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Learmonth YC, Bhoyroo R, Gibbs L, Kermode A, Walker D, Marck CH. Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19: Health and healthcare access, health information and consumer co-created strategies for future access at times of crisis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105691. [PMID: 38781884 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105691] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) need regular access to medical services for optimal health outcomes. During the COVID-19 crisis, evidence indicated some detrimental health changes in persons with MS. Maintaining access to healthcare providers and healthcare information may minimise detrimental health changes during times of crisis. In Australia, there is limited evidence of consultation with people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities regarding government decisions to restrict healthcare access and in the provision of health guidance during the COVID-19 crisis. Yet, there are good examples of government consultation with other minority populations in Australia, leading to beneficial outcomes. OBJECTIVE To identify MS community members' (persons with MS carers, advocates, healthcare providers) concerns about the health and healthcare access of persons with MS, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and to collaborate with consumers in the MS community to co-create strategies to improve future access and health information provision at times of crisis. METHOD We undertook a consumer-co-created mixed-method study in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify healthcare access needs for MS. We presented results to our stakeholder group to identify support needs during crises. Persons with MS and care providers in the MS community completed an online survey and online interviews, and the stakeholder group participated in a stakeholder workshop. RESULTS Forty-four people participated in surveys, 33 completed interviews, and seven stakeholders participated in the stakeholder workshops. Three themes were identified from the surveys and interviews: health concerns, accessing healthcare services and communication sources. Healthcare providers (76.9 % of persons with MS and 77.8 % of care providers) and websites specific to the pandemic (76.9 % of persons with MS and 83.3 % of care providers) were identified by most survey respondents as preferred information sources during the COVID-19 crisis. Consultation with stakeholders resulted in the co-creation of strategies directed at communication, health, and lifestyle, as well as policies and protocols to address the needs of the MS community during crises. CONCLUSION We listened to persons with MS and care providers to identify strategies to support health-communication, -access, and -lifestyle during crises. Consumer-created strategies are directed at national and local health advocacy organisations and governments. They are relevant for the coordinated healthcare planning of persons with chronic health conditions and disabilities during crises, such as those experienced by persons with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne C Learmonth
- Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Ranila Bhoyroo
- Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Disaster, Climate and Adversity Unit, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Kermode
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Diana Walker
- School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Claudia H Marck
- Disability and Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Henson GJ, van der Mei I, Taylor BV, Blacklow P, Claflin SB, Palmer AJ, Hurst C, Campbell JA. The quality of life impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS): evidence from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:1675-1689. [PMID: 38578380 PMCID: PMC11116258 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03620-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in metropolitan Victoria, Australia, experienced a 112-day, COVID-19-related lockdown in mid-2020. Contemporaneously, Australian PwMS elsewhere experienced minimal restrictions, resulting in a natural experiment. This study investigated the relationships between lockdowns, COVID-19-related adversity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also generated health state utilities (HSU) representative of changes in HRQoL. METHODS Data were extracted from Australian MS Longitudinal Study surveys, which included the Assessment of Quality of Life-Eight Dimensions (AQoL-8D) instrument and a COVID-19 questionnaire. This COVID-19 questionnaire required participants to rank their COVID-19-related adversity across seven health dimensions. Ordered probits were used to identify variables contributing to adversity. Linear and logit regressions were applied to determine the impact of adversity on HRQoL, defined using AQoL-8D HSUs. Qualitative data were examined thematically. RESULTS N = 1666 PwMS (average age 58.5; 79.8% female; consistent with the clinical presentation of MS) entered the study, with n = 367 (22.0%) exposed to the 112-day lockdown. Lockdown exposure and disability severity were strongly associated with higher adversity rankings (p < 0.01). Higher adversity rankings were associated with lower HSUs. Participants reporting major adversity, across measured health dimensions, had a mean HSU 0.161 (p < 0.01) lower than participants reporting no adversity and were more likely (OR: 2.716, p < 0.01) to report a clinically significant HSU reduction. Themes in qualitative data supported quantitative findings. CONCLUSIONS We found that COVID-19-related adversity reduced the HRQoL of PwMS. Our HSU estimates can be used in health economic models to evaluate lockdown cost-effectiveness for people with complex and chronic (mainly neurological) diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen J Henson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Bruce V Taylor
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Paul Blacklow
- Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay, 7005, Australia
| | - Suzi B Claflin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew J Palmer
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Carol Hurst
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia
| | - Julie A Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, 7000, Australia.
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Murley C, Pettersson E, Hillert J, Machado A, Friberg E. Coronavirus disease 2019 infection among working-aged people with multiple sclerosis and the impact of disease-modifying therapies. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2024; 10:20552173241248293. [PMID: 38680165 PMCID: PMC11055478 DOI: 10.1177/20552173241248293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of coronavirus disease 2019 among people with multiple sclerosis with different disease-modifying therapies is not well established. Objective To investigate the occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 and the remaining symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis and the associations with different disease-modifying therapies. Methods Individuals aged 20-50 listed in the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Registry were invited to participate in a survey in 2021. Information on reported coronavirus disease 2019 infection and remaining symptoms were linked to individual-level register data. The risks by disease-modifying therapy of having coronavirus disease 2019 or having remaining symptoms were estimated with logistic regression. Results Of the 4393 participants, 1030 (23.4%) self-reported coronavirus disease 2019 (749 confirmed and 281 suspected). The observed odds for coronavirus disease 2019 did not differ by disease-modifying therapy (p-values <0.05). The majority reporting coronavirus disease 2019 had fully recovered (68.5%), 4.2% were currently/recently sick, and 27.0% had symptoms remaining after 2 months. The most frequently reported remaining symptoms involved one's sense of smell or taste (37.0%), fatigue (20.0%), and breathing (12.0%). No statistically significant associations were observed between having remaining symptoms and the disease-modifying therapy. Conclusion Despite the initial concerns of differing infection risks by MS treatments, we observed no differences in coronavirus disease 2019 occurrence or remaining symptoms among those who had coronavirus disease 2019. Nonetheless, exercising caution in interpreting our findings, it remains implicit that people with multiple sclerosis are particularly susceptible to infection and that lingering symptoms may persist beyond the initial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Murley
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Pettersson
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Hillert
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alejandra Machado
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilie Friberg
