Practical tool to identify Spasticity-Plus Syndrome amongst patients with multiple sclerosis. Algorithm development based on a conjoint analysis

Introduction

The Spasticity-Plus Syndrome (SPS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to a combination of spasticity and other signs/symptoms such as spasms, cramps, bladder dysfunction, tremor, sleep disorder, pain, and fatigue. The main purpose is to develop a user-friendly tool that could help neurologists to detect SPS in MS patients as soon as possible.

Methods

A survey research based on a conjoint analysis approach was used. An orthogonal factorial design was employed to form 12 patient profiles combining, at random, the eight principal SPS signs/symptoms. Expert neurologists evaluated in a survey and a logistic regression model determined the weight of each SPS sign/symptom, classifying profiles as SPS or not.

Results

72 neurologists participated in the survey answering the conjoint exercise. Logistic regression results of the survey showed the relative contribution of each sign/symptom to the classification as SPS. Spasticity was the most influential sign, followed by spasms, tremor, cramps, and bladder dysfunction. The goodness of fit of the model was appropriate (AUC = 0.816). Concordance between the experts' evaluation vs. model estimation showed strong Pearson's (r = 0.936) and Spearman's (r = 0.893) correlation coefficients. The application of the algorithm provides with a probability of showing SPS and the following ranges are proposed to interpret the results: high (> 60%), moderate (30-60%), or low (< 30%) probability of SPS.

Discussion

This study offers an algorithmic tool to help healthcare professionals to identify SPS in MS patients. The use of this tool could simplify the management of SPS, reducing side effects related with polypharmacotherapy.

Soluble CD27 is an intrathecal biomarker of T-cell-mediated lesion activity in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Soluble CD27 is a promising cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory biomarker in multiple sclerosis. In this study, we investigate relevant immune and neuro-pathological features of soluble CD27 in multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

Protein levels of soluble CD27 were correlated to inflammatory cell subpopulations and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines detected in cerebrospinal fluid of 137 patients with multiple sclerosis and 47 patients with inflammatory and non-inflammatory neurological disease from three independent cohorts. Production of soluble CD27 was investigated in cell cultures of activated T and B cells and CD27-knockout T cells. In a study including matched cerebrospinal fluid and post-mortem brain tissues of patients with multiple sclerosis and control cases, levels of soluble CD27 were correlated with perivascular and meningeal infiltrates and with neuropathological features.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that soluble CD27 favours the differentiation of interferon-γ-producing T cells and is released through a secretory mechanism activated by TCR engagement and regulated by neutral sphingomyelinase. We also show that the levels of soluble CD27 correlate with the representation of inflammatory T cell subsets in the CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and with the magnitude of perivascular and meningeal CD27 + CD4 + and CD8 + T cell infiltrates in post-mortem central nervous system tissue, defining a subgroup of patients with extensive active inflammatory lesions.

INTERPRETATION

Our results demonstrate that soluble CD27 is a biomarker of disease activity, potentially informative for personalized treatment and monitoring of treatment outcomes.

Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Neurology on the treatment of multiple sclerosis and holistic patient management in 2023

The last consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Demyelinating Diseases Study Group on the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) was issued in 2016. Although many of the positions taken remain valid, there have been significant changes in the management and treatment of MS, both due to the approval of new drugs with different action mechanisms and due to the evolution of previously fixed concepts. This has enabled new approaches to specific situations such as pregnancy and vaccination, and the inclusion of new variables in clinical decision-making, such as the early use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMT), consideration of the patient's perspective, and the use of such novel technologies as remote monitoring. In the light of these changes, this updated consensus statement, developed according to the Delphi method, seeks to reflect the new paradigm in the management of patients with MS, based on the available scientific evidence and the clinical expertise of the participants. The most significant recommendations are that immunomodulatory DMT be started in patients with radiologically isolated syndrome with persistent radiological activity, that patient perspectives be considered, and that the term "lines of therapy" no longer be used in the classification of DMTs (> 90% consensus). Following diagnosis of MS, the first DMT should be selected according to the presence/absence of factors of poor prognosis (whether epidemiological, clinical, radiological, or biomarkers) for the occurrence of new relapses or progression of disability; high-efficacy DMTs may be considered from disease onset.

Establishing the best combination of the kappa free light chain index and oligoclonal bands for an accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Introduction

The immunoglobulin kappa free light chain (KFLC) index has been proposed as a potentially suitable alternative to oligoclonal IgG bands (OCGB) for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), offering automation and reduced processing time. However, there is no consensus on the preferred approach or how to combine both techniques.

Methods

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the best utilization of OCGB and KFLC index in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) followed for at least two years. OCGB and KFLC were assessed using isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting and turbidimetry, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing MS were calculated for each method.

Results

The study included 371 patients, with 260 (70.1 %) being women, and a median age of 34.9 (27.8 - 43.9) years. Using a cut-off value of 6.1, the KFLC index demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 86.3% and 93.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of OCGB (95.3%) was higher (p < 0.001 vs. KFLC index) and the specificity (100%) was comparable to that of the KFLC index (p = 0.5). The concordance between the methods was not uniform across all patients, with 97.8% agreement in patients with KFLC index ≥ 6.1 and 56.0 % in patients with KFLC index < 6.1. In patients with a KFLC index < 6.1, OCGB still identified 75.0 % of MS patients due to its higher sensitivity. An algorithm using the KFLC index as a screening tool and OCGB as an alternative for patients with a negative KFLC index result achieved an accuracy of 96.3 %.

Discussion

Combining the KFLC index and OCGB can provide an easily reproducible and accurate method for diagnosing MS, with OCGB primarily reserved for patients with a KFLC index < 6.1.

Abnormal functional connectivity in radiologically isolated syndrome: A resting-state fMRI study

BACKGROUND

Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) patients might have psychiatric and cognitive deficits, which suggests an involvement of major resting-state functional networks. Notwithstanding, very little is known about the neural networks involved in RIS.

OBJECTIVE

To examine functional connectivity differences between RIS and healthy controls using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

METHODS

Resting-state fMRI data in 25 RIS patients and 28 healthy controls were analyzed using an independent component analysis; in addition, seed-based correlation analysis was used to obtain more information about specific differences in the functional connectivity of resting-state networks. Participants also underwent neuropsychological testing.

RESULTS

RIS patients did not differ from the healthy controls regarding age, sex, and years of education. However, in memory (verbal and visuospatial) and executive functions, RIS patients' cognitive performance was significantly worse than the healthy controls. In addition, fluid intelligence was also affected. Twelve out of 25 (48%) RIS patients failed at least one cognitive test, and six (24.0%) had cognitive impairment. Compared to healthy controls, RIS patients showed higher functional connectivity between the default mode network and the right middle and superior frontal gyri and between the central executive network and the right thalamus (pFDR < 0.05; corrected). In addition, the seed-based correlation analysis revealed that RIS patients presented higher functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, an important hub in neural networks, and the right precuneus.

CONCLUSION

RIS patients had abnormal brain connectivity in major resting-state neural networks and worse performance in neurocognitive tests. This entity should be considered not an "incidental finding" but an exclusively non-motor (neurocognitive) variant of multiple sclerosis.

Teriflunomide and Epstein-Barr virus in a Spanish multiple sclerosis cohort: in vivo antiviral activity and clinical response

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Teriflunomide is an oral disease-modifying therapy approved for treatment of relapsing forms of MS. In the preclinical Theiler's murine encephalitis virus model of MS, the drug demonstrated an increased rate of viral clearance versus the vehicle placebo. Furthermore, teriflunomide inhibits lytic EBV infection in vitro.

Objective

1. To evaluate the humoral response against EBV and HHV-6 prior to teriflunomide treatment and 6 months later. 2. To correlate the variation in the humoral response against EBV and HHV-6 with the clinical and radiological response after 24 months of treatment with teriflunomide. 3. To analyze the utility of different demographic, clinical, radiological, and environmental data to identify early biomarkers of response to teriflunomide.

