CSF levels of Chitinase3like1 correlate with early response to cladribine in multiple sclerosis

Background

Cladribine has been introduced as a high-efficacy drug for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Initial cohort studies showed early disease activity in the first year after drug initiation. Biomarkers that can predict early disease activity are needed.

Aim

To estimate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of clinical and radiological responses after initiation of cladribine.

Methods

Forty-two RRMS patients (30F/12M) treated with cladribine were included in a longitudinal prospective study. All patients underwent a CSF examination at treatment initiation, clinical follow-up including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessment, and a 3T MRI scan after 6,12 and 24 months, including the evaluation of white matter (WM) and cortical lesions (CLs). CSF levels of 67 inflammatory markers were assessed with immune-assay multiplex techniques. The 'no evidence of disease activity' (NEDA-3) status was assessed after two years and defined by no relapses, no disability worsening measured by EDSS and no MRI activity, including CLs.

Results

Three patients were lost at follow-up. At the end of follow-up, 19 (48%) patients remained free from disease activity. IFNgamma, Chitinase3like1, IL32, Osteopontin, IL12(p40), IL34, IL28A, sTNFR2, IL20 and CCL2 showed the best association with disease activity. When added in a multivariate regression model including age, sex, and baseline EDSS, Chitinase 3 like1 (p = 0.049) significantly increased in those patients with disease activity. Finally, ROC analysis with Chitinase3like1 added to a model with EDSS, sex, age previous relapses, WM lesion number, CLs, number of Gad enhancing lesions and spinal cord lesions provided an AUC of 0.76 (95%CI 0.60-0.91).

Conclusions

CSF Chitinase 3 like1 might provide prognostic information for predicting disease activity in the first years after initiation of cladribine. The drug's effect on chronic macrophage and microglia activation deserves further evaluation.

Shared imaging markers of fatigue across multiple sclerosis, aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and MOG antibody disease

Fatigue is frequently reported by patients with multiple sclerosis, aquaporin-4-antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein antibody disease, thus they could share a similar pathophysiological mechanism. In this cross-sectional cohort study, we assessed the association of fatigue with resting-state functional MRI, diffusion and structural imaging measures across these three disorders. 16 patients with multiple sclerosis, 17 with aquaporin-4-antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and 17 with myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein antibody disease assessed, outside of relapses, at the Oxford Neuromyelitis Optica Service underwent Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Expanded Disability Status Scale scoring. 3 T brain and spinal cord MRI were used to derive cortical, deep grey and white matter volumetrics, lesions volume, fractional anisotropy, brain functional connectivity metrics, cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area, spinal cord magnetic transfer ratio, and average functional connectivity between the ventral and the dorsal horns of the cervical cord. Linear relationships between MRI measures and total-, cognitive- and physical-fatigue scores were assessed. All analyses were adjusted for correlated clinical regressors. No significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics, fatigue, depression and anxiety questionnaires and disability measures were seen across the three diseases, except for older age in patients with aquaporin-4-antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (p = 0.0005). In the total cohort, median total-fatigue score was 35.5 (range 3-72) and 42% of patients were clinically fatigued. A positive correlation existed between the total-fatigue score and functional connectivity of the executive/fronto-temporal network in the in left middle temporal gyrus (p = 0.033) and between the physical-fatigue score and functional connectivity of the sensory-motor network (p = 0.032) in both pre- and post-central gyri. A negative relationship was found between the total-fatigue score and functional connectivity of the salience network (p = 0.023) and of the left fronto-parietal network (p = 0.026) in the right supramarginal gyrus and left superior parietal lobe. No clear relationship between fatigue subscores and the average functional connectivity of the spinal cord was found. Cognitive-fatigue scores were positively associated with white matter lesion volume (p = 0.018) and negatively associated with white matter fractional anisotropy (p = 0.032). Structural, diffusion and functional connectivity alterations were not influenced by the disease group. Functional and structural imaging metrics associated with fatigue relate to brain rather than spinal cord abnormalities. Salience and sensory-motor networks alterations in relation to fatigue might indicate a disconnection between the perception of the interior body state and activity and the actual behavioural responses and performances (reversible or irreversible). Future research should focus on functional rehabilitative strategies.

