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Coyle PK, Freedman MS, Cohen BA, Cree BAC, Markowitz CE. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators in multiple sclerosis treatment: A practical review. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:842-855. [PMID: 38366285 PMCID: PMC11021614 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Four sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators (fingolimod, ozanimod, ponesimod, and siponimod) are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This review summarizes efficacy and safety data on these S1P receptor modulators, with an emphasis on similarities and differences. Efficacy data from the pivotal clinical trials are generally similar for the four agents. However, because no head-to-head clinical studies were conducted, direct efficacy comparisons cannot be made. Based on the adverse event profile of S1P receptor modulators, continued and regular monitoring of patients during treatment will be instructive. Notably, the authors recommend paying attention to the cardiac monitoring guidelines for these drugs, and when indicated screening for macular edema and cutaneous malignancies before starting treatment. To obtain the best outcome, clinicians should choose the drug based on disease type, history, and concomitant medications for each patient. Real-world data should help to determine whether there are meaningful differences in efficacy or side effects between these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K. Coyle
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook Renaissance School of MedicineStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Mark S. Freedman
- University of OttawaDepartment of Medicine and the Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Bruce A. Cohen
- Department of NeurologyNorthwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Bruce A. C. Cree
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of NeurologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Clyde E. Markowitz
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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2
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Alvarez E, Longbrake EE, Rammohan KW, Stankiewicz J, Hersh CM. Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with multiple sclerosis on anti-CD20 therapy: Pathogenesis, risk of infection, and disease management. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105009. [PMID: 37783194 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Hypogammaglobulinemia is characterized by reduced serum immunoglobulin levels. Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia is of considerable interest to the practicing physician because it is a potential complication of some medications and may predispose patients to serious infections. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with B-cell-depleting anti-CD20 therapies are particularly at risk of developing hypogammaglobulinemia. Among these patients, hypogammaglobulinemia has been associated with an increased risk of infections. The mechanism by which hypogammaglobulinemia arises with anti-CD20 therapies (ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab, rituximab) remains unclear and does not appear to be simply due to the reduction in circulating B-cell levels. Further, despite the association between anti-CD20 therapies, hypogammaglobulinemia, and infections, there is currently no generally accepted monitoring and treatment approach among clinicians treating patients with MS. Here, we review the literature and discuss possible mechanisms of secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with MS, hypogammaglobulinemia results in MS anti-CD20 therapy clinical trials, the risk of infection for patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, and possible strategies for disease management. We also include a suggested best-practice approach to specifically address secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with MS treated with anti-CD20 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alvarez
- The Rocky Mountain MS Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Academic Office 1 Building, Room 5512, 12631 East 17th Avenue, B185, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Erin E Longbrake
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, 6 Devine Street, Suite 2B, New Haven, CT 06473, United States
| | - Kottil W Rammohan
- Multiple Sclerosis Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th street, Suite 1322, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - James Stankiewicz
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
| | - Carrie M Hersh
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W Bonneville Road, Las Vegas, NV 89106, United States.
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3
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Sparaco M, Carbone L, Landi D, Ingrasciotta Y, Di Girolamo R, Vitturi G, Marfia GA, Alviggi C, Bonavita S. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Disease Management in Infertile Women with Multiple Sclerosis. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:849-866. [PMID: 37679579 PMCID: PMC10570169 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women of fertile age. Various aspects of MS could impact on fertility, such as sexual dysfunction, endocrine alterations, autoimmune imbalances, and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The proportion of women with MS (wMS) requesting infertility management and assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasing over time. In this review, we report on data regarding ART in wMS and address safety issues. We also discuss the clinical aspects to consider when planning a course of treatment for infertility, and provide updated recommendations to guide neurologists in the management of wMS undergoing ART, with the goal of reducing the risk of disease activation after this procedure. According to most studies, there is an increase in relapse rate and magnetic resonance imaging activity after ART. Therefore, to reduce the risk of relapse, ART should be considered in wMS with stable disease. In wMS, especially those with high disease activity, fertility issues should be discussed early as the choice of DMT, and fertility preservation strategies might be proposed in selected cases to ensure both disease control and a safe pregnancy. For patients with stable disease taking DMTs compatible with pregnancy, treatment should not be interrupted before ART. If the ongoing therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy, then it should be switched to a compatible therapy. Prior to beginning fertility treatments in wMS, it would be reasonable to assess vitamin D serum levels, thyroid function and its antibody serum levels; start folic acid supplementation; and ensure smoking and alcohol cessation, adequate sleep, and food hygiene. Cervico-vaginal swabs for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Chlamydia trachomatis, as well as serology for viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, and cytomegalovirus, should be performed. Steroids could be administered under specific indications. Although the available data do not clearly show a definite raised relapse risk associated with a specific ART protocol, it seems reasonably safe to prefer the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists for ovarian stimulation. Close clinical and radiological monitoring is reasonably recommended, particularly after hormonal stimulation and in case of pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Sparaco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Doriana Landi