Methods

A total of 101 MS patients (62 women; mean age: 43.4 years) with one serum prior to teriflunomide onset and another serum sample 6 months later were recruited. A total of 80 had been treated for at least 24 months, 13 had stopped teriflunomide before 24 months, and 8 were currently under teriflunomide therapy but with less than 24 months of follow-up. We analyzed the levels of the viral antibodies titers abovementioned in serum samples with ELISA commercial kits, and the levels of serum neurofilament light chain (Nf-L).

Results

Antiviral antibody titers decreased for EBNA-1 IgG (74.3%), VCA IgG (69%), HHV-6 IgG (60.4%), and HHV-6 IgM (73.3%) after 6 months of teriflunomide. VCA IgG titers at baseline correlated with Nf-L levels measured at the same time (r = 0.221; p = 0.028) and 6 months later (r = 0.240; p = 0.017). We found that higher EBNA-1 titers (p = 0.001) and a higher age (p = 0.04) at baseline were associated with NEDA-3 conditions. Thus, 77.8% of patients with EBNA-1 >23.0 AU and >42.8 years (P50 values) were NEDA-3.

Conclusion

Treatment with teriflunomide was associated with a reduction of the levels of IgG antibody titers against EBV and HHV-6. Furthermore, higher EBNA-1 IgG titers prior to teriflunomide initiation were associated with a better clinical response.

Recommendations for the coordination of Neurology and Neuroradiology Departments in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Coordination between neurology and neuroradiology departments is crucial for performing and interpreting radiological studies as efficiently and as accurately as possible. However, improvements can be made in the communication between these departments in many Spanish hospitals.

METHODS

A panel of 17 neurologists and neuroradiologists from 8 Spanish hospitals held in-person and online meetings to draft a series of good practice guidelines for the coordinated management of MS. The drafting process included 4 phases: 1) establishing the scope of the guidelines and the methodology of the study; 2) literature review on good practices or recommendations on the use of MRI in MS; 3) discussion and consensus between experts; and 4) validation of the contents.

RESULTS

The expert panel agreed a total of 9 recommendations for improving coordination between neurology and neuroradiology departments. The recommendations revolve around 4 main pillars: 1) standardising the process for requesting and scheduling MRI studies and reports; 2) designing common protocols for MRI studies; 3) establishing multidisciplinary committees and coordination meetings; and 4) creating formal communication channels between both departments.

CONCLUSIONS

These consensus recommendations are intended to optimise coordination between neurologists and neuroradiologists, with the ultimate goal of improving the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MS.

Blood CD8+ Naïve T-Cells Identify MS Patients with High Probability of Optimal Cellular Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

This single-center study included 68 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who received the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination from one of several approved vaccine preparations in Spain. Blood samples were collected one to three months after the second dose of the vaccine had been administered. Cellular immune responses to the vaccine were assessed using QuantiFERON analysis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets were assayed using flow cytometry. Response associated with higher percentages of total lymphocytes, naïve CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.028), CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.013), and, mostly, naïve CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.0003). These results were confirmed by analyzing absolute numbers (p = 0.019; p = 0.002, and p = 0.0003, respectively). Naïve CD8 T-cell numbers higher than 17 cells/μL were closely associated with an optimal cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (odds ratio: 24.0, confidence interval: 4.8-460.3; p = 0.0001). This finding clearly shows that independent of the treatment received, higher numbers of naïve CD8+ T-cells yield a strong cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in MS patients. If this finding is validated with other viruses/vaccines, it could provide a good tool for identifying MS patients undergoing treatment who will develop strong cellular responses to anti-virus vaccines.

Molecular signature associated with cladribine treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introduction

Little is known about the molecular profiling associated with the effect of cladribine in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we aimed first to characterize the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles induced by cladribine in blood cells, and second to identify potential treatment response biomarkers to cladribine in patients with MS.

Methods

Gene, protein and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles were determined by microarrays (genes, miRNAs) and mass spectrometry (proteins) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MS patients after in vitro treatment with cladribine in its active and inactive forms. Two bioinformatics approaches to integrate the three obtained datasets were applied: (i) a multiomics discriminant analysis (DIABLO - Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for Omics studies); and (ii) a multi-stage integration of features selected in differential expression analysis on each dataset and then merged. Selected molecules from the in vitro study were quantified by qPCR ex vivo in PBMCs from MS patients receiving cladribine.

Results

PBMCs treated in vitro with cladribine were characterized by a major downregulation of gene, protein, and miRNA expression compared with the untreated cells. An intermediate pattern between the cladribine-treated and untreated conditions was observed in PBMCs treated with cladribine in its inactive form. The differential expression analysis of each dataset led to the identification of four genes and their encoded proteins, and twenty-two miRNAs regulating their expression, that were associated with cladribine treatment. Two of these genes (PPIF and NHLRC2), and three miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-30b-5p, and miR-30e-5p) were validated ex vivo in MS patients treated with cladribine.

Discussion

By using a combination of omics data and bioinformatics approaches we were able to identify a multiomics molecular profile induced by cladribine in vitro in PBMCs. We also identified a number of biomarkers that were validated ex vivo in PBMCs from patients with MS treated with cladribine that have the potential to become treatment response biomarkers to this drug.

[15th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2022 ECTRIMS Congress (Part II)]

INTRODUCTION

On 4 and 5 November 2022, Madrid hosted the 15th edition of the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, where neurologists specialised in multiple sclerosis outlined the latest developments presented at the 2022 ECTRIMS Congress, held in Amsterdam from 26 to 28 October.

AIM

To synthesise the content presented at the 15th edition of the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, in an article broken down into two parts.

DEVELOPMENT

This second part describes the new developments in terms of therapeutic strategies for escalation and de-escalation of disease-modifying therapies (DMT), when and in whom to initiate or switch to highly effective DMT, the definition of therapeutic failure, the possibility of treating radiologically isolated syndrome and the future of personalised treatment and precision medicine. It also considers the efficacy and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, different approaches in clinical trial design and outcome measures to assess DMT in progressive stages, challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment, and treatment in special situations (pregnancy, comorbidity and the elderly). In addition, results from some of the latest studies with oral cladribine and evobrutinib presented at ECTRIMS 2022 are shown.

[15th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2022 ECTRIMS Congress (Part I)]

INTRODUCTION

On 4 and 5 November 2022, Madrid hosted the 15th edition of the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, where neurologists specialised in multiple sclerosis (MS) outlined the most relevant novelties presented at the 2022 ECTRIMS Congress, held in Amsterdam from 26 to 28 October.

AIM

To synthesise the content presented at the 15th edition of the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, in an article broken down into two parts.

DEVELOPMENT

In this first part, the initial events involved in the onset of MS, the role played by lymphocytes and the migration of immune system cells into the central nervous system are presented. It describes emerging biomarkers in body fluids and imaging findings that are predictive of disease progression and useful in the differential diagnosis of MS. It also discusses advances in imaging techniques which, together with a better understanding of the agents involved in demyelination and remyelination processes, provide a basis for dealing with remyelination in the clinical setting. Finally, the mechanisms triggering the inflammatory reaction and neurodegeneration involved in MS pathology are reviewed.

Predictive models of multiple sclerosis-related cognitive performance using routine clinical practice predictors

BACKGROUND

The application of machine learning (ML) to predict cognitive evolution is exceptionally scarce. Computer-based self-administered cognitive tests provide the opportunity to set up large longitudinal datasets to aid in developing ML prediction models of risk for Multiple Sclerosis-related cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE

to analyze to what extent clinically feasible models can be built with standard clinical practice features and subsequently used for reliable prediction of cognitive evolution.

METHODS

This prospective longitudinal study includes 1184 people with MS who received a Processing Speed (PS) evaluation at 12 months of follow-up measured by the iPad®-based Processing Speed Test (PST). Six of the most potent classification models built with routine clinical practice features were trained and tested to predict the 12-month patient class label (PST worsening (PSTw) versus PST stable). A rigorous scheme of all the preprocessing steps run to obtain reliable generalization performance is detailed.