Immune Response after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with DMTs

The impact of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on the immune response to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) needs further elucidation. We investigated BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effects concerning antibody seroconversion, inflammatory mediators' level and immunophenotype assessment in pwMS treated with cladribine (c-pwMS, n = 29), fingolimod (f-pwMS, n = 15) and ocrelizumab (o-pwMS, n = 54). Anti-spike immunoglobulin (Ig)-G detection was performed by an enzyme immunoassay; molecular mediators (GrB, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were quantified using the ELLA platform, and immunophenotype was assessed by flow cytometry. ANCOVA, Student's t-test and Pearson correlation analyses were applied. Only one o-pwMS showed a mild COVID-19 infection despite most o-pwMS lacking seroconversion and showing lower anti-spike IgG titers than c-pwMS and f-pwMS. No significant difference in cytokine production and lymphocyte count was observed in c-pwMS and f-pwMS. In contrast, in o-pwMS, a significant increase in GrB levels was detected after vaccination. Considering non-seroconverted o-pwMS, a significant increase in GrB serum levels and CD4+ T lymphocyte count was found after vaccination, and a negative correlation was observed between anti-spike IgG production and CD4+ T cells count. Differences in inflammatory mediators' production after BNT162b2 vaccination in o-pwMS, specifically in those lacking anti-spike IgG, suggest a protective cellular immune response.

Acute Inflammatory Diseases of the Central Nervous System After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acute inflammatory CNS diseases include neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Both MOGAD and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) have been reported after vaccination. Consequently, the mass SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program could result in increased rates of these conditions. We described the features of patients presenting with new acute CNS demyelination resembling NMOSDs or MOGAD within 8 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

METHODS

The study included a prospective case series of patients referred to highly specialized NMOSD services in the UK from the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program up to May 2022. Twenty-five patients presented with new optic neuritis (ON) and/or transverse myelitis (TM) ± other CNS inflammation within 8 weeks of vaccination with either AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1S) or Pfizer (BNT162b2) vaccines. Their clinical records and paraclinical investigations including MRI scans were reviewed. Serologic testing for antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) was performed using live cell-based assays. Patients' outcomes were graded good, moderate, or poor based on the last clinical assessment.

RESULTS

Of 25 patients identified (median age 38 years, 14 female), 12 (48%) had MOG antibodies (MOGIgG+), 2 (8%) had aquaporin 4 antibodies (AQP4IgG+), and 11 (44%) had neither. Twelve of 14 (86%) antibody-positive patients received the ChAdOx1S vaccine. MOGIgG+ patients presented most commonly with TM (10/12, 83%), frequently in combination with ADEM-like brain/brainstem lesions (6/12, 50%). Transverse myelitis was longitudinally extensive in 7 of the 10 patients. A peak in new MOGAD cases in Spring 2021 was attributable to postvaccine cases. Both AQP4IgG+ patients presented with brain lesions and TM. Four of 6 (67%) seronegative ChAdOx1S recipients experienced longitudinally extensive TM (LETM) compared with 1 of 5 (20%) of the BNT162b2 group, and facial nerve inflammation was reported only in ChAdOx1S recipients (2/5, 40%). Guillain-Barre syndrome was confirmed in 1 seronegative ChAdOx1S recipient and suspected in another.

DISCUSSION

ChAdOx1S was associated with 12/14 antibody-positive cases, the majority MOGAD. MOGAD patients presented atypically, only 2 with isolated ON (1 after BNT162b2 vaccine) but with frequent ADEM-like brain lesions and LETM. Within the seronegative group, phenotypic differences were observed between ChAdOx1S and BNT162b2 recipients. These observations might support a causative role of the ChAdOx1S vaccine in inflammatory CNS disease and particularly MOGAD. Further study of this cohort could provide insights into vaccine-associated immunopathology.

Acute inflammatory CNS diseases following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2

Background

Vaccination is a recognised trigger of ADEM and approximately 50% paediatric cases have antibodies to MOG. The SARS-CoV-2 mass vaccination programme could therefore trigger cases of MOGAD. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition of the CNS associ- ated with antibodies to AQP4.

Method

Ten patients (ages 22 – 65 years) with antibodies to MOG or AQP4 were referred to the NHS England NMO service having developed acute onset CNS inflammation within 8 weeks of vaccination.