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Meltzer E, Charron O, Wozny J, Onuorah H, Montague A, Kline AC, Largent A, Krause TM, Freeman L. Indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care and outcomes of people with MS: A combined survey and insurance claims study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 80:105085. [PMID: 37931487 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105085] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have been particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes due to increased risk of severe infection and/or widespread disruptions in care. The CopeMS study led by The University of Texas at Austin and the MS Association of America investigates the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access, disease modifying therapy (DMT) utilization and outcomes of pwMS. METHODS This retrospective cohort analysis used Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM), a large de-identified administrative healthcare claims database to identify pwMS who were continuously enrolled from 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2020 and assessed changes in the utilization of DMTs and healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the year prior. Additionally, a national survey of pwMS and healthcare providers (HCPs) was conducted to further understand the indirect impact of the pandemic on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), outcomes and prescription patterns. RESULTS Out of 529 pwMS in our national survey, over 47 % reported that their overall health and neurologic symptoms had deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased anxiety, and inability to maintain exercise habits as leading perceived causes for worsening. Survey respondents reported widespread disruption of MS-related services during the pandemic. In the Optum database, we identified 39,209 pwMS validating inclusion criteria. We observed a decrease in the utilization of MS-related services in 2020 compared to 2019. Significantly fewer pwMS had visits with their neurologist, primary care provider, physical or occupational therapist despite an increased utilization of telemedicine services. Fewer pwMS had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the brain or spinal cord during the pandemic. Only 22.2 % of HCPs surveyed agreed that the perceived risk of more severe COVID-19 infection on a specific DMT influenced their therapeutic decisions. In the Optum database, individuals with an established diagnosis of MS prior to 2019 saw decreases in utilization of platform and moderate efficacy DMTs. In this group, those over the age of 55 saw a decrease in utilization of B-cell therapies (rate ratio 0.79, CI 0.75-0.83), whereas individuals under the age of 55 saw an increase in utilization of B-cell therapies (rate ratio 1.10, CI 1.03-1.17). We did not see any difference in rates of starting DMTs in persons diagnosed in 2019 prior to the pandemic and those diagnosed in 2020. Compared to 2019, B-cell therapies were prescribed more frequently in pwMS diagnosed in 2020 who were younger than 55 or commercially insured (rate ratio 1.35, CI 1.11-1.63). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with perceived worsening of neurological symptoms in pwMS. Despite the expansion of telemedicine, we observed decreased access to healthcare services important to the comprehensive care of pwMS. Additionally, we observed changes in DMT utilization in pwMS during the pandemic, particularly in older adults with an established diagnosis of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Meltzer
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Odelin Charron
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Joe Wozny
- Center for Healthcare Data, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Helen Onuorah
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Avery Largent
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Trudy Millard Krause
- Center for Healthcare Data, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Leorah Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
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Fulop NJ, Walton H, Crellin N, Georghiou T, Herlitz L, Litchfield I, Massou E, Sherlaw-Johnson C, Sidhu M, Tomini SM, Vindrola-Padros C, Ellins J, Morris S, Ng PL. A rapid mixed-methods evaluation of remote home monitoring models during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DELIVERY RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-151. [PMID: 37800997 DOI: 10.3310/fvqw4410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Remote home monitoring services were developed and implemented for patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Patients monitored blood oxygen saturation and other readings (e.g. temperature) at home and were escalated as necessary. Objective To evaluate effectiveness, costs, implementation, and staff and patient experiences (including disparities and mode) of COVID-19 remote home monitoring services in England during the COVID-19 pandemic (waves 1 and 2). Methods A rapid mixed-methods evaluation, conducted in two phases. Phase 1 (July-August 2020) comprised a rapid systematic review, implementation and economic analysis study (in eight sites). Phase 2 (January-June 2021) comprised a large-scale, multisite, mixed-methods study of effectiveness, costs, implementation and patient/staff experience, using national data sets, surveys (28 sites) and interviews (17 sites). Results Phase 1 Findings from the review and empirical study indicated that these services have been implemented worldwide and vary substantially. Empirical findings highlighted that communication, appropriate information and multiple modes of monitoring facilitated implementation; barriers included unclear referral processes, workforce availability and lack of administrative support. Phase 2 We received surveys from 292 staff (39% response rate) and 1069 patients/carers (18% response rate). We conducted interviews with 58 staff, 62 patients/carers and 5 national leads. Despite national roll-out, enrolment to services was lower than expected (average enrolment across 37 clinical commissioning groups judged to have completed data was 8.7%). There was large variability in implementation of services, influenced by patient (e.g. local population needs), workforce (e.g. workload), organisational (e.g. collaboration) and resource (e.g. software) factors. We found that for every 10% increase in enrolment to the programme, mortality was reduced by 2% (95% confidence interval: 4% reduction to 1% increase), admissions increased by 3% (-1% to 7%), in-hospital mortality fell by 3% (-8% to 3%) and lengths of stay increased by 1.8% (-1.2% to 4.9%). None of these results are statistically significant. We found slightly longer hospital lengths of stay associated with virtual ward services (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.09), and no statistically significant impact on subsequent COVID-19 readmissions (adjusted odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.02). Low patient enrolment rates and incomplete data may have affected chances of detecting possible impact. The mean running cost per patient varied for different types of service and mode; and was driven by the number and grade of staff. Staff, patients and carers generally reported positive experiences of services. Services were easy to deliver but staff needed additional training. Staff knowledge/confidence, NHS resources/workload, dynamics between multidisciplinary team members and patients' engagement with the service (e.g. using the oximeter to record and submit readings) influenced delivery. Patients and carers felt services and human contact received reassured them and were easy to engage with. Engagement was conditional on patient, support, resource and service factors. Many sites designed services to suit the needs of their local population. Despite adaptations, disparities were reported across some patient groups. For example, older adults and patients from ethnic minorities reported more difficulties engaging with the service. Tech-enabled models helped to manage large patient groups but did not completely replace phone calls. Limitations Limitations included data completeness, inability to link data on service use to outcomes at a patient level, low survey response rates and under-representation of some patient groups. Future work Further research should consider the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of these services and the appropriateness of different models for different groups of patients. Conclusions We were not able to find quantitative evidence that COVID-19 remote home monitoring services have been effective. However, low enrolment rates, incomplete data and varied implementation reduced our chances of detecting any impact that may have existed. While services were viewed positively by staff and patients, barriers to implementation, delivery and engagement should be considered. Study registration This study is registered with the ISRCTN (14962466). Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (RSET: 16/138/17; BRACE: 16/138/31) and NHSEI and will be published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 11, No. 13. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Institute for Health and Care Research or the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi J Fulop
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, UK
| | - Holly Walton
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lauren Herlitz
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, UK
| | - Ian Litchfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Efthalia Massou
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Manbinder Sidhu
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Sonila M Tomini
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, UK
| | | | - Jo Ellins
- Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephen Morris
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Pei Li Ng
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, UK
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Gnavi R, Eboli I, Alboini PE, D'Alfonso S, Picariello R, Costa G, Leone M. COVID-19 and Health Outcomes in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Study in Italy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051089. [PMID: 37240734 DOI: 10.3390/life13051089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
People with multiple sclerosis (PWMS) are at high risk of being affected by the disruption of health services that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the health outcomes of PWMS. PWMS and MS-free residing in Piedmont (north-west of Italy) were identified from electronic health records and linked with the regional COVID-19 database, the hospital-discharge database, and the population registry. Both cohorts (9333 PWMS and 4,145,856 MS-free persons) were followed-up for access to swab testing, hospitalisation, access to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and death from 22 February 2020 to 30 April 2021. The relationship between the outcomes and MS was evaluated using a logistic model, which was adjusted for potential confounders. The rate of swab testing was higher in PWMS, but the positivity to infection was similar to that of MS-free subjects. PWMS had a higher risk of hospitalisation (OR = 1.74; 95% IC, 1.41-2.14), admission to ICU (OR = 1.79; 95% IC, 1.17-2.72), and a slight, albeit not statistically significant, increase in mortality (OR = 1.28; 95% IC, 0.79-2.06). Compared to the general population PWMS with COVID-19 had an increased risk of hospitalization and admission to the ICU; the mortality rate did not differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gnavi
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3 Regione Piemonte, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ilenia Eboli