RESULTS

Based on a 12-month reduction of 10% of the PST raw score, 187/1184 (15.8%) people with MS were classified as PSTw. The trees-based models (random forest and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting) achieved the best performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.90 and 0.89, respectively. The timing of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (heDMTs) was identified as one of the top importance predictors in all the models evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Using trees-based machine learning models to predict individual future information processing speed deterioration in MS could become a reality in clinical practice.

Short- and Long-Term Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Disease-Modifying Therapies

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term humoral and T-cell-specific immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

METHODS

Single-center observational longitudinal study including 102 patients with MS who consecutively received vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Serum samples were collected at baseline and after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. Specific Th1 responses following in vitro stimulation with spike and nucleocapsid peptides were analyzed by quantifying levels of IFN-γ. Serum IgG-type antibodies against the spike region of SARS-CoV-2 were studied by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing fingolimod and anti-CD20 therapies had a markedly lower humoral response than those treated with other DMTs and untreated patients. Robust antigen-specific T-cell responses were detected in all patients except those treated with fingolimod, who had lower IFN-γ levels than those treated with other DMTs (25.8 pg/mL vs. 868.7 pg/mL, p = 0.011). At mid-term follow-up, a decrease in vaccine-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was observed in all subgroups of patients receiving DMTs, although most patients receiving induction DMTs or natalizumab and non-treated patients remained protected. Cellular immunity was maintained above protective levels in all DMT subgroups except the fingolimod subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines induce robust and long-lasting humoral and cell-mediated specific immune responses in most patients with MS.

Association of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels at Disease Onset With Disability Worsening in Patients With a First Demyelinating Multiple Sclerosis Event Not Treated With High-Efficacy Drugs

Importance

The value of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels for predicting long-term disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains controversial.

Objective

To assess whether high sNfL values are associated with disability worsening in patients who underwent their first demyelinating MS event.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent their first demyelinating event suggestive of MS at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (development cohort; June 1, 1994, to September 31, 2021, with follow-up until August 31, 2022) and 8 Spanish hospitals (validation cohort; October 1, 1995, to August 4, 2020, with follow-up until August 16, 2022).

Exposures

Clinical evaluations at least every 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were 6-month confirmed disability worsening (CDW) and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 3. Levels of sNfL were measured in blood samples obtained within 12 months after disease onset using a single molecule array kit. The cutoffs used were sNfL level of 10 pg/mL and a standardized score (z score) of 1.5. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate outcomes.

Results

Of the 578 patients included in the study, 327 were in the development cohort (median age at sNfL analysis, 34.1 years [IQR, 27.2-42.7 years]; 226 female [69.1%]) and 251 patients were in the validation cohort (median age at sNfL analysis, 33.3 years [IQR, 27.4-41.5 years]; 184 female [73.3%]). The median follow-up was 7.10 years (IQR, 4.18-10.0 years). Levels of sNfL greater than 10 pg/mL were independently associated with higher risk of 6-month CDW and an EDSS of 3 in the development cohort (6-month CDW: hazard ratio [HR], 2.39; 95% CI, 1.39-4.12; P = .002; EDSS of 3: HR, 4.12; 95% CI, 2.18-7.77; P < .001) and the validation cohort (6-month CDW: HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.42; P = .02; EDSS of 3: HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.23-3.33; P = .005). Highly effective disease-modifying treatments were associated with lower risks of 6-month CDW and an EDSS of 3 in patients with high baseline sNfL values.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that high sNfL values obtained within the first year of disease were associated with long-term disability worsening in MS, suggesting that sNfL level measurement may help identify optimal candidates for highly effective disease-modifying treatments.

B-lymphocyte-guided retreatment contributes to establish good effectiveness and safety profile in MS patients treated with rituximab

BACKGROUND

Rituximab is extensively used for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. However, the best dosage remains to be established. It has been proposed that retreatment could be guided by B lymphocyte (BL) percentages.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the best BL value for retreatment with rituximab in MS and to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach.

METHODS

A prospective study was done with an exploratory cohort and a confirmatory cohort of MS patients treated with rituximab between 2017 and 2021. The first one comprised 10 MS patients with BL assessed every 3 months after rituximab infusion and retreatment done when BL values were ≥0.5%. The confirmatory cohort included 41 MS patients (41.5% women, 87.8% with secondary progressive MS, median age = 46.3 (interquartile range: 41.3-52.1) years, disease duration = 14.1 (9-19.6) years, EDSS score = 5.5 (4.0-6.5)). The confirmatory cohort was treated with rituximab following the pattern established in the exploratory cohort.

RESULTS

In the exploratory cohort, ≥0.2% BL was established as the best value for retreatment because in most cases, a substantial increase of BL counts was preceded by initial values of 0.2-0.3%. In the confirmatory cohort, rituximab reduced the annualized relapse rate (ARR 0.56 vs. 0.125, p < 0.001), proportion of patients with appearance of new/enlarged T2 lesions (63.4% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001), gadolinium-enhancing lesions (39% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), and confirmed disability progression (55% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.037). There were 22 patients (53.7%) who achieved NEDA-3. No patients had severe infections, and 10.7% cases had reduced IgG levels.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab treatment guided by BL showed high effectiveness and a good safety profile for MS patients after one year of treatment.

Oligoclonal IgM bands are a promising biomarker for long-term cognitive outcomes in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The presence of lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands (LS-OCMB) in cerebrospinal fluid is associated with a more severe clinical multiple sclerosis (MS) course.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate LS-OCMB as a prognostic biomarker of cognitive long-term outcomes in MS.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients underwent neuropsychological assessment. Cognitive performance between LS-OCMB- and LS-OCMB+ patients was compared adjusting by age, education, anxiety-depression, disease duration, and disability.

RESULTS

LS-OCMB+ patients of ∼13 years of disease duration performed worse on Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

LS-OCMB+ perform worse on information processing speed and working memory (SDMT), suggesting that LS-OCMB could be a useful biomarker for long-term cognitive outcomes.

Peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells are good biomarkers of the efficacy of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis

Background

The increasing number of treatments that are now available to manage patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) highlights the need to develop biomarkers that can be used within the framework of individualized medicine. Fingolimod is a disease-modifying treatment that belongs to the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. In addition to inhibiting T cell egress from lymph nodes, fingolimod promotes the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), whose monocytic subset (M-MDSCs) can be used as a biomarker of disease severity, as well as the degree of demyelination and extent of axonal damage in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. In the present study, we have assessed whether the abundance of circulating M-MDSCs may represent a useful biomarker of fingolimod efficacy in EAE and in the clinical context of MS patients.

Methods

Treatment with vehicle or fingolimod was orally administered to EAE mice for 14 days in an individualized manner, starting the day when each mouse began to develop clinical signs. Peripheral blood from EAE mice was collected previous to treatment and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from fingolimod to treat MS patients’ peripheral blood. In both cases, M-MDSCs abundance was analyzed by flow cytometry and its relationship with the future clinical affectation of each individual animal or patient was assessed.

Results

Fingolimod-treated animals presented a milder EAE course with less demyelination and axonal damage, although a few animals did not respond well to treatment and they invariably had fewer M-MDSCs prior to initiating the treatment. Remarkably, M-MDSC abundance was also found to be an important and specific parameter to distinguish EAE mice prone to better fingolimod efficacy. Finally, in a translational effort, M-MDSCs were quantified in MS patients at baseline and correlated with different clinical parameters after 12 months of fingolimod treatment. M-MDSCs at baseline were highly representative of a good therapeutic response to fingolimod, i.e., patients who met at least two of the criteria used to define non-evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3) 12 months after treatment.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that M-MDSCs might be a useful predictive biomarker of the response of MS patients to fingolimod.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02635-3.