Results

Eight patients had MOGAD, seven of whom received the AstraZeneca vaccine (AZV) and one the Pfizer vaccine (PV). Only the post-PV MOGAD patient presented with typical adult-onset phenotype of isolated ON. All post-AZV MOGAD patients presented atypically; 85.7% had LETM and 71.4% had intrac- erebral lesions, resembling ADEM more commonly seen in paediatric MOGAD. The atypical presentation supports a causative role of AZV, but the role of PV is less convincing.

Two patients had AQP4-NMOSD with typical demographic features. Both received AZV. Less typically, one young adult presented with LETM rather than characteristic young adult ON, the other had a silent short segment myelitis, which is rarely seen in AQP4-NMOSD. Both patients achieved good outcomes.

Conclusion

We discuss the potential causation and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Association of Maintenance Intravenous Immunoglobulin With Prevention of Relapse in Adult Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease

Importance

Recent studies suggest that maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be an effective treatment to prevent relapses in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD); however, most of these studies had pediatric cohorts, and few studies have evaluated IVIG in adult patients.

Objective

To determine the association of maintenance IVIG with the prevention of disease relapse in a large adult cohort of patients with MOGAD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 1, 2010, to October 31, 2021. Patients were recruited from 14 hospitals in 9 countries and were included in the analysis if they (1) had a history of 1 or more central nervous system demyelinating attacks consistent with MOGAD, (2) had MOG-IgG seropositivity tested by cell-based assay, and (3) were age 18 years or older when starting IVIG treatment. These patients were retrospectively evaluated for a history of maintenance IVIG treatment.

Exposures

Maintenance IVIG.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Relapse rates while receiving maintenance IVIG compared with before initiation of therapy.

Results

Of the 876 adult patients initially identified with MOGAD, 59 (median [range] age, 36 [18-69] years; 33 women [56%]) were treated with maintenance IVIG. IVIG was initiated as first-line immunotherapy in 15 patients (25%) and as second-line therapy in 37 patients (63%) owing to failure of prior immunotherapy and in 7 patients (12%) owing to intolerance to prior immunotherapy. The median (range) annualized relapse rate before IVIG treatment was 1.4 (0-6.1), compared with a median (range) annualized relapse rate while receiving IVIG of 0 (0-3) (t108 = 7.14; P < .001). Twenty patients (34%) had at least 1 relapse while receiving IVIG with a median (range) time to first relapse of 1 (0.03-4.8) years, and 17 patients (29%) were treated with concomitant maintenance immunotherapy. Only 5 of 29 patients (17%) who received 1 g/kg of IVIG every 4 weeks or more experienced disease relapse compared with 15 of 30 patients (50%) treated with lower or less frequent dosing (hazard ratio, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.19-9.09; P = .02). At final follow-up, 52 patients (88%) were still receiving maintenance IVIG with a median (range) duration of 1.7 (0.5-9.9) years of therapy. Seven of 59 patients (12%) discontinued IVIG therapy: 4 (57%) for inefficacy, 2 (29%) for adverse effects, and 1 (14%) for a trial not receiving therapy after a period of disease inactivity.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of adult patients with MOGAD suggest that maintenance IVIG was associated with a reduction in disease relapse. Less frequent and lower dosing of IVIG may be associated with treatment failure. Future prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Early predictors of disability of paediatric-onset AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

OBJECTIVE

To describe onset clinical features predicting time to first relapse and time to long-term visual, motor and cognitive disabilities in paediatric-onset aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs).

METHODS

In this retrospective UK multicentre cohort study, we recorded clinical data of paediatric-onset AQP4-IgG NMOSD. Univariate and exploratory multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify long-term predictors of permanent visual disability, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 4 and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

We included 49 paediatric-onset AQP4-IgG patients (38.8% white, 34.7% black, 20.4% Asians and 6.1% mixed), mean onset age of 12±4.1 years, and 87.7% were female. Multifocal onset presentation occurred in 26.5% of patients, and optic nerve (47%), area postrema/brainstem (48.9%) and encephalon (28.6%) were the most involved areas. Overall, 52.3% of children had their first relapse within 1 year from disease onset. Children with onset age <12 years were more likely to have an earlier first relapse (p=0.030), despite showing no difference in time to immunosuppression compared with those aged 12-18 years at onset. At the cohort median disease duration of 79 months, 34.3% had developed permanent visual disability, 20.7% EDSS score 4 and 25.8% cognitive impairment. Visual disability was associated with white race (p=0.032) and optic neuritis presentations (p=0.002). Cognitive impairment was predicted by cerebral syndrome presentations (p=0.048), particularly if resistant to steroids (p=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Age at onset, race, onset symptoms and resistance to acute therapy at onset attack predict first relapse and long-term disabilities. The recognition of these predictors may help to power future paediatric clinical trials and to direct early therapeutic decisions in AQP4-IgG NMOSD.

