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Andersen ML, Zegers FD, Jølving LR, Knudsen T, Stenager E, Nørgård BM. Patients with multiple sclerosis: COVID-19 related disease activity and hospitalisations based on a nationwide cohort study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105031. [PMID: 37778157 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105031] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has not previously been clarified if COVID-19 triggers disease activity and increases the risk of hospitalisation with COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis. We examined the association between COVID-19 and the use of systemic corticosteroids prescriptions and hospital contacts at neurological departments as proxies of disease activity among patients with multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, we examined whether patients with multiple sclerosis were more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 compared to references. METHODS This study was based on nationwide health registries with data on the Danish population of 2,222,946 individuals with a positive COVID-19 PCR test. To study disease activity our study population consisted of all patients with multiple sclerosis and a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Our proxies for disease activity were compared after versus before a positive COVID-19 PCR test using a binomial regression model. Adjustments were made for age, sex, comorbidity, length of multiple sclerosis diagnosis, calendar period, vaccination, and immunomodulatory treatment. To study the risk of hospitalisation with COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis our study population here consisted of all Danish citizens with a COVID-19 positive PCR test. In logistic regression models we estimated odds ratio (OR) for hospitalisation with COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis relative to patients affected with other autoimmune diseases (inflammatory bowel disease/rheumatoid arthritis), and relative to individuals from the general population. Adjustments were made for age, sex, comorbidity, vaccination, and calendar period. To examine the impact of disease-modifying treatment, the risk of hospitalisation with COVID-19 was estimated in those with disease-modifying treatment versus those without any disease-modifying treatment. RESULTS We included 7358 patients with multiple sclerosis and a positive COVID-19 PCR test. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) for having corticosteroid prescriptions after COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis was 0.93 (95 % CI 0.78 - 1.10), and the aIRR for hospital contacts at neurological departments/admissions with multiple sclerosis as primary diagnosis after COVID-19 infection was 1.10 (95 % 1.00-1.22). Adjusted OR (aOR) for hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the 30 days after a positive COVID-19 PCR test was 3.21 (95 % CI 2.75-3.74) compared to patients with other autoimmune diseases and the aOR was 5.34 (95 % CI 4.65-6.14) for patients with multiple sclerosis compared to all other individuals in the general population with a positive test. We found no increased risk of hospitalisations with COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis using disease-modifying treatment 6 months prior to a positive COVID-19 PCR test compared to patients with multiple sclerosis without disease-modifying treatment (aOR 0.94 (95 % CI 0.69-1.27)). CONCLUSIONS In this nationwide cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis, COVID-19 did not seem to trigger multiple sclerosis disease activity (based on proxy variables). We found a significantly increased risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19 in the first 30 days after a positive COVID-19 PCR test in patients with multiple sclerosis irrespective of the type of reference population. In patients with multiple sclerosis, the use of disease-modifying treatment did not increase the risk of hospitalisation with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Louise Andersen
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Floor Dijkstra Zegers
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Line Riis Jølving
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Torben Knudsen
- Department of Regional Research, University of Southern, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark; Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of South West Jutland, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Egon Stenager
- Department of Regional Research, University of Southern, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark; Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of Southern Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Jutland, Kresten Philipsensvej 15, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, Kløvervænget 30, Entrance 216, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
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Mantero V, Basilico P, Balgera R, Rigamonti A, Sozzi M, Salmaggi A, Cordano C. Flu-like syndrome due to interferon-beta injections does not increase anxiety, depression, and lost working days in multiple sclerosis patients during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 232:107892. [PMID: 37454600 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Aim of this study was to evaluated anxiety, depression, and possible negative implications on work activities during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, in a group of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients at risk of flu-like syndrome (FLS) compared with FLS- free treatments. METHODS The present study included patients treated with interferon-ß (IFNß), glatiramer, and natalizumab for at least one year. Collected data included the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), together with questions about FLS, change in work habits, use of antipyretics, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS 100 patients were included in the study. Six patients in IFNß and 5 in the natalizumab group had a confirmed COVID-19 infection. 68% in the IFNß patients reported FLS and only one reported an increase in flu-like frequency during the pandemic; 14% reported lower compliance with treatment, and 40% reported uptake of antipyretics several times. Only one IFNß patient reported having lost more working days than the previous year. The average BAI (p = 0.039) was higher in natalizumab group. Correcting these data by age, sex and EDSS to a multivariate analysis we did not find any statistically significant difference in terms of BAI and BDI-II between the three treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS FLS were not perceived as COVID19-like symptoms but as expected by traditional pharmacological treatments indeed. These data suggest that IFNß can be used safely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Basilico