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3 Regione Piemonte, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Paolo Emilio Alboini
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Sandra D'Alfonso
- Department of Health Sciences, and CAAD, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Costa
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3 Regione Piemonte, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
- Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, 10128 Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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Correia H, Martin-Lynch P, Finlayson M, Learmonth YC. Exploring COVID-19 experiences for persons with multiple sclerosis and carers: An Australian qualitative study. Health Expect 2023; 26:785-794. [PMID: 36639883 PMCID: PMC10010087 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the world. In this study, we explored the COVID-19 experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and carers. METHODS Using a qualitative approach, interviews were undertaken with 27 participants residing in Australia (10 persons with MS, 10 carers and 7 MS service providers). Demographic and background data were also collected. Interviews were analysed using an inductive iterative thematic analysis. RESULTS Across all groups, participants consistently recognized pandemic challenges and impacts for persons with MS and carers, especially due to disruption to routines and services. Emotional and mental health impacts were also highlighted, as anxiety, fear of contracting COVID-19 and stress, including relationship stress between persons with MS and carers and family members. Some persons with MS also mentioned physical health impacts, while for carers, the challenge of disruptions included increased demands and reduced resources. In addition to acknowledging challenges, persons with MS and carers also gave examples of resilience. This included coping and adapting by finding new routines and creating space through rest and breaks and through appreciating positives including the benefits of access to telehealth. CONCLUSION Additional support is required for persons with MS and carers in navigating the impacts of COVID-19 as the pandemic progresses. In addition to addressing challenges and disruptions, such support should also acknowledge and support the resilience of people with MS and carers and enhance resilience through supporting strategies for coping and adaptation. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Service user stakeholders were consulted at the beginning and end of the study. They provided feedback on interview questions and participant engagement, as well as service user perspectives on the themes identified in the current study. Participants were provided with summaries of key themes identified and invited to provide comments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Correia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Professions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Pamela Martin-Lynch
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marcia Finlayson
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yvonne C Learmonth
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Aging, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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8
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Dos Santos FC, Candotti CT, Rodrigues LP. Reliability of the Five Times Sit to Stand Test performed remotely by multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 73:104654. [PMID: 37060677 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Sclerosis, known main cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in adults, leads to changes in muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs. Assessing muscle strength in these patients is thus essential and can be achieved by the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), commonly performed in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measured adopted, Brazilian physiotherapists turned to remote monitoring and assessment, supported by Resolution n° 516/2020, which required proving the reliability of tests. Given this scenario, this study sought to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Five Times Sit to Stand Test performed remotely and synchronously by multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS A sample of 33 individuals with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (18 women and 15 men, mean age 43.7 ± 13.4 years) were remotely and synchronously by video call. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by analyzing FTSST execution time, in seconds, timed by two different raters on the same video call. In turn, intra-rater reliability was assessed by analyzing the execution time recorded in two different video calls made by the same rater, within a 24-28-h interval. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Means and standard deviation were calculated for descriptive statistic. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with a 0.05 significance level, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated for inferential analysis. RESULTS Data analysis showed excellent ICC values and low SEM and MDC values regarding inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.993 (0.986-0.996); p-value: <0.001; SEM: 0.6 s; MDC: 1.6 s) and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.962 (0.925-0.981); p-value: <0.001; SEM: 1.4 s; MDC: 3.8 s). CONCLUSION Based on these values, FTSST performed remotely and synchronously by relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients is reliable and can be used both by different raters, for assessment, or by the same rater, in pre- and post-test situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Colmeneiro Dos Santos
- Undergraduate of the Physiotherapy Course, Escola de Educação Fìsica, terapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Felizardo, 750. Bairro Jardim Botânco. Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90690-200, Brasil
| | - Cláudia Tarragô Candotti
- Professor of the Physiotherapy Course, Escola de Educação Fìsica, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Rua Felizardo, 750. Bairro Jardim Botânco. Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90690-200, Brasil
| | - Luciano Palmeiro Rodrigues
- Professor of the Physiotherapy Course, Escola de Educação Fìsica, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Rua Felizardo, 750. Bairro Jardim Botânco. Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90690-200, Brasil.
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9
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Robert MK, Hales Reynolds MA, Eisenberg M, Rocha A. Exploring an 8-Week Online Adaptive Yoga Program for Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Holist Nurs Pract 2023; 37:62-70. [PMID: 36790420 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This pretest-posttest, descriptive pilot study examined the feasibility and perceived impact of an 8-week online adaptive yoga program on patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The program incorporated yoga poses, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques. Participants rated their perceived and actual symptom severity, overall quality of life, and perception of program impact, and contributed open-ended narrative comments about the program. All participants reported an overall perceived benefit from study participation and expressed enjoyment in interacting with other patients with multiple sclerosis. The program was found to be safe and rewarding for all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy K Robert
- Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah (Drs Robert, Hales Reynolds, and Rocha); and Yoga Moves MS, Franklin, Michigan (Ms Eisenberg)
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10
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Chinea A, Ríos-Bedoya CF, Vicente I, Vega-Corteguera RJ, Martínez-Maldonado V, Carmona-Burgos DX, Rubí C, Amezcua L, Gilman CK, Díaz de la Matta PG, Rivera EP. Epidemiologic trends of multiple sclerosis in Puerto Rico (2013-2020). Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104240. [PMID: 36544310 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated higher multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence and prevalence in Puerto Rico (PR) than in other Caribbean and Latin American countries. Our objectives are to update the epidemiologic trends in MS incidence and prevalence rates for PR from 2017 through 2020 and compare them to prior rate data from 2013 to 2016. METHODS We used the Puerto Rico MS Foundation's registry (PRMS Registry) data to identify all newly diagnosed MS cases between January 2017 and December 2020. The study population included 568 MS patients, 406 women and 162 men living in PR. All individuals were 18 years and older and met the 2017 revised McDonald criteria for MS diagnosis. In addition, age- and sex-standardized incidence rates were estimated. RESULTS A total of 568 new MS cases were diagnosed in Puerto Rico between 2017 and 2020. The 2020 MS cumulative prevalence for Puerto Rico was 95.3/100,000 (95% CI: 91.6, 99.1), higher than previously reported. The age- and sex-standardized MS incidence rate for Puerto Rico decreased from 6.5/100,000 (2017) to 6.3/100,000 (2020). The annual age-standardized MS incidence rates declined for females: from 9.5/100,000 (2017) to 8.2/100,000 (2020) but increased for males from 3.6/100,000 to 4.6/100,000 during the same period. CONCLUSION These incidence and prevalence rates are among the highest reported among Caribbean and Latin American countries. A peak in the age- and sex-standardized MS incidence rate was observed after hurricane María (2018) and a decline during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Further investigation is needed to determine whether there was a causal relationship between the fluctuations observed and those natural events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Chinea
- San Juan MS Center, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico; Puerto Rico Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Carlos F Ríos-Bedoya
- Corporate Director of the Division of Scholarly Inquiry, McLaren Health Care, Graduate Medical Education, 10362 Edgewood Ct, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, USA.