Frequency of New Silent MRI Lesions in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease and Aquaporin-4 Antibody Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

IMPORTANCE

In multiple sclerosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) new silent lesions contribute to the diagnostic criteria, have prognostic value, and are used in treatment monitoring; but in aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD), they are rare between attacks. Their frequency and their association with relapses in adults with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the frequency and characteristics of MRI new silent lesions in MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical and MRI data of 404 patients with MOGAD or AQP4-NMOSD between February 1, 1994, and April 1, 2021; data were prospectively recorded on the Oxford NMOSD clinical database under follow-up. The study was conducted at the Oxford National Referral Center for NMOSD. Participants included patients with MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD who were treated within the Oxford National NMO Specialist Service.

EXPOSURES

Seropositive MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD patients who had MRIs during attacks and the remission phase of their disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Frequency of new silent lesions detected by either attack MRIs (during the acute clinical event) or remission MRIs (performed outside of a relapse and at least 3 months from last attack). Median time to next relapse in the presence of definite (reference MRI performed at least 4 weeks from last attack onset), probable (reference MRI performed during last attack), and no new silent lesions on remission MRIs was also evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two MOGAD patients and 222 AQP4-NMOSD patients were included. Of the MOGAD patients, 113 (62%) were female, median age at onset was 28 years (range, 2-72), and median follow-up was 52 months (range, 11-253). Of the AQP4-NMOSD patients, 189 (85%) were female, median age at onset was 43 years (range, 2-82), and median follow-up was 87.5 months (range, 11-260). MOGAD patients had 296 attack MRI sessions and 167 remission MRI sessions. New attack silent lesions were found in 97 of 296 (33%) attack MRI sessions, whereas new remission silent lesions were found in 5 of 167 (3.0%) remission MRI sessions. Median time from remission scan to the next relapse in the presence of definite or probable new remission lesions was 2 months (IQR, 1-6), whereas in the absence of any new remission lesions it was 73 months (IQR, 20-104; hazard ratio, 23.86; 95% CI, 7.51-75.79; P < .001). AQP4-NMOSD patients had 470 attack MRI sessions and 269 remission MRI sessions. New attack silent lesions were detected in 88 of 470 (18.7%) attack MRI sessions, whereas new remission silent lesions were found in 7 of 269 (2.6%) remission MRI sessions. Median time from remission scan to the next relapse in the presence of definite or probable new remission lesions was 5 months (IQR, 2-6), whereas in the absence of any new remission lesions it was 85 months (IQR, 29-167; hazard ratio, 21.23; 95% CI, 8.05-53.65; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In contrast to that reported in multiple sclerosis, results of this cohort study suggest that new remission silent lesions are rare on follow-up scans in MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD and appear to indicate a high risk of imminent relapse.

The use of OCT in good visual acuity MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD patients; with and without optic neuritis

Myelin oligodendrocyte-antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) often presents with severe optic neuritis (ON) but tends to recover better than in aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD). We measured OCT and VEP in MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD eyes with good visual function, with or without previous ON episodes. Surprisingly, OCT and/or VEPs were abnormal in 84% MOGAD-ON versus 38% AQP4-NMOSD-ON eyes (p = 0.009) with good vision, compared with 18% and 17% respectively of eyes with no previous ON. A sub-group with macular OCT performed as part of a research study confirmed both retinal and macular defects in visually-recovered MOGAD eyes. These findings have implications for investigation and management of MOGAD patients.