Mitochondrial Impairments in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Simple Summary

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system, and is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. Although its origin is unknown, it is thought that the immune system damages the insulating covers of nerve cells. On the other hand, it seems that the mitochondria (the organelle producing energy in the cells) function abnormally in these patients. However, few studies focus on the mitochondria of immune cells. In this study, we compared the mitochondrial function of peripheral blood cells (PBC) from healthy donors to those of MS patients, classifying these patients by the presence (M+) or absence (M−) of lipid-specific oligoclonal immunoglobulin M bands (LS-OCMB). The detection of LS-OCMB has been associated with a highly inflammatory and more aggressive course of MS. We found signs of mitochondrial impairment in the PBCs from M+ patients compared with M− ones, which could affect in greater terms the oldest M+ patients. Currently, there is no treatment for this heterogeneous disease. The results of this study could help to understand its physiopathology better and encourage the consideration of the LS-OCMB presence in further studies delving into the effect of certain drugs.

Abstract

Although impaired mitochondrial function has been proposed as a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease, few studies focus on the mitochondria of immune cells. We aimed to compare the mitochondrial function of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MS patients with (M+) and without (M−) lipid-specific oligoclonal immunoglobulin M bands (LS-OCMB), and healthydonors (HD). We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study with 19 untreated MS patients (M+ = 9 and M− = 10) and 17 HDs. Mitochondrial superoxide anion production and mitochondrial mass in PBMCs were assessed without and with phytohemagglutinin by flow cytometry. The PBMCs’ mitochondrial function was analyzed using Seahorse technology. Superoxide anion production corrected by the mitochondrial mass was higher in MS patients compared with HDs (p = 0.011). Mitochondrial function from M+ patients showed some impairments compared with M− patients. Without stimulus, we observed higher proton leak (p = 0.041) but lower coupling efficiency (p = 0.041) in M+ patients; and under stimulation, lower metabolic potential ECAR (p = 0.011), and lower stressed OCR/ECAR in the same patients. Exclusively among M+ patients, we described a higher mitochondrial dysfunction in the oldest ones. The mitochondrial impairments found in the PBMCs from MS patients, specifically in M+ patients, could help to better understand the disease’s physiopathology.

Consensus on early detection of disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background

Early identification of the transition from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) can be challenging for clinicians, as diagnostic criteria for SPMS are primarily based on physical disability and a holistic interpretation.

Objective

To establish a consensus on patient monitoring to identify promptly disease progression and the most useful clinical and paraclinical variables for early identification of disease progression in MS.

Methods

A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used to establish the level of agreement among a panel of 15 medical experts in MS. Eighty-three items were circulated to the experts for confidential rating of the grade of agreement and recommendation. Consensus was defined when ≥66% agreement or disagreement was achieved.

Results

Consensus was reached in 72 out of 83 items (86.7%). The items addressed frequency of follow-up visits, definition of progression, identification of clinical, cognitive, and radiological assessments as variables of suspected or confirmed SPMS diagnosis, the need for more accurate assessment tools, and the use of promising molecular and imaging biomarkers to predict disease progression and/or diagnose SPMS.

Conclusion

Consensus achieved on these topics could guide neurologists to identify earlier disease progression and to plan targeted clinical and therapeutic interventions during the earliest stages of SPMS.

The effect of timing of high-efficacy therapy on processing speed performance in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The potential influence of the timing of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (heDMTs) on processing speed (PS) performance is critically lacking in current literature.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the extent to which early commencement of heDMTs would be associated with a better PS evolution as compared to moderate efficacy disease-modifying therapies (meDMTs) and delayed commencement of heDMTs.

METHODS

In this ongoing prospective longitudinal study, the 695 MS patients that have received a PS evaluation at 12-month of follow-up measured by the iPad®-based Processing Speed Test (PST) were retained for the analysis. All patients who had ever been prescribed a high efficacy disease-modifying therapy (heDMT) were classified in tertiles according to the proportion of their disease duration that had been on heDMTs. Based on these tertiles and the time to the first heDMT from the disease onset, patients were divided into the early heDMT group and the delayed heDMT group. Between-group differences in mean PST standardized (Z-score) change from baseline were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

In the multivariable model, each year of delay in starting a heDMT was associated with increased odds of cognitive worsening at 12-month (OR = 1.0324, 95% CI = 1.014-1.062, p<0.05). MeDMT-treated patients were at a significantly higher risk for cognitive worsening than early heDMT patients (OR= 2.57, 95%CI = 1.02-6.17). Linear mixed model-based adjusted mean change in PST Z-score from baseline was significantly better in those patients with the longest proportion of their disease duration treated with heDMT (highest tertile) compared to the lowest tertile (difference 0.37 [95%CI 0.02-0.92;p=0.036) and medium tertile (difference 0.39 [95%CI 0.06-0.31;p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

Early he-DMT-treated patients are at significantly lower risk for cognitive worsening. Early administration of heDMTs is associated with greater cognitive functioning improvements than delayed commencement or meDMTs.

Impact of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder on Quality of Life from the Patients' Perspective: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of NMOSD on HRQoL from the patients’ perspective and its relationship with other disease factors.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 neuroimmunology clinics in Spain. Patients with NMOSD diagnosis (2015 Wingerchuk criteria) were included. The 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) was used to assess the HRQoL. Different questionnaires were used to measure symptom severity, stigma, mood disorders, pain, fatigue, and difficulties in the workplace. Factors that impact HRQoL were identified by Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Seventy-one patients were included (mean age 47.4 ± 14.9 years, 80.3% female, mean time since disease onset 9.9 ± 8.1 years). The median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 3.0 (1.5–4.5). The mean (± SD) physical and psychological MSIS-29 sub-scores were 41.9 ± 16.8 and 20.9 ± 8.3, respectively. Fatigue and body pain were the most prevalent symptoms. Depressive symptoms were found in 44.3% (n = 31) of patients. The physical MSIS-29 dimension showed the highest correlation with symptom severity (ρ = 0.85584, p < 0.0001), whereas the highest correlations for psychological MSIS-29 dimension were pain, MSIS-29 physical dimension, and depression (ρ = 0.76487, 0.72779, 0.71380; p < 0.0001, respectively). Pain was a predictor of both dimensions of MSIS-29.

Conclusion

Fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms are frequent problems among patients with NMOSD, impacting on their quality of life. Assessment of patient-oriented outcomes may be useful to achieve a holistic approach, allowing early specific interventions.

Baseline Inflammatory Status Reveals Dichotomic Immune Mechanisms Involved In Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Pathology

Objective

To ascertain the role of inflammation in the response to ocrelizumab in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

Methods

Multicenter prospective study including 69 patients with PPMS who initiated ocrelizumab treatment, classified according to baseline presence [Gd+, n=16] or absence [Gd-, n=53] of gadolinium-enhancing lesions in brain MRI. Ten Gd+ (62.5%) and 41 Gd- patients (77.4%) showed non-evidence of disease activity (NEDA) defined as no disability progression or new MRI lesions after 1 year of treatment. Blood immune cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry, serum immunoglobulins by nephelometry, and serum neurofilament light-chains (sNfL) by SIMOA. Statistical analyses were corrected with the Bonferroni formula.

Results

More than 60% of patients reached NEDA after a year of treatment, regardless of their baseline characteristics. In Gd+ patients, it associated with a low repopulation rate of inflammatory B cells accompanied by a reduction of sNfL values 6 months after their first ocrelizumab dose. Patients in Gd- group also had low B cell numbers and sNfL values 6 months after initiating treatment, independent of their treatment response. In these patients, NEDA status was associated with a tolerogenic remodeling of the T and innate immune cell compartments, and with a clear increase of serum IgA levels.

Conclusion

Baseline inflammation influences which immunological pathways predominate in patients with PPMS. Inflammatory B cells played a pivotal role in the Gd+ group and inflammatory T and innate immune cells in Gd- patients. B cell depletion can modulate both mechanisms.