| | - Ivonne Vicente
- San Juan MS Center, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico
| | - Ramón J Vega-Corteguera
- San Juan MS Center, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; Puerto Rico Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | | | - Lilyana Amezcua
- Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Casey K Gilman
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, Puerto Rico
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11
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Palmer LC, Neal WN, Motl RW, Backus D. The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Exercise Behavior Among People With Multiple Sclerosis Enrolled in an Exercise Trial: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2022; 9:e42157. [DOI: 10.2196/42157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
During spring and summer 2020, US states implemented COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, resulting in the closure of rehabilitation facilities and, with them, some of the clinical trials that were taking place. One such trial was the Supervised Versus Telerehabilitation Exercise Program for Multiple Sclerosis (“STEP for MS”) comparative effectiveness multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise trial. Although 1 study arm was implemented via telerehabilitation, the comparative arm took place in rehabilitation facilities nationwide and was subsequently closed during this time frame. The experience of the STEP for MS participants provides insights into the impact of lockdown restrictions on exercise behavior by mode of exercise delivery (telerehabilitation vs conventional facility based).
Objective
This study sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on exercise behavior among people with MS enrolled in an exercise trial at the time of the restrictions.
Methods
Semistructured phone and video interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 8 participants representing both arms of the exercise trial. We applied reflexive thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and interpret common themes in the data.
Results
We identified 7 main themes and 2 different narratives describing the exercise experiences during lockdown restrictions. Although the telerehabilitation participants continued exercising without interruption, facility-based participants experienced a range of barriers that impeded their ability to exercise. In particular, the loss of perceived social support gained from exercising in a facility with exercise coaches and other people with MS eroded both the accountability and motivation to exercise. Aerobic exercises via walking were the most impacted, with participants pointing to the need for at-home treadmills.
Conclusions
The unprecedented disruption of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in spring and summer 2020 impacted the ability of facility-based STEP for MS exercise trial participants to exercise in adherence to the intervention protocol. By contrast, the participants in the telerehabilitation-delivered exercise arm continued exercising without interruption and reported positive impacts of the intervention during this time. Telerehabilitation exercise programs may hold promise for overcoming barriers to exercise for people with MS during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and potentially other lockdown scenarios, if the participation in telerehabilitation has already been established.
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12
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Coustals N, Moscoso A, Pommepuy N, Sibeoni J. Integration of Mental Health Support Teams in COVID-19 Units within French General Hospitals: A Qualitative Study. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:14. [PMID: 36483484 PMCID: PMC9717344 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.6454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to explore the lived experience of mental health professionals (mhPs) who had been redeployed on support teams (MHSTs) implemented in general hospital for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their families, in order to scale up mental and physical health care integration in times of epidemic crisis. Methods This multicentered qualitative study followed an IPSE (Inductive Process to analyze the Structure of lived Experience) research design. MhPs' recruitment took place in three general hospitals of Seine-Seine-Denis department, in Paris suburbs (France). Results Twenty-two participants were included. Data analysis produced three central axes: 1) the mhP in the epidemic crisis, underlying how participants confronted the unknown and adapted; 2) retrieving fundamentals of support therapy, that were: being present and listening, bonding with patients' families, and ensuring care continuity; and 3) moving forward with other health professionals, highlighting the collaborative work they developed and experienced. Discussion The epidemic prompted mhPs to rethink the values likely to guide the integration of their intervention with other individual and organizational care stakeholders, at different levels of health system. Normative integration based on shared appraisal of patients' and families' needs is highly required to overcome the multiple and sometimes contradictory health issues inherent in the crisis. Conclusion Person- and family-centered approach of integrated care (IC) is essential to address fragmentation between mental and physical health care in times of epidemic crisis. Hospital and political leaders should support and draw from bottom-up mental health IC initiatives such as MHSTs, that embody this vision, in order to improve health systems preparedness for future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Coustals
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ville-Evrard Hospital, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Ana Moscoso
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Noël Pommepuy
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ville-Evrard Hospital, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Jordan Sibeoni
- Service Universitaire de psychiatrie de l’adolescent SUPADO, Argenteuil Hospital Centre, Argenteuil, France
- ECSTRRA Team, UMR-1153, Inserm, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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13
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Lleixa Sardañons M, Artola Ortiz M, Becerril Ríos N, Cordero Martín G, Hernando Andrés A, Lozano Ladero AM, Sabroso Mellado JR, Sánchez Franco CM, del Río Muñoz B. Nursing care of patients with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA SOCIEDAD DE ENFERMERÍA NEUROLÓGICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022. [PMCID: PMC9446056 DOI: 10.1016/j.sedeng.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Development Conclusions
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14
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Muñoz-Jurado A, Escribano BM, Agüera E, Caballero-Villarraso J, Galván A, Túnez I. SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis patients: interaction with treatments, adjuvant therapies, and vaccines against COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:4581-4603. [PMID: 35788744 PMCID: PMC9253265 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised particular concern for people with Multiple Sclerosis, as these people are believed to be at increased risk of infection, especially those being treated with disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe how COVID-19 affects people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, evaluating the risk they have of suffering an infection by this virus, according to the therapy to which they are subjected as well as the immune response of these patients both to infection and vaccines and the neurological consequences that the virus can have in the long term. The results regarding the increased risk of infection due to treatment are contradictory. B-cell depletion therapies may cause patients to have a lower probability of generating a detectable neutralizing antibody titer. However, more studies are needed to help understand how this virus works, paying special attention to long COVID and the neurological symptoms that it causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz-Jurado
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Begoña M. Escribano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Agüera
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Neurology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Villarraso
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Clinical Analysis Service, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Galván
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Cooperative Research Thematic Excellent Network on Brain Stimulation (REDESTIM), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Chikersal P, Venkatesh S, Masown K, Walker E, Quraishi D, Dey A, Goel M, Xia Z. Predicting Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes During the COVID-19 Stay-at-home Period: Observational Study Using Passively Sensed Behaviors and Digital Phenotyping. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e38495. [PMID: 35849686 PMCID: PMC9407162 DOI: 10.2196/38495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has broad negative impact on the physical and mental health of people with chronic neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE We presented a machine learning approach leveraging passive sensor data from smartphones and fitness trackers of people with MS to predict their health outcomes in a natural experiment during a state-mandated stay-at-home period due to a global pandemic. METHODS First, we extracted features that capture behavior changes due to the stay-at-home order. Then, we adapted and applied an existing algorithm to these behavior-change features to predict the presence of depression, high global MS symptom burden, severe fatigue, and poor sleep quality during the stay-at-home period. RESULTS Using data collected between November 2019 and May 2020, the algorithm detected depression with an accuracy of 82.5% (65% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.84), high global MS symptom burden with an accuracy of 90% (39% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.93), severe fatigue with an accuracy of 75.5% (22% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.80), and poor sleep quality with an accuracy of 84% (28% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Our approach could help clinicians better triage patients with MS and potentially other chronic neurological disorders for interventions and aid patient self-monitoring in their own environment, particularly during extraordinarily stressful circumstances such as pandemics, which would cause drastic behavior changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Chikersal
- School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Karman Masown
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Danyal Quraishi
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anind Dey
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mayank Goel
- School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zongqi Xia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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16
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COVID-19 pandemic and the international classification of functioning in multiple system atrophy: a cross-sectional, nationwide survey in Japan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14163. [PMID: 35986084 PMCID: PMC9389480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18533-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe present study aimed to determine the magnitude of and risk factors for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) in patients with multiple system atrophy (PwMSA). The study was part of a cross-sectional, nationwide, multipurpose mail survey for Japanese PwMSA from October to December, 2020. The primary outcome was the impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on ICF functioning, consisting of body function, activity, and participation. Age, sex, disease type, disease duration, and dwelling place were asked as participants’ characteristics, and the multiple system impairment questionnaire (MSIQ), patient health questionnaire-2, modified rankin scale, barthel index, life-space assessment (LSA), and EuroQoL were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for a worse function score due to the COVID-19 pandemic for each ICF functioning domain. A total of 155 patients (mean age 65.6 [SD 8.1] years; 43.9% women; mean disease duration 8.0 [SD 6.2] years; 65% MSA with cerebellar ataxia, 13% MSA with parkinsonism, 9% MSA with predominant autonomic features) were analyzed. Of the ICF functioning domains, the respondents reported that the early COVID-19 pandemic affected body function in 17.4%, activity in 17.6%, and participation in 46.0%. The adjusted multivariate model identified MSIQ and LSA as the two variables that independently contributed to all domains. The COVID-19 pandemic affected ICF functioning of PwMSA in Japan, and the severity of disease-related impairments and a large daily living space were common risk factors. These results help support the focus on patient characteristics for medical and social welfare support.