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Ingrasciotta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Girolamo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Vitturi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Girolama Alessandra Marfia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Bonavita
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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4
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Pernicová E, Macounová P, Krsek M, Maďar R. Summary of Safety and Efficacy of COVID Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Eur Neurol 2023; 86:263-276. [PMID: 36871554 PMCID: PMC10614228 DOI: 10.1159/000529982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the most challenging issues that have recently influenced everyday life in countries all over the world. Understanding the risk of this disease is of high importance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as they represent a vulnerable population through their treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Infective episodes may trigger relapses and lead to deterioration of the health condition. SUMMARY Vaccination is an important preventive measure against infectious diseases. In MS patients, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of vaccines in patients on various immunomodulatory drugs and about their possible adverse effects including impairment of neurological functions. The objectives of this article were to summarize the current knowledge on immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines and their safety in MS patients and to provide practical guidance based on the data available to date. KEY MESSAGES Although MS is not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19, this infection can trigger relapses or pseudo-relapses. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are recommended for all MS patients who are not in the active phase of the disease, despite the fact that there is still a lack of long-term reliable data on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19. Some DMTs can reduce vaccine humoral responses, but might still provide some protection and adequate T-cell response. To optimize the effectiveness of vaccination, the ideal timing of vaccine application and DMTs dosing regimen is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pernicová
- Avenier, Centres of Vaccination and Travel Medicine, Brno and Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petra Macounová
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia,
| | - Martin Krsek
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Rastislav Maďar
- Avenier, Centres of Vaccination and Travel Medicine, Brno and Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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5
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Muñoz-Jurado A, Escribano BM, Agüera E, Caballero-Villarraso J, Galván A, Túnez I. SARS-CoV-2 infection in multiple sclerosis patients: interaction with treatments, adjuvant therapies, and vaccines against COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:4581-4603. [PMID: 35788744 PMCID: PMC9253265 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised particular concern for people with Multiple Sclerosis, as these people are believed to be at increased risk of infection, especially those being treated with disease-modifying therapies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe how COVID-19 affects people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, evaluating the risk they have of suffering an infection by this virus, according to the therapy to which they are subjected as well as the immune response of these patients both to infection and vaccines and the neurological consequences that the virus can have in the long term. The results regarding the increased risk of infection due to treatment are contradictory. B-cell depletion therapies may cause patients to have a lower probability of generating a detectable neutralizing antibody titer. However, more studies are needed to help understand how this virus works, paying special attention to long COVID and the neurological symptoms that it causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz-Jurado
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Begoña M. Escribano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Agüera
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Neurology Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Villarraso
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Clinical Analysis Service, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alberto Galván
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, (IMIBC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
- Cooperative Research Thematic Excellent Network on Brain Stimulation (REDESTIM), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Alfonso-Dunn R, Lin J, Kirschner V, Lei J, Feuer G, Malin M, Liu J, Roche M, Sadiq SA. Strong T-cell activation in response to COVID-19 vaccination in multiple sclerosis patients receiving B-cell depleting therapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926318. [PMID: 35990701 PMCID: PMC9388928 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromised individuals, including multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on certain immunotherapy treatments, are considered susceptible to complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and specific vaccination regimens have been recommended for suitable protection. MS patients receiving anti-CD20 therapy (aCD20-MS) are considered especially vulnerable due to acquired B-cell depletion and impaired antibody production in response to virus infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Here, the humoral and cellular responses are analyzed in a group of aCD20-MS patients (n=43) compared to a healthy control cohort (n=34) during the first 6 months after a 2-dose cycle mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. Both IgG antibodies recognizing receptor binding domain (RBD) from CoV-2 spike protein and their blocking activity against RBD-hACE2 binding were significantly reduced in aCD20-MS patients, with a seroconversion rate of only 23.8%. Interestingly, even under conditions of severe B-cell depletion and failed seroconversion, a significantly higher polyfunctional IFNγ+ and IL-2+ T-cell response and strong T-cell proliferation capacity were detected compared to controls. Moreover, no difference in T-cell response was observed between forms of disease (relapsing remitting- vs progressive-MS), anti-CD20 therapy (Rituximab vs Ocrelizumab) and type of mRNA-based vaccine received (mRNA-1273 vs BNT162b2). These results suggest the generation of a partial adaptive immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in B-cell depleted MS individuals driven by a functionally competent T-cell arm. Investigation into the role of the cellular immune response is important to identifying the level of protection against SARS-CoV-2 in aCD20-MS patients and could have potential implications for future vaccine design and application.