Anti-Human Herpesvirus 6 A/B Antibodies Titers Correlate With Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Retrovirus Envelope Expression

Human endogenous retrovirus W family envelope proteins (pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1) have been repeatedly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we have focused on the study of pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 expression levels in MS patients (relapsing and progressive forms) and in healthy donors (HD) and on exploring their possible relationship with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-6A/B (HHV-6A/B). We included blood samples from 101 MS patients and 37 HD to analyze antiviral antibody titers by ELISA and pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 expression levels by flow cytometry as well as by qPCR. Patients with relapsing MS forms showed significantly higher pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein and gene expression levels than HD. Progressive MS patients also showed significantly higher protein and gene expression levels than both HD and relapsing MS patients. Regarding antiviral antibodies titers, anti-HHV-6A/B IgM levels were positively correlated with pHERV-W ENV/syncytin-1 protein expression levels in patients with relapsing MS, while in the progressive forms patients this correlation was found with anti-HHVA/B IgG levels. Therefore, pHERV-W ENV could be involved in MS pathogenesis, playing a role in relapsing and progressive forms. Besides, anti-HHV-6A/B antibodies positively correlated with pHERV-W ENV expression. Further studies are needed to better understand this possible relationship.

Role of B Cell Profile for Predicting Secondary Autoimmunity in Patients Treated With Alemtuzumab

Objective

To explore if baseline blood lymphocyte profile could identify relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients at higher risk of developing secondary autoimmune adverse events (AIAEs) after alemtuzumab treatment.

Methods

Multicenter prospective study including 57 RRMS patients treated with alemtuzumab followed for 3.25 [3.5-4.21] years, (median [interquartile range]). Blood samples were collected at baseline, and leukocyte subsets determined by flow cytometry. We had additional samples one year after the first cycle of alemtuzumab treatment in 39 cases.

Results

Twenty-two patients (38.6%) developed AIAEs during follow-up. They had higher B-cell percentages at baseline (p=0.0014), being differences mainly due to plasmablasts/plasma cells (PB/PC, p=0.0011). Those with no AIAEs had higher percentages of CD4+ T cells (p=0.013), mainly due to terminally differentiated (TD) (p=0.034) and effector memory (EM) (p=0.031) phenotypes. AIAEs- patients also showed higher values of TNF-alpha-producing CD8+ T cells (p=0.029). The percentage of PB/PC was the best variable to differentiate both groups of patients. Baseline values >0.10% closely associated with higher AIAE risk (Odds ratio [OR]: 5.91, 95% CI: 1.83-19.10, p=0.004). When excluding the 12 patients with natalizumab, which decreases blood PB/PC percentages, being the last treatment before alemtuzumab, baseline PB/PC >0.1% even predicted more accurately the risk of AIAEs (OR: 11.67, 95% CI: 2.62-51.89, p=0.0007). The AIAEs+ group continued having high percentages of PB/PC after a year of alemtuzumab treatment (p=0.0058).

Conclusions

A PB/PC percentage <0.1% at baseline identifies MS patients at low risk of secondary autoimmunity during alemtuzumab treatment.​

Integrated Management of Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity and Associated Symptoms Using the Spasticity-Plus Syndrome Concept: Results of a Structured Specialists' Discussion Using the Workmat® Methodology

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment has radically improved over the last years; however, MS symptom management is still challenging. The novel Spasticity-Plus syndrome was conceptualized to frame several spasticity-related symptoms that can be addressed together with broad-spectrum medication, such as certain cannabinoid-based drugs. The aim of this project was to gain insight into Spanish neurologists' clinical experience on MS spasticity and associated symptoms, and to assess the acknowledgment and applicability of the Spasticity-Plus syndrome concept in patients with MS. Methods: Ten online meetings were conducted using the Workmat^® methodology to allow structured discussions. Fifty-five Spanish neurologists, experts in MS management, completed and discussed a set of predefined exercises comprising MS symptom assessment and its management in clinical practice, MS symptoms clustering in clinical practice, and their perception of the Spasticity-Plus syndrome concept. This document presents the quantitative and qualitative results of these discussions. Results: The specialists considered that polytherapy is a common concern in MS and that simplifying the management of MS spasticity and associated manifestations could be useful. They generally agreed that MS spasticity should be diagnosed before moderate or severe forms appear. According to the neurologists' clinical experience, symptoms commonly associated with MS spasticity included spasms/cramps (100% of the specialists), pain (85%), bladder dysfunction (62%), bowel dysfunction (42%), sleep disorders (42%), and sexual dysfunction (40%). The multiple correspondence analysis revealed two main symptom clusters: spasticity-spasms/cramps-pain, and ataxia-instability-vertigo. Twelve out of 16 symptoms (75%) were scored >7 in a 0-10 QoL impact scale by the specialists, representing a moderate-high impact. The MS specialists considered that pain, spasticity, spasms/cramps, bladder dysfunction, and depression should be a treatment priority given their frequency and chance of therapeutic success. The neurologists agreed on the usefulness of the new Spasticity-Plus syndrome concept to manage spasticity and associated symptoms together, and their experience with treatments targeting the cannabinoid system was satisfactory. Conclusions: The applicability of the new concept of Spasticity-Plus in MS clinical practice seems possible and may lead to an integrated management of several MS symptoms, thus reducing the treatment burden of disease symptoms.

CSF Chitinase 3-Like 2 Is Associated With Long-term Disability Progression in Patients With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Objective

This study aimed to identify long-term prognostic protein biomarkers associated with disease progression in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

CSF samples were collected from a discovery cohort of 28 patients with progressive MS who participated in a clinical trial with interferon beta. Patients were classified into high and low disability progression phenotypes according to numeric progression rates (NPR) and step-based progression rates (SPR) after a mean follow-up time of 12 years. Protein abundance was measured by shotgun proteomics. Selected proteins from the discovery cohort were quantified by parallel reaction monitoring in CSF samples from an independent validation cohort of 41 patients with progressive MS classified also into high and low disability progression phenotypes after a mean follow-up time of 7 years.

Results

Of 2,548 CSF proteins identified in the discovery cohort, 10 were selected for validation based on their association with long-term disability progression: SPATS2-like protein, chitinase 3–like 2 (CHI3L2), plasma serine protease inhibitor, metallothionein-3, phospholipase D4, beta-hexosaminidase, neurexophilin-1, adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1, cathepsin L1, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein. Only CHI3L2 was validated, and patients with high disability progression exhibited significantly higher CSF protein levels compared with patients with low disability progression (p = 0.03 for NPR and p = 0.02 for SPR). CHI3L2 levels showed good performance to discriminate between high and low disability progression in patients with progressive MS (area under the curve 0.73; sensitivity 90% and specificity 63%).

Conclusions

Although further confirmatory studies are needed, we propose CSF CHI3L2 as a prognostic protein biomarker associated with long-term disability progression in patients with progressive MS.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class II evidence that high CSF CHI3L2 levels identified higher disability progression in patients with progressive MS.

Quantifying the patient´s perspective in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Psychometric properties of the SymptoMScreen questionnaire

Background

The assessment of self-reported outcomes in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is limited by the lack of validated disease-specific measures. The SymptoMScreen (SyMS) is a patient-reported questionnaire for measuring symptom severity in different domains affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), but has not been thoroughly evaluated in NMOSD. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the SyMS in a sample of patients with NMOSD.

Methods

A non-interventional, cross-sectional study in adult subjects with NMOSD (Wingerchuk 2015 criteria) was conducted at 13 neuroimmunology clinics applying the SyMS. A non-parametric item response theory procedure, Mokken analysis, was performed to assess the underlying dimensional structure and scalability of items and overall questionnaire. All analyses were performed with R (v4.0.3) using the mokken library.