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17
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GÜNDÜZ T, UZUNKÖPRÜ C, DEMİR S, TÜTÜNCÜ M, SEFEROĞLU M, GÜMÜŞ H, ŞEN S, DOĞAN İG, TÜTÜNCÜ M, ÇALIKOĞLU YS, BECKMANN Y, KOCAMAN AS, SİVA A. The Socioeconomic and Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2022; 59:226-231. [PMID: 36160079 PMCID: PMC9466632 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Various restrictions due to the coronavirus infection have affected working life globally. People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have several difficulties in social life, patient follow-up, and receiving treatments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the experiences of pwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD We developed a 50-question survey aiming to determine fears, anxieties, and the problems experienced by patients regarding their diseases and social lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was released online via the Turkish MS Society website, local MS societies websites, and social media accounts. Only the answers of the patients who filled out the questionnaire completely were evaluated. RESULTS In total, 6008 patients took the survey, and 3255 of them completed the questionnaire. Among all, 378 patients (11.6%) were positive for COVID-19. The most common COVID-19-related symptom was fatigue (48.4%). The routine medical follow-up was interrupted in 61.4% and the medication was discontinued in 14% of the patients. Approximately 25% of the patients reported different symptoms related to relapse activity. The main concern of the patients related to the COVID-19 pandemic was the disruption of the health of the ones they loved. Among all the patients, 4.4% lost their jobs. CONCLUSION Our data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected the working lives of pwMS. Also, the pandemic changed the attitudes of patients and neurologists. Therefore, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease approach, patient follow-up, social conditions, and working life should be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuncay GÜNDÜZ
- Department of Neurology, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihat UZUNKÖPRÜ
- Department of Neurology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Serkan DEMİR
- Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences Sehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Sancaktepe Research and Training Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Melih TÜTÜNCÜ
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral SEFEROĞLU
- Department of Neurology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Haluk GÜMÜŞ
- Department of Neurology, Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sedat ŞEN
- Department of Neurology, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - İpek Güngör DOĞAN
- Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences Sehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Sancaktepe Research and Training Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesude TÜTÜNCÜ
- Department of Neurology, Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurological Disorders, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Solak ÇALIKOĞLU
- Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences Sehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Sancaktepe Research and Training Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim BECKMANN
- Department of Neurology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Sağduyu KOCAMAN
- Department of Neurology, Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aksel SİVA
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa, İstanbul, Turkey
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18
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Lleixa Sardañons M, Artola Ortiz M, Becerril Ríos N, Cordero Martín G, Hernando Andrés A, Lozano Ladero AM, Sabroso Mellado JR, Sánchez Franco CM, del Río Muñoz B. Atención del personal de enfermería a pacientes con esclerosis múltiple durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE ENFERMERÍA NEUROLÓGICA 2022. [PMCID: PMC9212886 DOI: 10.1016/j.sedene.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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19
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Musche V, Bäuerle A, Jahre L, Schweda A, Dinse H, Moradian S, Weismüller B, Fink M, Wolters A, Fleischer M, Kleinschnitz C, Teufel M, Skoda EM, Stettner M. COVID-19-Related Burden and Risk Perception in Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:1135-1146. [PMID: 35553393 PMCID: PMC9096336 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the mental health burden of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) or multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to matched healthy controls. Methods The cross-sectional study included 59 patients with a diagnosis of either CIDP or MMN and 59 propensity score matched healthy controls. All participants completed a survey including demographics, distress (distress thermometer), depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), COVID-19-related fear, and risk perception. Additionally, patients with CIDP or MMN were asked about the frequency and type of infections since treatment initiation. Results Patients with either CIDP or MMN reported experiencing reduced frequency or no differences in infection frequency since immune medication was initiated. Regarding COVID-19, patients with CIDP or MMN rated their risk of infection similar to healthy controls, while they expected a higher probability of the occurrence of symptoms, severe course, and dying of COVID-19. They reported increased depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and COVID-19-related fear in comparison to healthy controls. Conclusion Despite their personal experience of reduced frequency of infection since immune medication was initiated, patients with CIDP or MMN reported increased risk perception and prevalence of depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and COVID-19-related fear in comparison to healthy controls. This highlights the need for evidence-driven strategies to protect the mental health of this vulnerable group. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00359-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venja Musche
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany. .,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Bäuerle
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Jahre
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adam Schweda
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Dinse
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sheila Moradian
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weismüller
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Madeleine Fink
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Wolters
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Fleischer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Skoda
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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20
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Vercellino M, Bosa C, Alteno A, Schillaci V, Petracca M, Marasciulo S, Cavalla P. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on progressive multiple sclerosis patients. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:2943-2946. [PMID: 35075574 PMCID: PMC8786196 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-05909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in the lifestyle and in the access to health services worldwide. Progressive multiple sclerosis (pMS) patients are a vulnerable population at high risk of disability worsening. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS The objective of this study was to assess the health outcomes of COVID-19 lockdown in a cohort of 225 pMS patients. RESULTS Worsening of neurological disability (19.7%) and fatigue (32.4%), depression (30.4%), and weight increase (28.3%) were observed in pMS patients during lockdown, along with discontinuation of regular physical exercise (47.1%) and of physical therapy (59.3%). CONCLUSION These results highlight the adverse impact, on pMS patients, of the public health measures implemented for the containment of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vercellino
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bosa
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Anastasia Alteno
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Schillaci
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Manuel Petracca
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Stella Marasciulo
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy
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21
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Zaratin P, Banwell B, Coetzee T, Comi G, Feinstein A, Hyde R, Salvetti M, Smith K. Researching COVID-19 in progressive MS requires a globally coordinated, multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach-perspectives from the International Progressive MS Alliance. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2022; 8:20552173221099181. [PMID: 35530174 PMCID: PMC9073122 DOI: 10.1177/20552173221099181] [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: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of research for the health of our society and highlighted the need for stakeholders of the health research and care continuum to form a collaborative and interdependent ecosystem. Objective With the world still reeling from waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and adapting to the vaccine rollout at widely different rates, the International Progressive MS Alliance (hereafter Alliance) organized a meeting (April 2021) to consider how the Covid-19 pandemic impacts the health and well-being of people with progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods We invited the Alliance stakeholders and experts to present what they have learned about SARS-CoV-2 infection and progressive MS and to define future scientific priorities. Results The meeting highlighted three priorities for additional focus: (1) the impact of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) on the risk of COVID-19 and on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in people with progressive MS; (2) the long-term impact of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines on the biology of progressive MS; and (3) the impact on well-being of people with progressive MS. Conclusion This paper's calls to action could represent a path toward a shared research agenda. Multi-stakeholder and long-term investigations will be required to drive and evolve such an agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda Banwell