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7
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Brand JS, Smith KA, Piehl F, Olsson T, Montgomery S. Risk of serious infections in multiple sclerosis patients by disease course and disability status: Results from a Swedish register-based study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 22:100470. [PMID: 35607517 PMCID: PMC9123212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Serious infections are an emerging concern with increasing use of potent immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the extent to which MS disease features influence infectious susceptibility is poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of MS disease course and disability status with risk of serious infections. Methods A cohort of 8660 MS patients was individually matched on age, sex and region of residence with 86,600 people without MS from the general population using national registers in Sweden. The study period was from 1996 to 2012, with follow-up until December 31, 2014. The main outcomes were infection as the underlying or contributory cause of death or infection-related hospital admission identified in the Cause of Death and Patient registers. MS disease course (relapsing-remitting or progressive disease) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (six and over or below six) were extracted from the MS Register Hazard ratios (HRs) for any serious infection were estimated using flexible parametric models. Results During a median follow-up of 9.6 years (interquartile range = 5.5-13.5 years), 1337 MS patients experienced a serious infection. Compared with individually matched people without MS, risk of serious infection was greater for progressive disease (HR = 3.80; 95% CI 3.52: 4.09) than relapsing-remitting disease (HR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.62:1.93). A similar pattern of risk was seen for dichotomised EDSS score (HR = 4.26; 95% CI 3.87: 4.70 for EDSS 6.0-9.5 and HR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.1853: 1.43 for EDSS 0.0-5.5). Overall, associations with greater disability did not notably differ by immunomodulatory therapy use, but associations with lower disability were more pronounced in patients receiving these therapies. Conclusions Disease course or EDSS score (which may be more readily available than MS course in some patients) should be considered in individual management and monitoring of MS patients, including assessing benefit-risk of therapies that influence general immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith S. Brand
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Kelsi A. Smith
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott Montgomery
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK
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Lucchini M, Del Giacomo P, De Arcangelis V, Nociti V, Bianco A, De Fino C, Presicce G, Cicia A, Carlomagno V, Mirabella M. The Expanding Role of the Infectious Disease Expert in the Context of the MS Centre. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040591. [PMID: 35455707 PMCID: PMC9026290 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The complexity of the MS patient’s management is constantly growing. Consequently, the MS care unit requires a multidisciplinary approach, including an infectious disease specialist to minimise the risk of infectious complications related both to the disease and DMTs. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated the infectious disease consultations performed from 2015 to 2019 in our MS centre. Results: We identified 107 patients with at least one infectious disease consultation out of 1088 patients. We found a progressive increase in the number of consultations from 2015 to 2019. Nearly half of the consultations were requested at the time of starting MS treatment. The most frequent requests were represented by chronic or acute infections. The most prevalent infectious agents were Herpesviridae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antibiotic or antiviral treatment and prophylactic treatment or vaccination represented together the most frequent outcomes of the consultations. Finally, a treatment delay was significantly associated with the advice of a prophylactic treatment or of a vaccination. Conclusion: There is an increasing awareness of the potential infectious complications of MS and of exposure to DMTs. The interaction between the MS neurologist and infectious disease specialist is fundamental to minimise the infectious risk related to the disease and to the DMTs, with a progressive shift from complication management to a broader prevention workup at the time of MS diagnosis, including both vaccination and prophylactic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lucchini
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-30155390
| | - Paola Del Giacomo
- UOC Malattie Infettive, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valeria De Arcangelis
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Viviana Nociti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Assunta Bianco
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Fino
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
| | | | - Alessandra Cicia
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carlomagno
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mirabella
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.A.); (V.N.); (A.B.); (C.D.F.); (A.C.); (V.C.); (M.M.)