- MS center, Department of Neurology, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Roberto Balgera
- MS center, Department of Neurology, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Sozzi
- Neuropsychology service, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaggi
- MS center, Department of Neurology, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy; Neuropsychology service, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Christian Cordano
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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3
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Hamidi Z, Jabraeili-Siahroud S, Taati-Alamdari Y, Aghbash PS, Shamekh A, Baghi HB. A comprehensive review of COVID-19 symptoms and treatments in the setting of autoimmune diseases. Virol J 2023; 20:1. [PMID: 36611166 PMCID: PMC9824943 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
After the first reporting of the index case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2-associated disease at the end of December 2019, the virus spread quickly throughout the world, prompting the WHO on 11 March 2020 to declare the disease a global pandemic. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, raises concerns for all people, mainly for susceptible population. People with pre-existing diseases, especially individuals with autoimmune disorders, are more at the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because of compromised immune system due to frequent use of immunosuppressive drugs and steroids. Patients with autoimmune diseases and their physicians have concerns about these patients' healthcare, since they are at a higher risk for COVID-19 infection, may show severe complications of COVID-19, and may experience probable flares of their pre-existing disease. Even though there have been several studies discussing the relation between COVID-19 and various types of autoimmune diseases, it cannot be ascertained that all patients with autoimmune diseases experience more severe complications of COVID-19 and have more hospitalization or mortality rate. The situation depends on each patient's condition, such as the type and the severity of the underlying autoimmune disease and the kind of treatment they receive. In the present review, we have discussed the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with different autoimmune diseases and their relative concerns about their treatments. As a result, we have reviewed further considerations that should be taken into account for these patients during the pandemic or when they are infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hamidi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shaghaiegh Jabraeili-Siahroud
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yalda Taati-Alamdari
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Shiri Aghbash
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Shamekh
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ,grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5165665931, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5165665931, Tabriz, Iran.
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4
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Hamidi Z, Jabraeili-Siahroud S, Taati-Alamdari Y, Aghbash PS, Shamekh A, Baghi HB. A comprehensive review of COVID-19 symptoms and treatments in the setting of autoimmune diseases. Virol J 2023. [PMID: 36611166 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-01967-7/tables/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
After the first reporting of the index case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2-associated disease at the end of December 2019, the virus spread quickly throughout the world, prompting the WHO on 11 March 2020 to declare the disease a global pandemic. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, raises concerns for all people, mainly for susceptible population. People with pre-existing diseases, especially individuals with autoimmune disorders, are more at the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because of compromised immune system due to frequent use of immunosuppressive drugs and steroids. Patients with autoimmune diseases and their physicians have concerns about these patients' healthcare, since they are at a higher risk for COVID-19 infection, may show severe complications of COVID-19, and may experience probable flares of their pre-existing disease. Even though there have been several studies discussing the relation between COVID-19 and various types of autoimmune diseases, it cannot be ascertained that all patients with autoimmune diseases experience more severe complications of COVID-19 and have more hospitalization or mortality rate. The situation depends on each patient's condition, such as the type and the severity of the underlying autoimmune disease and the kind of treatment they receive. In the present review, we have discussed the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with different autoimmune diseases and their relative concerns about their treatments. As a result, we have reviewed further considerations that should be taken into account for these patients during the pandemic or when they are infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hamidi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shaghaiegh Jabraeili-Siahroud
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yalda Taati-Alamdari
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Shiri Aghbash
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Shamekh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5165665931, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5165665931, Tabriz, Iran.