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony Feinstein
- Sunnybrook Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Hyde
- Biogen International GMBH, International Progressive MS Alliance Industry Forum representative, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Kathryn Smith
- International Progressive MS Alliance, Lyme, CT, USA
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22
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Weld‐Blundell IV, Grech L, Learmonth YC, Marck CH. Lifestyle and complementary therapies in multiple sclerosis guidelines: Systematic review. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:379-392. [PMID: 35037722 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) may comprise clinical interventions and self-management strategies, including complementary therapies and modifiable lifestyle factors such as exercise and smoking cessation. Lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies with proven safety and efficacy are essential as part of best-practice MS management, especially when faced with limited access to healthcare services. However, it is unclear to what extent MS clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements address these strategies. A systematic review was conducted, wherein MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, guideline databases and developer sites were searched for guidelines and consensus statements that addressed lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies of interest. Two researchers independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed guideline quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version II. Thirty-one guidelines and consensus statements were included. Quality was high for 'clarity of presentation' (77%) and 'scope and purpose' (73%), moderate for 'stakeholder development' (56%), 'rigour of development' (48%) and 'editorial independence' (47%), and low for 'applicability' (29%). Two guidelines, related to physical activity and exercise, mindfulness, smoking cessation, and vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation, scored high in all domains. These guidelines were two of only four guidelines intended for use by people with MS. High-quality guidelines and consensus statements to guide lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies in MS management are limited. Our findings indicate the need for more guidelines intended for use by people with MS, and a further focus on implementation resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle V. Weld‐Blundell
- Disability and Health Unit Centre for Health Equity Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Lisa Grech
- School of Health Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Cancer Experiences Research Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Yvonne C. Learmonth
- Discipline of Exercise Science Murdoch University Perth WA Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science Perth WA Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics Healthy Futures Institute Murdoch University Perth WA Australia
- Centre for Health Ageing Healthy Futures Institute Murdoch University Perth WA Australia
| | - Claudia H. Marck
- Disability and Health Unit Centre for Health Equity Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
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23
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Chiavi D, Haag C, Chan A, Kamm CP, Sieber C, Stanikić M, Rodgers S, Pot C, Kesselring J, Salmen A, Rapold I, Calabrese P, Manjaly ZM, Gobbi C, Zecca C, Walther S, Stegmayer K, Hoepner R, Puhan M, von Wyl V. Studying Real-World Experiences of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis during the first Covid-19 Lockdown: An Application of Natural Language Processing (Preprint). JMIR Med Inform 2022; 10:e37945. [DOI: 10.2196/37945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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24
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Monteiro S, Fournier M, Favrod J, Drainville AL, Plessis L, Freudiger S, Skuza K, Tripalo C, Franck N, Lebas MC, Deloyer J, Wilquin H, Golay P, Rexhaj S. Ability to Care for an Ill Loved One During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Mediators of Informal Caregivers' Stress in Europe. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:852712. [PMID: 35492725 PMCID: PMC9039127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.852712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Informal caregivers are overlooked, healthcare actors. They are at particular risk of distress and suffer from poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate the perceived stress and modulating factors during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Europe, regardless of the illness that care recipients suffer from. Sociodemographic data, coping resources, and perceived stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire were assessed using a web-based survey in Switzerland, France, and Belgium with 232 informal caregivers. Mediation analyses were used to identify the factors that modulate stress. Higher perceived stress among informal caregivers was associated with a younger age for the care recipient, family relationship with the care recipient, cohabitation, and female sex of the informal caregiver. These associations were partially mediated by the fear of getting ill (age, cohabitation), the conviction that lockdowns had a negative impact on health (age, kinship), and the perceived deterioration of the care recipient's health (gender). The fear of losing the ability to cope with caregiving tasks due to an illness (COVID-19 and/or other) and the negative impact of the lockdown on care recipients' health, particularly on the mental health of young care recipients, increased the stress of informal caregivers. Our results emphasize the importance of informal caregiving support to prevent heightened stress in lockdown conditions, regardless of care recipient illness or kinship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadya Monteiro
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margot Fournier
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Favrod
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Drainville
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Léa Plessis
- Aix Marseille Université, LPCPP, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Sylvie Freudiger
- AVASAD, Association Vaudoise d'Aide et de Soins à Domicile Route de Chavannes, Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Krzysztof Skuza
- HESAV, School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Switzerland
| | - Charlene Tripalo
- Service de Psychiatrie Générale, Psychiatry Department, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Pôle Centre Rive Gauche et Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, UMR 5229, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Clotilde Lebas
- Département des Sciences de la Santé Publique et de la Motricité, Haute Ecole de la Province de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | | | - Hélène Wilquin
- Aix Marseille Université, LPCPP, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Philippe Golay
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shyhrete Rexhaj
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Goverover Y, Chen MH, Botticello A, Voelbel GT, Kim G, DeLuca J, Genova HM. Relationships between changes in daily occupations and health-related quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103339. [PMID: 35158428 PMCID: PMC8522683 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to explore the impact of the mandated lockdown and social distancing policies on engagement in daily occupations for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and able bodied (i.e. healthy) adults. The study also examined whether the changes in daily occupations were associated with health-related quality of life (HrQOL). Methods: Between the spring and early fall of 2020, 69 persons with MS and 95 healthy adults completed an online survey that included measurements of 26 activities of daily life. For each activity, participants reported whether they continued to perform the activity (with or without adjustments), whether they stopped, or started to perform the activity during the pandemic. Social support, HrQOL, and demographics, including financial distress were also obtained. Results: Participants with MS and healthy adults both reduced the number of activities performed during the pandemic. Healthy adults continued to do more activities with and without adjustments compared with participants with MS. In both groups, better HrQOL was associated with the number of activities participants continued to do with and without adjustments, and worse HrQOL with the number of activities they stopped doing. Conclusions: Fewer persons with MS engaged in everyday occupations than healthy adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to maintain occupational engagement and to participate in social and daily activities is important for maintaining high HrQOL in both groups. Thus, these results call for attention in treatment and self-management of MS symptomatology.