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, CERSM, 00168 Rome, Italy
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9
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Daripa B, Lucchese S. Varicella-Zoster Reactivation in a Non-immunized Elderly Multiple Sclerosis Patient While on Delayed-Release Dimethyl Fumarate With Grade 2 Lymphopenia and Profoundly Low CD4+ and CD8+ Cell Counts: A Case Report. Cureus 2022; 14:e22679. [PMID: 35386173 PMCID: PMC8967119 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections (OI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is a real concern amongst neurologists when using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs used in modulating or suppressing the immune system for MS management may risk the patient with lymphocytopenia, raising the possibility of OI; however, this lymphopenia may contemplate as a biomarker for drug response, degree of immunomodulation, and drug compliance. The OI could be reactivation of varicella-zoster, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) induced by John Cunningham virus (JC virus), Pneumocystis jirovecii infection, cryptococcal meningitis, atypical mycobacteria, and many more. We present a non-immunized case of varicella-zoster reactivation with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) therapy. Surprisingly, the patient’s lymphocyte count trend during her previous follow-up visits remained in the range of normal to grade 1 lymphopenia but with her current flared-up rash presentation, she had a profoundly low CD8+ and CD4+ cell counts (CD8+ cell count << CD4+ cell counts) despite an absolute lymphocyte (ALC) level far above 500 cells/µl; in fact, it was 13.6% higher when compared to her last quarterly levels. Controlled trials with DMF claimed no serious infection even with a lymphopenia range of 500-800 cells/µl, which is untrue in real clinics and it would be wise and reasonable to follow the lymphocyte subsets along with ALC to prevent potential opportunistic infections. Recently, comprehensive strategies were evolved to mitigate OI risk for MS patients while on DMTs. These were not only limited to lymphocyte threshold monitoring but extended to address features in terms of screening recommendation, vaccination advice, the need for antibiotic prophylaxis, neuroimaging, laboratory checkups, medication dosing, and behavioral modifications. Our patient was not immunized with zoster vaccine and, unfortunately, DMF has no proper structured guidelines regarding vaccination against OI prevention as other few DMTs have. Our case could suggest that MS patients need proper vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before starting DMF.
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10
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Freeman L, Longbrake EE, Coyle PK, Hendin B, Vollmer T. High-Efficacy Therapies for Treatment-Naïve Individuals with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:1285-1299. [PMID: 36350491 PMCID: PMC9645316 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
There are > 18 distinct disease-modifying therapy (DMT) options covering 10 mechanisms of action currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Given the multitude of available treatment options, and recent international consensus guidelines offering differing recommendations, there is broad heterogeneity in how the DMTs are used in clinical practice. Choosing a DMT for newly diagnosed patients with MS is currently a topic of significant debate in MS care. Historically, an escalation approach to DMT was used for newly diagnosed patients with RRMS. However, the evidence for clinical benefits of early treatment with high-efficacy therapies (HETs) in this population is emerging. In this review, we provide an overview of the DMT options and MS treatment strategies, and discuss the clinical benefits of HETs (including ofatumumab, ocrelizumab, natalizumab, alemtuzumab, and cladribine) in the early stages of MS, along with safety concerns associated with these DMTs. By minimizing the accumulation of neurological damage early in the disease course, early treatment with HETs may enhance long-term clinical outcomes over the lifetime of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léorah Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
| | | | - Patricia K. Coyle
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Barry Hendin
- Banner, University Medicine Neurosciences Clinic, Phoenix, AZ USA
| | - Timothy Vollmer
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
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Woopen C, Schleußner K, Akgün K, Ziemssen T. Approach to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:701752. [PMID: 34234787 PMCID: PMC8256163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than a year now, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been causing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic with high mortality and detrimental effects on society, economy, and individual lives. Great hopes are being placed on vaccination as one of the most potent escape strategies from the pandemic and multiple vaccines are already in clinical use. However, there is still a lot of insecurity about the safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), especially under treatment with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive drugs. We propose strategic approaches to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination management in MS patients and encourage fellow physicians to measure the immune response in their patients. Notably, both humoral and cellular responses should be considered since the immunological equivalent for protection from SARS-CoV-2 after infection or vaccination still remains undefined and will most likely involve antiviral cellular immunity. It is important to gain insights into the vaccine response of immunocompromised patients in order to be able to deduce sensible strategies for vaccination in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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