Kappa Index Versus CSF Oligoclonal Bands in Predicting Multiple Sclerosis and Infectious/Inflammatory CNS Disorders

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kappa free light chains (KFLC) are gaining increasing interest as markers of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis. The main aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy (AUC) of the kappa index (CSF/serum KFLC divided by the CSF/serum albumin ratio) compared to CSF oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) in predicting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or a central nervous system infectious/inflammatory disorder (CNSID). Methods: We enrolled patients who underwent a diagnostic spinal tap throughout two years. KFLC levels were determined using a Freelite assay (Binding Site) and the turbidimetric Optilite analyzer. Results: Of 540 included patients, 223 had a CNSID, and 84 had MS. The kappa index was more sensitive (0.89 versus 0.85) and less specific (0.84 versus 0.89), with the same AUC (0.87) as OCB for MS diagnosis (optimal cut-off: 6.2). Adding patients with a single CSF IgG band to the OCB-positive group slightly increased the AUC (0.88). Likewise, the kappa index (cut-off: 3.9) was more sensitive (0.67 versus 0.50) and less specific (0.81 versus 0.97), with the same AUC (0.74) as OCB, for a CNSID diagnosis. Conclusion: The kappa index and CSF OCB have comparable diagnostic accuracies for a MS or CNSID diagnosis and supply the clinician with useful, complementary information.

Diagnostic features of initial demyelinating events associated with serum MOG-IgG

BACKGROUND

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG associated disorders are increasingly recognized as a distinct disease entity. However, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of serum MOG-IgG as well as recommendations for testing are still debated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2015 and July 2017 we tested serum MOG-IgG in 91 adult patients (49 females) with a demyelinating event (DE) not fulfilling 2010 McDonald criteria for MS at sampling, negative for neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-IgG and followed-up for at least 12 months. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a live-cell MOG-IgG assay for each final diagnosis at last follow-up, for the 2018 international recommendations for MOG-IgG testing, and for other combinations of clinical and laboratory characteristics.

RESULTS

Clinical presentations included acute myelitis (n = 48), optic neuritis (n = 36), multifocal encephalomyelitis (n = 4), and brainstem syndrome (n = 3). Twenty-four patients were MOG-IgG positive. Sensitivity and specificity of MOG-IgG test applied to the 2018 international recommendations were 28.4% and 86.7%, while they were 42.1% and 88.6% when applied to DE of unclear aetiology as defined above with two or more among: 1_no periventricular and juxtacortical MS-like lesions on brain MRI; 2_longitudinally extensive MRI optic nerve lesion; 3_no CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands; 4_CSF protein > 50 mg/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

Simplified requirements compared to those currently proposed for MOG-IgG testing could facilitate the applicability of the assay in the diagnosis of adults with DEs of unclear aetiology.

Plasma neurofilaments correlate with disability in progressive multiple sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood neurofilaments (NFLs) are markers of axonal damage and are being investigated, mostly in relapsing-remitting (RR) MS, as a marker of disease activity and of response to treatment, while there are less data in progressive MS patients. Primary aim was to measure NFL in plasma samples of untreated patients with primary (PP) and secondary (SP) progressive MS and to correlate them with disability, disease severity, and prior/subsequent disability progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neurofilament concentrations were measured using SIMOA (Single Molecule Array, Simoa HD-1 Analyzer; Quanterix).

RESULTS

Neurofilament concentrations were measured on plasma samples of 70 progressive (27 PP and 43 SP), 21 RRMS patients, and 10 HCs. Longitudinal plasma NFL (pNFL) concentrations (median interval between sampling: 25 months) were available for nine PP/SP patients. PNFL concentrations were significantly higher in PP/SP compared to RRMS patients. They correlated with EDSS and MS Severity Score values. There was no difference in pNFL levels between PP/SP patients with EDSS progression in the preceding year (14% of patients) or during a median follow-up of 27 months (41%). In the longitudinal sub-study, pNFL levels increased in all patients between sampling by a mean value of 23% while EDSS mostly remained stable (77% of cases).

CONCLUSION

In PP/SP progressive MS patients, pNFL levels correlate with disability and increase over time, but are not associated with prior/subsequent disability progression, as measured by EDSS, which may not be a sufficiently sensitive tool in this context.

Characteristics and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia: An Italian multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients is higher than in the general population and its management can be particularly challenging. Our aim is to describe the characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors of MS-related TN in a retrospective multicentre study.

METHODS

Neurologists members of the RIREMS group (Rising Researchers in MS) enrolled MS patients with a TN diagnosis and filled out a spreadsheet comprising their clinical data.

RESULTS

Population consisted of 298 patients. First-choice preventive treatments were carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. A surgical procedure was performed in 81 (30%) patients, most commonly gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (37%), followed by microvascular decompression (22%) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (21%); one third of patients underwent at least two procedures. Surgery was associated with higher disability, male sex and longer interval between MS and TN onset. Patients (77%) who stayed on at least one preventive medication at most recent follow-up, after a mean period of 8 years, had a higher disability compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, patients with higher disability at TN onset were less likely to discontinue their first preventive medication due to pain remission, had bilateral TN more frequently and underwent surgical interventions earlier.