Results

A total of 70 patients were studied (mean age: 47.5 ± 15 years, 80% female, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score: 3.0 [interquartile range 1.5, 4.5]). Symptom severity was low (median SyMS score: 19.0 [interquartile range 10.0, 32.0]). The SyMS showed a robust internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.90 [95% confidence interval 0.86, 0.93]) and behaved as a unidimensional scale with all items showing scalability coefficients > 0.30. The overall SyMS scalability was 0.45 conforming to a medium scale according to Mokken’s criteria. Fatigue and body pain were the domains with the highest scalability coefficients. The SyMS was associated with disability (rho: 0.586), and physical and psychological quality of life (rho: 0.856 and 0.696, respectively).

Conclusions

The SyMS shows appropriate psychometric characteristics and may constitute a valuable and easy-to-implement option to measure symptom severity in patients with NMOSD.

Predicting Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis With Intrathecal IgM Synthesis Among Patients With a Clinically Isolated Syndrome

Objective

To determine the best method to measure intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) M synthesis (ITMS), a biomarker of worse prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS). We compared the ability for predicting a poor evolution of 4 methods assessing ITMS (IgM oligoclonal bands [OCMBs], lipid-specific OCMBs [LS-OCMBs], Reibergram, and IgM index) in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Methods

Prospective study with consecutive patients performed at a referral MS center. We used unadjusted and multivariate Cox regressions for predicting a second relapse, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 4 and 6, and development of secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Results

A total of 193 patients were included, with a median (interquartile range) age of 31 (25–38) years and a median follow-up of 12.9 years. Among all methods, only OCMB, LS-OCMB, and Reibergram significantly identified patients at risk of some of the pre-established outcomes, being LS-OCMB the technique with the strongest associations. Adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of LS-OCMB for predicting a second relapse was 2.50 (95% CI 1.72–3.64, p < 0.001). The risk of reaching EDSS scores of 4 and 6 and SPMS was significantly higher among patients with LS-OCMB (aHR 2.96, 95% CI 1.54–5.71, p = 0.001; aHR 4.96, 95% CI 2.22–11.07, p < 0.001; and aHR 2.31, 95% CI 1.08–4.93, p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

ITMS predicts an aggressive MS at disease onset, especially when detected as LS-OCMB.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class II evidence that lipid-specific IgM oligoclonal bands can predict progression from CIS to MS and a worse disease course over a follow-up of at least 2 years.

Identification of the Immunological Changes Appearing in the CSF During the Early Immunosenescence Process Occurring in Multiple Sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer with age an early immunosenescence process, which influence the treatment response and increase the risk of infections. We explored whether lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands (LS-OCMB) associated with highly inflammatory MS modify the immunological profile induced by age in MS. This cross-sectional study included 263 MS patients who were classified according to the presence (M+, n=72) and absence (M-, n=191) of LS-OCMB. CSF cellular subsets and molecules implicated in immunosenescence were explored. In M- patients, aging induced remarkable decreases in absolute CSF counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, including Th1 and Th17 cells, and of B cells, including those secreting TNF-alpha. It also increased serum anti-CMV IgG antibody titers (indicative of immunosenescence) and CSF CHI3L1 levels (related to astrocyte activation). In contrast, M+ patients showed an age-associated increase of TIM-3 (a biomarker of T cell exhaustion) and increased values of CHI3L1, independently of age. Finally, in both groups, age induced an increase in CSF levels of PD-L1 (an inductor of T cell tolerance) and activin A (part of the senescence-associated secretome and related to inflammaging). These changes were independent of the disease duration. Finally, this resulted in augmented disability. In summary, all MS patients experience with age a modest induction of T-cell tolerance and an activation of the innate immunity, resulting in increased disability. Additionally, M- patients show clear decreases in CSF lymphocyte numbers, which could increase the risk of infections. Thus, age and immunological status are important for tailoring effective therapies in MS.

[12th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the novelties from the 2019 ECTRIMS Congress (I)]

INTRODUCTION

Like every year, after the ECTRIMS Congress, renowned Spanish neurologists who are experts in multiple sclerosis presented the main novelties in research in this field at the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting.

AIM

To summarise the content presented at the 12th edition of the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, which took place in September 2019 in Sevilla and is presented in two parts.

DEVELOPMENT

This first part addresses the latest studies on vitamin D deficiency and the discrepancies that currently exist regarding its treatment. The advances made in epigenetics allow us to present this approach as a possible biomarker of multiple sclerosis. An account is provided to explain the growing importance of imaging techniques to detect atrophy and other phenomena that occur during the disease, such as changes in iron concentration or remyelination processes, which allow us to further our understanding of the mechanisms of cortical pathology, and the dimensionality of neurodegeneration during its course. Findings related to immunological mechanisms and advances in potential antigen-specific therapies are discussed. The contribution presents the latest studies on the assessment of cognitive impairment and its rehabilitation, which are becoming increasingly important due to the high prevalence of these disorders and the absence of their systematic assessment in clinical practice. Finally, the unmet social and health needs of multiple sclerosis patients in our country are presented, with emphasis on the current deficits in the system of social protection.

Risk and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background and purpose

Limited information is available on incidence and outcomes of COVID‐19 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study investigated the risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19‐related outcomes in patients with MS, and compared these with the general population.

Methods

A regional registry was created to collect data on incidence, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit admission, and death in patients with MS and COVID‐19. National government outcomes and seroprevalence data were used for comparison. The study was conducted at 14 specialist MS treatment centers in Madrid, Spain, between February and May 2020.

Results

Two‐hundred nineteen patients were included in the registry, 51 of whom were hospitalized with COVID‐19. The mean age ± standard deviation was 45.3 ± 12.4 years, and the mean duration of MS was 11.9 ± 8.9 years. The infection incidence rate was lower in patients with MS than the general population (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70–0.80), but hospitalization rates were higher (relative risk = 5.03, 95% CI = 3.76–6.62). Disease severity was generally low, with only one admission to an intensive care unit and five deaths. Males with MS had higher incidence rates and risk of hospitalization than females. No association was found between the use of any disease‐modifying treatment and hospitalization risk.

Conclusions

Patients with MS do not appear to have greater risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or severe COVID‐19 outcomes compared with the general population. The decision to start or continue disease‐modifying treatment should be based on a careful risk–benefit assessment.

13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (I)

INTRODUCTION

For more than a decade, following the ECTRIMS Congress, the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting has been held in Spain, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) from all over the country meet to review the most relevant latest developments presented at the ECTRIMS congress (on this occasion held together with ACTRIMS).

AIM

This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations that took place at the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020.

DEVELOPMENT

This first part includes the latest results regarding the impact of the environment and lifestyle on risk of MS and its clinical course, and the role of epigenetics and genetic factors on these processes. Findings from preclinical and clinical research on the lymphocyte subtypes identified and the involvement of lymphoid follicles and meningeal involvement in the disease are discussed. Changes in brain structure are addressed at the microscopic and macroscopic levels, including results from high-resolution imaging techniques. The latest advances on biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of MS, and on the involvement of the microbiome in these patients are also reported. Finally, results from patient registries on the impact of COVID-19 in MS patients are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

There have been new data on MS risk factors, the impact of MS at the cellular and structural level, the role of the microbiome in the disease, biomarkers, and the relationship between COVID-19 and MS.

Low serum neurofilament light chain values identify optimal responders to dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis treatment

Serum neurofilament light chains (sNfL) are biomarkers of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their value to predict response to treatment, and their association with patient immunological profile, need to be further explored. We studied 80 relapsing–remitting MS patients initiating dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment. sNfL levels were explored at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months by single molecule array. Blood lymphocyte subsets were measured at baseline and at 6 months by flow cytometry. Patients were followed a year and classified as NEDA (no evidence of disease activity) or ODA (ongoing disease activity). NEDA patients had lower sNfL levels at baseline (p = 0.0001), and after three (p = 0.004) and six (p = 0.03) months of DMF treatment. Consequently, low baseline sNfL values (≤ 12 pg/ml) increased the probability of NEDA (OR 5.8; CI 1.82–15.6; p = 0.002, after correcting by disease activity in the previous year), and associated with significant reductions of central memory CD4+ T lymphocytes, interferon-gamma+ CD8+ T lymphocytes, Natural Killer T cells, and memory B cells upon DMF treatment, being the highest differences in memory B cells (p < 0.0001). This shows that low baseline sNfL values identify MS patients with higher probability of optimal response to DMF and of a reduction in effector immune cells.