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5
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Stamatellos VP, Papazisis G. Safety and Monitoring of the Treatment with Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2023; 18:39-50. [PMID: 35418296 DOI: 10.2174/2772432817666220412110720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are widely used given their proven efficacy in the relapsing form of the disease, while recently, Siponimod and Ocrelizumab have been approved for the progressive forms of the disease. Currently, 22 diseasemodifying drugs are approved by the FDA, while in 2012, only nine were present in the market. From March 2019 until August 2020, six new drugs were approved. This rapid development of new DMTs highlighted the need to update our knowledge about their short and long-term safety. OBJECTIVE This review summarizes the available safety data for all the Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis and presents the monitoring plan before and during the treatment. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PUBMED and COCHRANE databases. Key journals and abstracts from major annual meetings of Neurology, references of relevant reviews, and relative articles were also manually searched. We prioritized systematic reviews, large randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and other observational studies. Special attention was paid to guidelines and papers focusing on the safety and monitoring of DMTs. CONCLUSION Data for oral (Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators, Fumarates, Teriflunomide, Cladribine), injectables (Interferons, Glatiramer acetate, Ofatumumab), and infusion therapies (Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, Alemtuzumab) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Clinical Trials Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education & Department of Clinical Pharmacology School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Alroughani R, Inshasi J, Al Khawajah M, Ahmed SF, Al Malik Y, Alkhabouri J, Shatila A, Aljarallah S, Cupler EJ, Qureshi SA, Thakre M, Elhasin H, Ezzat A, Roushdy S. Real-world effectiveness and safety profile of teriflunomide in the management of multiple sclerosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: An expert consensus narrative review. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2022; 8:20552173221077185. [PMID: 35284088 PMCID: PMC8915209 DOI: 10.1177/20552173221077185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Multiple sclerosis contributes to significant burden on patients and caregivers. The pharmacological treatment in MS involves treating acute exacerbations and preventing relapses and disability progression using disease-modifying therapies. Clinical evidence suggests that teriflunomide is one of the therapeutic choices for patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). However, genetic and cultural differences across different regions may contribute to variations in drug use. Therefore, it is necessary to consider real-world evidence for teriflunomide usage in GCC countries. Methods An expert group for MS gathered from GCC countries in December 2020. The consensus highlighting role of teriflunomide in MS management has been developed using clinical experiences and evidence-based approach. Results The expert-recommended patient profile for teriflunomide usage includes individuals aged 18 years and above, both men and women (on effective contraceptives) with clinically isolated syndrome or RRMS. The factors considered were cost-effectiveness of the drug, patient preference, adherence, monitoring, established safety profile, and coronavirus disease 2019 status. Conclusion Expert recommendations based on their clinical experience will be more helpful to clinicians in clinical settings regarding the usage of teriflunomide and provide valuable insights applicable in day-to-day practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Jihad Inshasi
- Neurology Department, Rashid Hospital and Dubai Medical College, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | | | | | - Yaser Al Malik
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Edward J Cupler
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Tondo G, Aprile D, Tesser F, Comi C. Increased Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Disorders during COVID-19 Pandemic in People Needing a Non-Deferrable Neurological Evaluation. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215169. [PMID: 34768689 PMCID: PMC8585111 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215169] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak provoked a profound healthcare system reorganization. This study aimed to compare the reasons for requesting a non-deferrable neurological evaluation before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the lockdown. Methods: Retrospective observational study including non-deferrable neurological outpatients before the pandemic (pre-COVID-19 group, n = 223) and during the Italian second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (LOCKDOWN group, n = 318). Results: The number of patients sent for cerebrovascular disorders, headache, and vertigo significantly dropped between the pre-COVID-19 era and the lockdown period. While in the