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26
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Boziki M, Styliadis C, Bakirtzis C, Grigoriadou E, Sintila AS, Nikolaidis I, Vrienniou A, Geys L, Pelidou SH, Probert L, Papazisis G, Bamidis P, Grigoriadis N. A National Representative, Cross-Sectional Study by the Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.) on COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: Overall Impact and Willingness Toward Vaccination. Front Neurol 2021; 12:757038. [PMID: 34899577 PMCID: PMC8656423 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.757038] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the constant needs of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and their caregivers were urgently highlighted. Aim: The present study aims to capture the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in several aspects of the quality of life of PwMS, in perception and behavior to COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as concerning healthcare, working conditions, and the willingness toward COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This study is an initiative of the Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology (HEL.A.NI.) and it has been included in the MS Data Alliance (MSDA) Catalog, which can be accessed after creating an account on https://msda.emif-catalogue.eu/login. Two online questionnaires were administered: (i) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life, behavior, and healthcare of PwMS (Questionnaire A) and (ii) vaccination against COVID-19 (Questionnaire B). People with MS were invited to participate by the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS). Results: Three-hundred-ninety PwMS responded to Questionnaire A, whereas 176 PwMS provided answers for Questionnaire B. Older age, longer disease duration, and higher MS-related disability were associated with the increased perceived sensitivity toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as well as the increased perceived severity of COVID-19 upon potential infection. A significant proportion of PwMS experienced restricted access to MS-related health professionals, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) prescription, and/or to MS-related laboratory examination due to the pandemic. Subgroups of PwMS reported exacerbated symptoms (i.e., chronic MS-related symptoms, fatigue and/or worsening of pre-existing fatigue, and sexual dysfunction and or/worsening of pre-existing sexual dysfunction). Overall, the majority of the participants reported either a strong willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or a likeliness to undergo vaccination. Being aware of the HEL.A.NI. recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination for PwMS were reported to increase the willingness of the participants to receive the vaccine. Conclusions: Our results highlight the necessity of scientific and patient organizations in taking joint action to increase awareness on health-related issues during the pandemic and to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for PwMS. Online information and communications technology (ICT) tools for polling public belief and behavior may prove valuable as means of retaining active routes of communication between stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boziki
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charis Styliadis
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Grigoriadou
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aggeliki-Styliani Sintila
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Nikolaidis
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aliki Vrienniou
- Hellenic Federation of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Athens, Greece
| | - Lotte Geys
- University MS Center (UMSC), Campus Diepenbeek, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,University of Hasselt, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Diepenbeek, Belgium.,University of Hasselt, Data Science Institute (DSI), Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sygkliti-Henrietta Pelidou
- Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Lesley Probert
- Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Bamidis
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- 2nd Neurological University Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.), Thessaloniki, Greece
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27
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Rieckmann P, Centonze D, Giovannoni G, Hua LH, Oreja-Guevara C, Selchen D, Sørensen PS, Vermersch P, Wiendl H, Salloukh H, Yamout B. Expert opinion on COVID-19 vaccination and the use of cladribine tablets in clinical practice. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211058298. [PMID: 34899987 PMCID: PMC8655448 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211058298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaps in current evidence and guidance leave clinicians with unanswered questions on the use of cladribine tablets for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular relating to COVID-19 vaccination. OBJECTIVE We describe a consensus-based program led by international MS experts with the aim of supplementing current guidelines and treatment labels by providing timely recommendations relating to COVID-19 vaccination and the use of cladribine tablets in clinical practice. METHODS A steering committee (SC) of 10 international MS experts identified 7 clinical questions to answer concerning the use of cladribine tablets and COVID-19 vaccination, which addressed issues relating to patient selection, timing and efficacy, and safety. Clinical recommendations to address each question were drafted using available evidence combined with expert opinion from the SC. An extended faculty of 28 MS experts, representing 19 countries, in addition to the 10 SC members, voted on the recommendations. Consensus on recommendations was achieved when ⩾75% of respondents expressed an agreement score of 7-9, on a 9-point scale. RESULTS Consensus was achieved on all 13 recommendations. Clinical recommendations are provided on whether all patients with MS receiving cladribine tablets should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and whether they should be prioritized; the timing of vaccination around dosing of cladribine tablets (i.e. before and after a treatment course); and the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for these patients. CONCLUSION These expert recommendations provide timely guidance on COVID-19 vaccination in patients receiving cladribine tablets, which is relevant to everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rieckmann
- Center for Clinical Neuroplasticity, Medical Park Loipl, Bischofswiesen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Le H. Hua
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Selchen
- Division of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Per Soelberg Sørensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Université de Lille, INSERM-U1172, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Fédératif Hospitalo-Universitaire Precise, Lille, France
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hashem Salloukh
- Ares Trading SA, Eysins, Switzerland (an affiliate of Merck KGaA)
| | - Bassem Yamout
- Neurology Institute, Harley Street Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon
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28
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Rammohan KW, Halper J, Lang S, Murphy SM, Patton L, Goodman C, Li DK. The North American Registry for Care and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (NARCRMS). Int J MS Care 2021; 23:269-275. [PMID: 35035298 PMCID: PMC8745232 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-021] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although many regional multiple sclerosis (MS) databases existed in the United States and Canada, there was no single clinician-derived registry that examined this disease as a group across the North American continent. This distinction is important because information that results from such a database can potentially give perspectives about MS that cannot be derived from any single regional registry. A partnership was forged between the pharmaceutical industry and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) to create a registry of patients with MS from Canada and the United States, including Puerto Rico. Case report forms were created to collect physician-derived information, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was selected to capture patient-reported outcomes. As of November 2021, 754 of 1000 patients have been enrolled. Completion of recruitment is expected by the end of 2021. Twenty-five centers are participating, with an expected total of 30, including five centers from Canada. Clinical status, health economic outcomes, magnetic resonance images, and, soon, biomarkers relevant to understanding relapses and progression are collected. The short-term goal is to understand and better treat MS disease progression, and the long-term goal is its prevention. The North American Registry for Care and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (NARCRMS) is one of few clinician/patient-generated registries that examines MS across North America, including Puerto Rico. Information derived from the natural history studies should help physicians, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies understand MS better and improve quality of life for patients with MS worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - June Halper
- Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (JH)
| | - Steven Lang
- From the University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA (KWR, SL, CG)
| | | | - Lisa Patton
- Social & Scientific Systems, Silver Spring, MD, USA (SMM, LP)
| | | | - David K.B. Li
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (DKBL)
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29