Brain region volumes and their relationship with disability progression and cognitive function in primary progressive multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evidence on regional changes resulting from neurodegenerative processes underlying primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is still limited. We assessed brain region volumes and their relationship with disability progression and cognitive function in PPMS patients.

METHODS

This was an MRI analysis of 43 patients from the prospective Understanding Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (UPPMS) cohort study. MRI scans were performed within 3 months before enrollment and at month 12.

RESULTS

Gray matter volume of declive and white matter volumes adjacent to left straight gyrus, right calcarine sulcus, and right inferior occipital gyrus significantly decreased from baseline to month 12. Baseline white matter volumes adjacent to right amygdala and left cuneus significantly differed between patients with and without disability progression, as well as baseline gray matter volumes of left cuneus, right parahippocampal gyrus, right insula, left superior frontal gyrus, declive, right inferior temporal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus (pole), and right calcarine sulcus. Baseline gray matter volumes of right cuneus and right superior temporal gyrus positively correlated with 12-month Selective Reminding Test and Word List Generation performance, respectively. Gray matter changes in right superior semilunar lobe and white matter adjacent to left declive and right cerebellar tonsil also positively correlated with Word List Generation scores, while white matter change in left inferior semilunar lobe positively correlated with Symbol Digit Modalities Test performance after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

White and gray matter volumes of specific brain regions could predict disability progression and cognitive performance of PPMS patients after one year.

Recommendations for the coordination of Neurology and Neuroradiology Departments in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Coordination between Neurology and Neuroradiology departments is crucial for performing and interpreting radiological studies as efficiently and as accurately as possible. However, improvements can be made in the communication between these departments in many Spanish hospitals.

METHODS

A panel of 17 neurologists and neuroradiologists from 8 Spanish hospitals held in-person and online meetings to draft a series of good practice guidelines for the coordinated management of MS. The drafting process included 4 phases: 1) establishing the scope of the guidelines and the methodology of the study; 2) literature review on good practices or recommendations on the use of MRI in MS; 3) discussion and consensus between experts; and 4) validation of the contents.

RESULTS

The expert panel agreed a total of 9 recommendations for improving coordination between neurology and neuroradiology departments. The recommendations revolve around 4 main pillars: 1) standardising the process for requesting and scheduling MRI studies and reports; 2) designing common protocols for MRI studies; 3) establishing multidisciplinary committees and coordination meetings; and 4) creating formal communication channels between both departments.

CONCLUSIONS

These consensus recommendations are intended to optimise coordination between neurologists and neuroradiologists, with the ultimate goal of improving the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MS.

Effect of Ocrelizumab in Blood Leukocytes of Patients With Primary Progressive MS

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the changes induced by ocrelizumab in blood immune cells of patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS).

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective study including 53 patients with PPMS who initiated ocrelizumab treatment, we determined effector, memory, and regulatory cells by flow cytometry at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. Wilcoxon matched paired tests were used to assess differences between baseline and 6 months' results. p Values were corrected using the Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

Ocrelizumab reduced the numbers of naive and memory B cells (p < 0.0001) and those of B cells producing interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) (p < 0.0001 in all cases). By contrast, the proportions of plasmablasts and B cells producing GM-CSF and TNFα increased significantly, suggesting the need for treatment continuation. We also observed a decrease in CD20+ T-cell numbers (p < 0.0001) and percentages (p < 0.0001), and a clear remodeling of the T-cell compartment characterized by relative increases of the naive/effector ratios in CD4+ (p = 0.002) and CD8+ (p = 0.002) T cells and relative decreases of CD4+ (p = 0.03) and CD8+ (p = 0.004) T cells producing interferon-gamma. Total monocyte numbers increased (p = 0.002), but no changes were observed in those producing inflammatory cytokines. The immunologic variations were associated with a reduction of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels (p = 0.008). The reduction was observed in patients with Gd-enhanced lesions at baseline and in Gd- patients with baseline sNfL >10 pg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

In PPMS, effector B-cell depletion changed T-cell response toward a low inflammatory profile, resulting in decreased sNfL levels.

Short-term data on disease activity, cognition, mood, stigma and employment outcomes in a cohort of patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (UPPMS study)

BACKGROUND

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) has long been defined by progressive disability accrual in the absence of initial relapses. However, its underlying neurodegenerative process seems to be accompanied by central nervous system inflammation. A new classification defined multiple sclerosis courses according to clinical/radiological activity and progression. We provide further insight into PPMS activity according to this classification and other daily living aspects.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, prospective, cohort study including 55 adult patients with PPMS according to 2010 McDonald criteria, within ten years from neurologic symptom onset and not receiving disease-modifying therapies during the past six months, who were followed up for 12 months. The primary study endpoint was the percentage of patients with active disease based on clinical relapses and/or magnetic resonance activity. Disability progression, cognitive function, physical/psychological impact, depression symptoms, stigma and employment were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Eleven (25.6%) patients exhibited multiple sclerosis activity throughout the 12-month study follow-up. Fourteen showed non-active multiple sclerosis without progression, 11 non-active multiple sclerosis with progression, 6 active multiple sclerosis without progression and 4 active multiple sclerosis with progression; one patient with disease activity was not assessable for progression. Cognitive function scores remained unchanged or increased, disease physical impact was maintained and disease psychological impact significantly decreased. The proportion of patients with depression symptoms or stigma remained without significant changes as well as employment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that one-fourth of PPMS patients may exhibit disease activity over one year, with disability progression in approximately one-third but without worsening of cognitive function, disease impact, depression, stigma or employment outcomes.

Cancer diagnosis in a Spanish cohort of multiple sclerosis patients under dimethylfumarate treatment

BACKGROUND

Potential increase of cancer incidence is one of the main safety concerns of the disease-modifying therapies employed in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE

Detailed description of patients who developed cancer among a prospective cohort of Spanish MS patients on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment.

METHODS

We describe patients who developed cancer among a cohort of 886 MS patients on DMF treatment (2681 patient-years), with a median time of exposure of 39.5 months (IQR 23-51.5), who participated in a multicentre and prospective real-world study conducted in 16 Spanish National Health System hospitals from February 2014 to May 2019. Local researchers were periodically contacted by the investigation team to monitor safety issues. Cancer histories were collected from the medical records and the information was updated at July 30^th 2020.

RESULTS

Eight Caucasian women developed cancer, which accounts for 0.9% and an accumulated malignancy rate of 298.39 cases per 100,000 patient-years of DMF exposure. At the time of cancer diagnosis, age was between 33 to 67 years and median time on DMF treatment 16.5 months (range 1-53). Two patients had familiar history of cancer. No specific cancer lines were found (breast cancer in 2 cases, thyroid in 3, urothelial carcinoma, cervix and a progression to leiomyosarcoma from a mitotically active leiomyoma). DMF was withdrawn during cancer treatment in 6 patients and reintroduced later. All cancers except one are in complete remission. The patient with leiomyosarcoma died by cancer progression.

CONCLUSION

A relationship between cancers and DMF is unlikely because the malignancy rate was similar to that of the age-and sex-matched general population, and because of the absence of specific tumour cell lines. Nevertheless, as with other immunosuppressive DMTs, clinicians treating MS should be aware of any potential cancer symptom and demand proper testing.

13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (II)

INTRODUCTION

For more than a decade, after the ECTRIMS Congress, Spain has hosted the Post-ECTRIMS meeting, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) meet to review the new developments presented at the ECTRIMS.

AIM

This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations of the post-ECTRIMS meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020.