pre-COVID-19 group, the most frequent diagnosis was cerebrovascular disorder; neuropsychiatric disorders ranked first in the LOCKDOWN group. Moreover, the percentage of appropriate non-deferrable neurological evaluations significantly increased in the LOCKDOWN group compared with the pre-COVID-19 group. Discussion: Our study shows a significant increase of neuropsychiatric disorders in non-deferrable neurologic evaluations during the Italian second wave of the COVID-19. Overall, cases were more severe and required a more complex management during the lockdown compared with the pre-COVID era. These findings confirm that a careful approach to prevent the psychological consequences of the pandemic is needed, and long-term rearrangements of the healthcare system are desirable to guarantee appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Tondo
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Fabiana Tesser
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Cristoforo Comi
- Neurology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Abbiate 21, 13100 Vercelli, Italy; (G.T.); (F.T.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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The course of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis-The experience of one center based on the population of Upper Silesia. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 52:102984. [PMID: 34000683 PMCID: PMC8080501 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background It is suspected that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at greater risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to disability and immunotherapy. The relationship between MS and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is uncertain. The aim of the study was to collect and analyze this relationship. Methods All MS patients of the Neurological Outpatient Clinic in Zabrze, Poland, were regularly questioned for the symptoms of COVID-19 and contact with an infected person. Patients that presented with COVID-19 symptoms or confirmed contact with an infected person were referred for the COVID-19 test. All patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 41) were included in the analysis. Medical records of the study group were analyzed. Patient condition was monitored in the outpatient clinic after recovery. In 26 subjects, additional examinations, including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroneurography (ENG), electroencephalography (EEG), color duplex Doppler (CDD), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and psychological assessment were performed following recovery. Results Only one patient required hospitalization during COVID-19 infection, whereas 87.80% of patients did not require treatment for COVID-19. In all patients, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were below 10 mg/L. In 2.44% of patients, oxygen partial pressure was below 95%. In most MS patients, the results of further examinations after COVID-19 infection were similar to those prior to infection. Psychological assessment revealed that anxiety was found in 42.31% of patients. Conclusions A mild course of COVID-19 in MS patients seems common despite disease-modifying drug treatment and disability. Self-isolation is recommended to reduce the number of infected patients. COVID-19 infection did not worsen the course of MS in most subjects. Patients with MS may require additional psychological support during the pandemic due to their susceptibility to anxiety.
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Diaz de la Fe A, Peláez Suárez AA, Fuentes Campos M, Cabrera Hernández MN, Goncalves CA, Schultz S, Siniscalco D, Robinson-Agramonte MA. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Risk Management in Multiple Sclerosis. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9020032. [PMID: 33921878 PMCID: PMC8167598 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9020032] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus can cause a severe respiratory disease with impact on the central nervous system, as has been reported by several medical health services. In the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 neurotrophic virus, neurologists have focused their attention on the early identification of suggestive manifestations of the neurological impact of the disease. In this context, they are exploring related chronic disease and the possibility of achieving a more effective understanding of symptoms derived from COVID-19 infection and those derived from the course of preexisting neurological disease. The present review summarizes evidence from the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the management of the risks of multiple sclerosis and how it is related to the risks of general comorbidities associated with COVID-19. In addition, we reviewed other factors characteristic of MS, such as relapses, and the maximum tolerated dose of treatment medications from clinical and experimental evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amado Diaz de la Fe
- Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Habana 11300, Cuba; (A.D.d.l.F.); (A.A.P.S.)
| | - Alejandro Armando Peláez Suárez
- Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Habana 11300, Cuba; (A.D.d.l.F.); (A.A.P.S.)