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Selek A, Gezer E, Altun E, Sözen M, Topaloğlu Ö, Köksalan D, Demirkan H, Karakaya D, Cetinarslan B, Cantürk Z, Taymez D. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus in Turkey: a multi-center study from Kocaeli. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 20:1461-1467. [PMID: 34466406 PMCID: PMC8393783 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and disease control of the patients with diabetes mellitus in Kocaeli. Methods This study was carried out in six leading central hospitals in five major districts of Kocaeli. The study was conducted between June 2020 and November 2020. The patients who had previous admissions to these clinics within 6 months prior to the pandemic were enrolled in the study. Results A total of 283 patients were enrolled in the study, among them 151 (53%) patients were female, 268 (95%) had type 2 DM and remaining 5% had type 1 DM. The median weight of the patients was similar between the previous and last visits (84 kg vs 83 kg, p = 0,88). Laboratory parameters of previous and current visits revealed that mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels were not significantly changed. The number of the patients who had controlled blood pressure was significantly decreased. The number of those who had neuropathic complains and the severity of dyslipidemia significantly increased during pandemic period. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that despite decreased compliance with diet and exercise, and difficulty in accessing medication, there was no significant change in weight, FPG and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients. Since cultural differences, education level and socioeconomic opportunities differ between societies, national and international studies will be more accurate to evaluate the effects of epidemics on the course of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alev Selek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Emre Gezer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Eda Altun
- Department of Nephrology, Gölcük State Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sözen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Ömercan Topaloğlu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Derince Training and Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Damla Köksalan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Halil Demirkan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli SEKA State Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Dilek Karakaya
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Park Hospital, Gebze, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Berrin Cetinarslan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Zeynep Cantürk
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Umuttepe, Kocaeli Turkey
| | - Dilek Taymez
- Department of Nephrology, Kocaeli State Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
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30
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Bsteh G, Assar H, Hegen H, Heschl B, Leutmezer F, Di Pauli F, Gradl C, Traxler G, Zulehner G, Rommer P, Wipfler P, Guger M, Enzinger C, Berger T. COVID-19 severity and mortality in multiple sclerosis are not associated with immunotherapy: Insights from a nation-wide Austrian registry. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255316. [PMID: 34314457 PMCID: PMC8315529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic challenges neurologists in counselling patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) regarding their risk by SARS-CoV-2 and in guiding disease-modifying treatment (DMT). OBJECTIVE To characterize the prevalence and outcome of COVID-19 in pwMS specifically associated with different DMT in a nationwide population-based study. METHODS We included patients aged ≥18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of MS and a diagnosis of COVID-19 established between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. We classified COVID-19 course as either mild, severe or fatal. Impact of DMT and specifically immunosuppressants (alemtuzumab, cladribine, fingolimod, ocrelizumab or rituximab) on COVID-19 outcome was determined by multivariable models, adjusted for a-priori-risk. RESULTS Of 126 MS patients with COVID-19 (mean age 43.2 years [SD 13.4], 71% female), 86.5% had a mild course, 9.5% a severe course and 3.2% died from COVID-19. A-priori-risk significantly predicted COVID-19 severity (R2 0.814; p<0.001) and mortality (R2 0.664; p<0.001). Adjusting for this a-priori-risk, neither exposure to any DMT nor exposure to specific immunosuppressive DMT were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (odds ratio [OR] 1.6; p = 0.667 and OR 1.9; p = 0.426) or mortality (OR 0.5; p = 0.711 and 2.1; 0.233) when compared to no DMT. CONCLUSIONS In a population-based MS cohort, COVID-19 outcome was not associated with exposure to DMT and immunosuppressive DMT when accounting for other already known risk factors. This provides reassuring evidence that COVID-19 risk can be individually anticipated in MS and-except for a very small proportion of high-risk patients-treatment decisions should be primarily focused on treating MS rather than the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Bsteh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Hamid Assar
- Department of Neurology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Harald Hegen
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Heschl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Fritz Leutmezer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Di Pauli
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christiane Gradl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of St. Pölten, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Gerhard Traxler
- Department of Neurology 2, Med Campus III, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | - Gudrun Zulehner
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulus Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Wipfler
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Guger
- Department of Neurology 2, Med Campus III, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Colais P, Cascini S, Balducci M, Agabiti N, Davoli M, Fusco D, Calandrini E, Bargagli AM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare services amongst patients with multiple sclerosis in the Lazio region, Italy. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3403-3410. [PMID: 33896086 PMCID: PMC8250799 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease involving multidisciplinary assessments and interventions. Access to outpatient specialist and home healthcare services was explored during the pandemic outbreak and the lockdown amongst MS patients in the Lazio region. Adherence to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is also described. METHODS A population-based study was conducted using regional healthcare administrative databases. A validated algorithm was used to identify MS cases over the period 2011-2018. The numbers of specialist and home-based services were compared between 2019 and 2020. The medication possession ratio was used to measure adherence to DMTs. RESULTS A total of 9380 MS patients were identified (68% women). A decline in the number of outpatient care services between March and June 2020 compared to the previous year was observed, in particular for rehabilitation (-82%), magnetic resonance imaging (-56%) and neurological specialist services (-91%). Important year-to-year variations were observed in May and June 2020 in home-based nursing and medical care (-91%) and motor re-education services (-74%). Adherence to DMTs was higher in the first 4 months of 2019 compared to the same period of 2020 (67.1% vs. 57.0%). CONCLUSIONS A notable disruption of rehabilitative therapy and home-based services as well as in DMT adherence was observed. Since the pandemic is still ongoing and interruption of healthcare services could have a major impact on MS patients, it is necessary to monitor access of MS patients to healthcare resources in order to ensure adequate treatments, including rehabilitative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Colais
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cascini
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Balducci
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Nera Agabiti
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Fusco
- Department of Health Information Systems, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Calandrini
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Poli S, Rimondini M, Gajofatto A, Mazzi MA, Busch IM, Gobbin F, Schena F, Del Piccolo L, Donisi V. "If You Can't Control the Wind, Adjust Your Sail": Tips for Post-Pandemic Benefit Finding from Young Adults Living with Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084156. [PMID: 33919974 PMCID: PMC8070973 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the wellbeing of people worldwide, potentially increasing maladaptive psychological responses of vulnerable populations. Although young adults with multiple sclerosis (yawMS) might be at greater risk of developing psychological distress linked to the pandemic, they might also be able to adapt to stress and find meaning in adverse life events. The aim of the present study was to explore benefit finding in response to the pandemic in a sample of yawMS. As part of a larger project, data were collected using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Benefit finding was analysed using a qualitative thematic approach; descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to describe the sample and compare sub-groups. Out of 247 respondents with mostly relapsing-remitting MS, 199 (31.9 ± 6.97 years) reported at least one benefit. Qualitative analysis showed that during the pandemic yawMS found benefits related to three themes: personal growth, relational growth, and existential growth. No differences in benefit finding were found between age sub-groups (18–30 vs. 31–45). Participants reported a wide range of benefits, some of which seem to be specific to MS or the pandemic. Results have been transformed into tips to be introduced in clinical practice to promote resilience in yawMS through meaning making.
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