CONCLUSION

MS patients with a higher disability at TN onset and with a longer interval between MS and TN onset had differing clinical features and outcomes: pain was more frequently bilateral, surgery was more frequent and anticipated, and preventive medication discontinuation due to pain remission was less common.

First-line disease-modifying drugs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an Italian real-life multicenter study on persistence

OBJECTIVE

The introduction of oral disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in addition to the available, injectable, ones for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) could be expected to improve medication persistence due to a greater acceptability of the route of administration. The aim of the study was to compare the proportion of patients discontinuing injectable DMDs (interferon beta 1a/1b, pegylated interferon, glatiramer acetate) with those discontinuing oral DMDs (dimethylfumarate and teriflunomide) during an observation period of at least 12 months. Secondary aims were to compare the time to discontinuation and the reasons for discontinuation between the two groups and to explore the demographic and clinical factors associated with DMD discontinuation.

METHODS

In this prospective, multi-center, real-life observational study, patients commencing any first-line DMD between 1 January 2015 and 31 July 2016 were enrolled and followed up for at least 12 months or until the drug was discontinued.

RESULTS

Of the 520 included patients, 262 (49.6%) started an injectable and 258 (50.4%) an oral DMD. There was no difference in the proportion of patients on oral (n = 62, 24%) or on injectable (n = 60, 23%) DMDs discontinuing treatment, the most frequent reason being adverse events/side-effects. Higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and younger age increased the odds of treatment withdrawal. Time to treatment discontinuation was not different between the two groups and was not influenced by the initiated DMD (oral versus injectable), even after adjustment for baseline differences.

CONCLUSION

The route of administration alone (i.e. oral versus injectable) was not a significant predictor of persistence with first-line DMDs in RRMS.

Potential neuroprotective effect of Fingolimod in multiple sclerosis and its association with clinical variables

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system affecting both white matter and grey matter in the earliest phases of its course. The crucial role of neurodegeneration in disability progression in MS, regardless of white matter damage, has been confirmed by several imaging and neuropathological studies. Fingolimod is an effective immunomodulator of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor, approved in relapsing remitting MS and able to cross the blood-brain barrier and to slow disability progression and brain volume loss. However, it remains unclear whether this neuroprotective action is due to a peripheral anti-inflammatory effect and/or to a direct effect on neuronal cells.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors summarize the published preclinical and clinical studies on the effect of Fingolimod in limiting the focal and diffuse grey matter damage in MS.

EXPERT OPINION

Fingolimod might have a significant neuroprotective effect on relapsing remitting MS based on its modulatory effect on oligodendroglial cells and astrocytes, and on its direct effect on cortical neurons. Future clinical studies including measures of grey matter damage are required to confirm in vivo such neuroprotective effect.

Heterogeneity of Cortical Lesion Susceptibility Mapping in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quantitative susceptibility mapping has been used to characterize iron and myelin content in the deep gray matter of patients with multiple sclerosis. Our aim was to characterize the susceptibility mapping of cortical lesions in patients with MS and compare it with neuropathologic observations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pattern of microglial activation was studied in postmortem brain tissues from 16 patients with secondary-progressive MS and 5 age-matched controls. Thirty-six patients with MS underwent 3T MR imaging, including 3D double inversion recovery and 3D-echo-planar SWI.

RESULTS

Neuropathologic analysis revealed the presence of an intense band of microglia activation close to the pial membrane in subpial cortical lesions or to the WM border of leukocortical cortical lesions. The quantitative susceptibility mapping analysis revealed 131 cortical lesions classified as hyperintense; 33, as isointense; and 84, as hypointense. Quantitative susceptibility mapping hyperintensity edge found in the proximity of the pial surface or at the white matter/gray matter interface in some of the quantitative susceptibility mapping-hyperintense cortical lesions accurately mirrors the microglia activation observed in the neuropathology analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cortical lesion susceptibility maps are highly heterogeneous, even at individual levels. Quantitative susceptibility mapping hyperintensity edge found in proximity to the pial surface might be due to the subpial gradient of microglial activation.