DEVELOPMENT

This second part highlights the importance of gender and age in understanding the pathology of the disease and optimising its management. The advances made in paediatric MS, from a neuropsychological and neuroimaging point of view, are presented. In turn, special attention is paid to the findings that contribute to a more personalised approach to therapy and to choosing the best treatment strategy (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) for each patient. Similarly, results related to possible strategies to promote remyelination are addressed. Although there are no major advances in the treatment of progressive forms, some quantitative methods for the classification of these patients are highlighted. In addition, the study also includes results on potential tools for assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits, and some relevant aspects observed in the spectrum of neuromyelitis optica disorders. Finally, the results of the papers considered as breaking news at the ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS are detailed.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the advances presented were related to the knowledge of paediatric MS, remyelination strategies and cognitive assessment in MS.

Perception of Stigma in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND

Perception of stigma was associated with low self-esteem, psychological problems, and decreased health-seeking behavior among patients with different neurological disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess stigmatization and its impact in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

METHODS

A non-interventional study was conducted at thirteen neuroimmunology clinics in Spain. Patients with a diagnosis of NMOSD (2015 Wingerchuk criteria) were included. The 8-item Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI-8), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS), the MOS Pain Effects Scale (MOS-PES) and the Fatigue Impact Scale for Daily Use (D-FIS) were used to assess the perception of stigma, disability, quality of life, mood, pain, and fatigue, respectively. Associations between outcome measures were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were studied (mean age: 47.4 years ± 14.9, 81.7% female, mean time since disease onset: 9.9 years ± 8.1). The median EDSS score was 3.0 (interquartile range 1.5, 4.5). Stigma prevalence was 61.4% (n=43). Thirty-one patients (43.6%) had depression. The SSCI-8 score showed a significant correlation with both physical (rho=0.576, p<0.0001) and psychological (rho=0.608, p<0.0001) MSIS-29 scales scores, EDSS score (rho=0.349, p=0.0033), BDI-FS score (rho= 0.613, p<0.0001), MOS-PES score (rho= 0.457, p<0.0001), and D-FIS score (rho=0.556, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Stigma is a common phenomenon affecting over 6 out of 10 patients with NMOSD. Understanding stigma may be useful to develop educational strategies improving NMOSD knowledge.

Three-Year Effectiveness of Dimethyl Fumarate in Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Multicenter Real-World Study

BACKGROUND

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has demonstrated efficacy in phase III studies. However, real-world data are still limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the profile of patients who receive DMF and to assess the effectiveness of DMF regarding relapses, disability progression, magnetic resonance imaging activity, and NEDA (No Evidence Disease Activity)-3 status in a Spanish population in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective study of patients who started DMF between 2014 and 2019 in Spain. Three subgroups were considered: naïve, switch to DMF because of inefficacy, and switch to DMF because of adverse effects. The effects of DMF on clinical and radiological measures were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 886 patients, 25.3% were naïve, 28.8% switched because of adverse effects, and 45.9% because of inefficacy. Median follow-up was 38.9 (interquartile range 22.6-41.8) months. Annualized relapse rates were 0.15, 0.10, and 0.10 at 12, 24, and 36 months respectively, and 77.7% of patients were relapse free at month 42. At 12, 24, and 42 months, 96.1%, 87.4%, and 79.7% of patients were progression free, respectively. The number of T1 gadolinium-enhancement (T1Gd+) lesions was 0.19, 0.14, and 0.18 at 12, 24, and 36 months. NEDA-3 status at month 42 was maintained by 49.8% of patients. Relapsing was associated with higher annualized relapse rates the year before (hazard ratio 1.34, p < 0.001) and to the inefficacy switch vs naïve group (hazard ratio 1.76, p = 0.003). A higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with disability progression (hazard ratio 1.15, p = 0.003) and more T1Gd+ lesions (hazard ratio 1.07, p < 0.001) with radiological progression. A higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score, a larger number of T1Gd+ lesions, and a switch because of inefficacy (vs adverse events) were all risk factors for losing NEDA-3 status. DMF was discontinued in 29.9% of patients, in 13.5% because of inefficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the sustained effectiveness of DMF on the clinical and radiological activity of multiple sclerosis in a real-world setting, both in naïve patients and in those switching from other multiple sclerosis therapies.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Lipid-Specific Oligoclonal IgM Band Characterization Reveals Two Circular RNAs and Two Linear RNAs as Biomarkers of Highly Active Disease

The presence of anti-myelin lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands (LS-OCMBs) has been defined as an accurate predictor of an aggressive evolution of multiple sclerosis. However, the detection of this biomarker is performed in cerebrospinal fluid, a quite invasive liquid biopsy. In the present study we aimed at studying the expression profile of miRNA, snoRNA, circRNA and linearRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM band characterization. We included a total of 89 MS patients, 47 with negative LS-OCMB status and 42 with positive status. Microarray (miRNA and snoRNA) and RNA-seq (circular and linear RNAs) were used to perform the profiling study in the discovery cohort and candidates were validated by RT-qPCR in the whole cohort. The biomarker potential of the candidates was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR validation revealed that two circular (hsa_circ_0000478 and hsa_circ_0116639) and two linear RNAs (IRF5 and MTRNR2L8) are downregulated in PBMCs from patients with positive LS-OCMBs. Finally, those RNAs show a performance of a 70% accuracy in some of the combinations. The expression of hsa_circ_0000478, hsa_circ_0116639, IRF5 and MTRNR2L8 might serve as minimally invasive biomarkers of highly active disease.

The Impact of Immunosuppression and Autoimmune Disease on Severe Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

Immunosuppression (IS) and autoimmune disease (AD) are prevalent in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but their impact on its clinical course is unknown. We investigated relationships between IS, AD, and outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Data on consecutive admissions for COVID-19 were extracted retrospectively from medical records. Patients were assigned to one of four cohorts, according to whether or not they had an AD (AD and NAD) or were immunosuppressed (IS and NIS). The primary endpoint was development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); secondary endpoints included death, and a composite of mechanical ventilation (MV) or death. A total of 789 patients were included: 569 (72.1%) male, 76 (9.6%) with an AD, and 63 (8.0%) with IS. Relative to the NIS-NAD cohort, patients in the IS-AD cohort had a significantly reduced risk of severe ARDS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.80; p = 0.008). No significant relationships between IS or AD status and either death or the composite of MV and death were identified, although a trend towards higher mortality was identified in the IS-NAD cohort (aHR vs NIS-NAD 1.71; 95% CI 0.94-3.12; p = 0.081). Patients in this cohort also had higher median serum levels of interleukin-6 compared with IS-AD patients (98.2 vs 21.6 pg/mL; p = 0.0328) and NIS-NAD patients (29.1 pg/mL; p = 0.0057). In conclusion, among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, those receiving immunosuppressive treatment for an AD may have a reduced risk of developing severe ARDS.

Non-severe immunosuppression might be associated with a lower risk of moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19: A pilot study

The role of immunosuppression among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been elucidated and management may be challenging. This observational study included confirmed COVID-19 patients. The primary endpoint was the development of moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Time to moderate-severe ARDS, the need for mechanical or noninvasive ventilation (MV/NIV), death, and a composite of death or MV/NIV were secondary endpoints. Of 138 patients included, 27 (19.6%) were immunosuppressed (IS) and 95 (68.8%) were male, with a median (IQR) age of 68 (54-78) years. A significantly lower proportion of IS patients (25.9%) compared to non-IS patients (52.3%) developed moderate-severe ARDS, in both unadjusted (0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.83; p = .017) and adjusted (aOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08-0.80; p = .019) analyses. After stratifying by pathologies, only IS patients with autoimmune diseases remained significant (aOR 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.98; p = .046). Nonsignificant trends toward a longer time to moderate or severe ARDS, a lower need for MV/NIV, and a lower risk of death or MV/NIV were detected among IS. In our cohort of COVID-19 patients, nonsevere immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of moderate-severe ARDS, especially among AD. This suggests a potential protective effect from a hypothesized hyper-inflammatory response.