 patients were included overall (n = 43 per group). Age, sex, and race were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). MS patients incurred higher charges for their surgical visit ($125,906 vs. $84,006, p = 0.007) with similar LOS (8.1 vs. 5.3 days, p > 0.05). MS patients experienced comparable rates of overall medical complications (30.1% vs. 25.6%) and surgical complications (34.9% vs. 30.2%); p > 0.05. MS patients had similar rates of 2Y revisions (16.3% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.333). MS was not associated with medical, surgical, or overall complications or revisions at minimum 2Y follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MS experienced similar postoperative course compared to those without MS following ≥ 4-level fusion for ASD. This data supports the findings of multiple previously published case series' that long segment fusions for ASD can be performed relatively safely in patients with MS.

Are adverse events higher among patients with acute optic neuritis prescribed glucocorticoids? A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Optic neuritis (ON) is an acute focal inflammation of the optic nerve routinely treated with glucocorticoids. We aimed to compare adverse events (AE) among glucocorticoid-treated and untreated patients in the real world to guide clinical decision making about treatment tradeoffs.

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Claims study from a large, private insurer in the USA (2005-2019).

PARTICIPANTS

Adults≥18 years old with ≥1 ICD9/10 ON diagnosis with an evaluation/management visit code, and ≥6 months continuous enrolment prior to and following ON diagnosis.

INTERVENTION

Glucocorticoid prescription exposure.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was any AE within 90 days of glucocorticoid prescription. Secondary outcome was AE assessment by severity. Generalised estimating equations with logit link assessed relationships between glucocorticoid prescription and AEs. High-dimensional propensity score analyses accounted for potential confounding (eg, sociodemographics and comorbidities). Sensitivity analyses restricted the cohort to high-dose prescriptions (≥100 mg prednisone equivalent, injection/infusion), AEs within 30 days, highly specific ON definition and traditional propensity score match.

RESULTS

Of the 14 311 people with 17 404 ON claims, 66.3% were women (n=9481), predominantly White (78.2%; n=9940), with median age (IQR)=48 (37,60) years. Within 90 days of the claim, 15.7% (n=2733/17 404) were prescribed glucocorticoids. The median (IQR) prescription duration=10 (6,20) days. Any and severe AEs were higher among patients prescribed glucocorticoids versus none (any AEs: n=437/2733 (16.0%) vs n=1784/14 671 (12.2%), adjusted OR 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18 to 1.50); severe AEs: n=72/2733 (2.6%) vs n=273/14 671 (1.9%), adjusted OR 1.82 (95% CI: 1.37 to 2.35)). Sensitivity analyses were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world glucocorticoid prescriptions among ON patients were short-term, associated with a 30% relative increase in potentially serious AEs captured within healthcare encounters, including those not previously observed, such as VTE. These results can inform treatment decisions, particularly for ON patients likely to experience only marginal benefits.

Anaesthetic management of people with multiple sclerosis

There is a lack of published guidelines on the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing procedures that require anaesthesia and respective advice is largely based on retrospective studies or case reports. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations for anaesthetists and neurologists for the management of patients with MS requiring anaesthesia. This review covers issues related to the anaesthetic management of patients with MS, with a focus on preoperative assessment, choice of anaesthetic techniques and agents, side-effects of drugs used during anaesthesia and their potential impact on the disease evolution, drug interactions that may occur, and the need to use monitoring devices. A systematic PubMed research was performed to retrieve relevant articles.

Iranian specialists' approach to surgery in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: Data on perioperative risk stratification in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate Iranian specialists' approach to surgical counseling for patients with MS (PwMS). Methods: 21 MS specialists were asked about 11 case scenarios with different MS disease statuses, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and urgency of the operation. The reasons for refusing surgery or factors that have to be considered before surgery were studied. Results: Overall, Fleiss Kappa was estimated to be 0.091 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.090-0.093, P < 0.001] indicating a very poor level of agreement among responders. Conclusion: PwMS face surgery for various reasons. Risk assessment of surgery, the effect of various drugs such as anesthetics and DMT on patients, as well as many other aspects of MS are issues challenging the practitioners. Clarifying the various dimensions of these issues requires further research.

Neuraxial Use Among Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Patients With Multiple Sclerosis or Myasthenia Gravis

BACKGROUND

Surgical patients with preexisting neurological diseases create greater challenges to perioperative management, and choice of anesthetic is often complicated. We investigated neuraxial anesthesia use in total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) recipients with multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis compared to the general population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing a TKA/THA with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis (Premier Health Database, 2006-2019). The primary outcome was neuraxial anesthesia use in multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis patients compared to the general population. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. We measured the association between the aforementioned subgroups and neuraxial anesthesia use. Subsequently, subgroup-specific associations between neuraxial anesthesia and secondary outcomes were measured. We report odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among 2,184,193 TKA/THAs, 7559 and 3176 had a multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis diagnosis, respectively. Compared to the general population, neuraxial anesthesia use was lower in multiple sclerosis patients (OR, 0.61; CI, 0.57-0.65; P < .0001) and no different in myasthenia gravis patients (OR, 1.05; CI, 0.96-1.14; P = .304). Multiple sclerosis patients administered neuraxial anesthesia (compared to those without neuraxial anesthesia) had lower odds of prolonged length of stay (OR, 0.63; CI, 0.53-0.76; P < .0001) mirroring neuraxial anesthesia benefits seen in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuraxial anesthesia use was lower in surgical patients with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population but no different in those with myasthenia gravis. Neuraxial use was associated with lower odds of prolonged length of stay.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with morbid obesity and multiple sclerosis - a nationwide, matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite an association between obesity and multiple sclerosis (MS), very little is known regarding the safety and efficacy outcomes for patients with MS and severe obesity undergoing metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate early complications and efficacy outcomes of metabolic surgery in patients with severe obesity and MS.

SETTING

Nationwide, Sweden.

METHODS

In this, matched cohort study, 196 patients with an MS diagnosis in the Swedish MS register who were undergoing metabolic surgery (gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) with a registration in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) were matched 1:10 with a control group without MS diagnosis from the SOReg. A 2-stage matching procedure was used (exact match by surgical method, followed by propensity Score matching, including age, sex, preoperative BMI, surgical center, surgical access, year of surgery, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia).

RESULTS

Weight loss at 2 years after surgery was similar for patients with MS and controls (total weight loss 31.6 ± 9.1 versus 31.8 ± 9.2, P = .735). No significant differences were seen in either the overall postoperative complication rate (7.9% versus 7.2%, P = .778), or serious postoperative complications (3.7% versus 2.8%, P = .430). All aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved in both groups but less so for the physical aspects of HRQoL in patients with MS.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic surgery is a safe and efficient treatment for severe obesity in patients with MS, and it leads to subsequent improvements in HRQoL. Further studies addressing the effects of metabolic surgery on MS-related symptoms are needed.