| | - Marinet Fuentes Campos
- Departamento de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria Policlínico 28 de Enero, Habana 11300, Cuba;
| | | | - Carlos-Alberto Goncalves
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil;
| | - Stephen Schultz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Angeles Robinson-Agramonte
- Neuroimmunology Department, Research Center, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Habana 11300, Cuba
- Correspondence:
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Yetkin MF, Yetkin NA, Akcakoyunlu M, Mirza M. Transient monocular visual impairment as an initial symptom of COVID-19 infection in an individual with multiple sclerosis receiving teriflunomide. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:1661-1664. [PMID: 33534122 PMCID: PMC7856853 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread throughout China. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, in addition to the well-known COVID-19 symptoms, various neurological symptoms have been also described in patients with COVID-19. Here, we report an unusual presentation of COVID-19 infection in a teriflunomide-treated individual with multiple sclerosis (MS) who did not interrupt teriflunomide treatment during the infection. The course of the infection was mild in this case as in other reported teriflunomide-treated individuals with COVID-19. COVID-19's presentation may be unusual in people with MS (pwMS). It can also be concluded that teriflunomide may be considered a safe disease-modifying treatment option during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Yetkin
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38038, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nur Aleyna Yetkin
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Ministry of Health Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Merve Akcakoyunlu
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38038, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Meral Mirza
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38038, Kayseri, Turkey
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Mantero V, Abate L, Salmaggi A, Cordano C. Multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: How could therapeutic scenarios change during the pandemic? J Med Virol 2021; 93:1847-1849. [PMID: 33448419 PMCID: PMC8014825 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Abate
- Department of Neurology, MS Center, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaggi
- Department of Neurology, MS Center, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Christian Cordano
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Hughes R, Whitley L, Fitovski K, Schneble HM, Muros E, Sauter A, Craveiro L, Dillon P, Bonati U, Jessop N, Pedotti R, Koendgen H. COVID-19 in ocrelizumab-treated people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 49:102725. [PMID: 33482590 PMCID: PMC7772086 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background There are limited data on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS. Methods Internal Roche/Genentech data sources: Cases of COVID-19 from ongoing Roche/Genentech clinical trials and from post-marketing use of ocrelizumab until July 31, 2020 were identified and assessed using descriptive statistics. External real-world data (RWD) source: An MS COVID-19 cohort and an ocrelizumab-treated MS COVID-19 cohort were identified and assessed from the OPTUMⓇ de-identified COVID-19 electronic health record (EHR) database. Results Roche/Genentech clinical trial data: There were 51 (1.3%) suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified from 4,000 patients ongoing in 10 Roche/Genentech clinical trials. Of these, 26 (51%) were confirmed COVID-19 and 25 (49%) were suspected COVID-19. Sixteen (31.4%) patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 severity was mild to moderate in most patients (35, 68.6%). Ten (19.6%) patients had severe disease and there were three (5.9%) fatal cases. Most patients (43, 84.3%) recovered or were recovering. There was no association apparent between duration of exposure to ocrelizumab and COVID-19. Among COVID-19 patients with previous serum immunoglobulin status (27/51, 52.9%), all (27/27, 100%) had IgG levels within the normal range. Roche/Genentech post-marketing safety database data: There were 307 post-marketing cases of COVID-19 in the Roche/Genentech global safety database. Of these, 263 (85.7%) were confirmed and 44 (14.3%) were suspected COVID-19. 100 (32.6%) patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 was asymptomatic, mild or moderate in 143 (46.6%) patients, severe in 52 (16.9%) patients, and critical in 15 (4.9%) patients. There were 17 (5.5%) fatal cases. Information on severity was not reported in 80 (26.1%) cases. Most patients (211, 68.7%) recovered or were recovering at the time of the report. External RWD data source: As of July 13, 2020, the OPTUMⓇ database included EHRs for almost 1.2 million patients with suspected COVID-19, 130,500 of whom met the criteria for confirmed/clinically diagnosed COVID-19. A total of 357 patients with MS with confirmed COVID-19 were identified. Forty-eight (13.4%) were treated with ocrelizumab, of whom 12 (25.0%) were hospitalized and one died (2.1%). Similar rates of hospitalization, invasive ventilation, and death were observed in the ocrelizumab-treated and non-ocrelizumab-treated MS cohorts. Across the Roche/Genentech and RWD sources assessed, age, male sex, and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension were associated with a more severe disease course of COVID-19. There was a higher number of comorbidities present in hospitalized versus non-hospitalized patients. Conclusions This assessment provides evidence that COVID-19 in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS is predominantly mild to moderate in severity with most patients not requiring hospitalization; in line with data reported from the general population and MS datasets. Risk factors known to be associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in the general population also appear to influence COVID-19 severity in ocrelizumab-treated people with MS. Case fatality rates for ocrelizumab-treated people with MS were within published ranges for the general population and other MS cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erwan Muros
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Paul Dillon
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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