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Todorović S, Vojinović S, Savić D, Aleksić D, Danilović M. Potential beneficial effect of IFN-β1a and ocrelizumab in people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:447-455. [PMID: 37962785 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02421-9] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) has led to added challenges in the management of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) during the COVID-19 era. It can reduce relapse in MS or slow down disease progression, but some DMTs can increased risk of infection. The aim of study was to evaluate risk and severity of COVID-19 in pwMS. METHODS The examined group of pwMS were divided in group treated with IFN-β1a, group treated with ocrelizumab and untreated group. The examination included impact of age, gender, duration of MS, type of MS, vaccination status and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) on the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection. A diagnosis of COVID-19 in pwMS was confirmed by positive polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) or antigen test. RESULTS Out of 207 pwMS, 82 patients were treated with ocrelizumab, 63 with IFN-β1a, while 62 patients were untreated pwMS. The average duration of the MS was longer in the group of patients treated with ocrelizumab than in the group treated with IFN-β1a (p < 0.05). EDSS was higher in the ocrelizumab group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). Untreated (more often unvaccinated) had the same COVID frequency as ocrelizumab-treated (more vaccinated, but higher EDSS). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that administration of IFN-β1a reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.001, OR = 0.381, 95% CI 0.602-0.160). The use of both DMTs, driven mainly by the IFN-β1a effect, reduces the risk of moderate and severe COVID-19 (p < 0.05, OR = 0.105, 95% CI 0.011-0.968). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that IFN-β1a can reduce the frequency of COVID-19 infection and that two DMTs, driven mainly by the IFN-β1a effect, do not increase the risk of moderate/severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Todorović
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia.
| | - Slobodan Vojinović
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Nis, Serbia
| | - Dejan Savić
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Dr Zoran Dindjic 48, 18000, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Nis, Serbia
| | - Dejan Aleksić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miloš Danilović
- Military Medical Academy, Clinic for Neurology, Belgrade, Serbia
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Clavelou P, Castelnovo G, Pourcher V, De Sèze J, Vermersch P, Ben-Amor AF, Savarin C, Defer G. Expert Narrative Review of the Safety of Cladribine Tablets for the Management of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1457-1476. [PMID: 37382841 PMCID: PMC10444734 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cladribine tablets (CladT) is a highly active oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for the management of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). CladT acts as an immune reconstitution therapy, in that two short courses of treatment 1 year apart have been shown to suppress disease activity for a prolonged period in most patients, without need for continued DMT. Each course of CladT induces a profound reduction in B lymphocytes that recovers over months, and serious lymphopenia (Grade 3-4) is uncommon. Smaller reductions in levels of T lymphocytes occur slightly later: on average, these remain within the normal range and repopulate progressively. A larger effect occurs on CD8 vs. CD4 cells. Reactivation of latent or opportunistic infections (e.g. varicella zoster, tuberculosis) is mostly associated with very low lymphocyte counts (< 200/mm3). Screening and managing pre-existing infections, vaccinating non-exposed patients and delaying the 2nd year of treatment with CladT to allow lymphocytes to recover to > 800/mm3 (if necessary) are important for avoiding infections and higher-grade lymphopenia. There was no demonstrable or apparent effect of CladT on the efficacy of vaccinations, including against Covid-19. Adverse events consistent with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) represent a rare but potentially serious complication of CladT therapy in spontaneous adverse event reporting; patients should be screened for liver dysfunction before starting treatment. Ongoing hepatic monitoring is not required, but CladT must be withdrawn if signs and symptoms of DILI develop. There was a numerical imbalance for malignancies when comparing cladribine to placebo in the clinical programme, particularly in short-term data, but recent evidence shows that the risk of malignancy with CladT is similar to the background rate in the general population and to that with other DMTs. Overall, CladT is well tolerated with a favorable safety profile appropriate for the management of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Clavelou
- Department of Neurology, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63003, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France.
| | - Giovanni Castelnovo
- Department of Neurology, Nîmes University Hospital, Hopital Caremeau, Nîmes, France
| | - Valérie Pourcher
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne Université, INSERM 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jerome De Sèze
- Department of Neurology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LilNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France
| | - Ali-Frederic Ben-Amor
- Global Medical Affairs Neurology and Immunology, Ares Trading SA (An affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Eysins, Switzerland
| | - Carine Savarin
- Neurology Department, Medical Affairs (An affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Merck Santé, Lyon, France
| | - Gilles Defer
- Department of Neurology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
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Gold R, Barnett M, Chan A, Feng H, Fujihara K, Giovannoni G, Montalbán X, Shi FD, Tintoré M, Xue Q, Yang C, Zhou H. Clinical use of dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis treatment: an update to include China, using a modified Delphi method. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231180734. [PMID: 37465201 PMCID: PMC10350766 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231180734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a widely used oral disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Its efficacy and safety profiles are supported by over a decade of experience. Differences exist between Asia and Europe/United States in the prevalence and characteristics of MS; most data for DMF are derived from populations outside Asia. DMF was recently (2021) approved for use in China. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the evidence for DMF's profile, to provide an update to healthcare providers on current knowledge surrounding its use and to assess the relevance of existing data to use in China. This study used a modified Delphi method based on the insights of a scientific Steering Committee (SC), with a structured literature review conducted to assess the data of DMF. The literature review covered all papers in English (from 01 January 2011 to 21 February 2022) that include 'dimethyl fumarate' and 'multiple sclerosis', and their MeSH terms, on PubMed, supplemented by EMBASE and Citeline searches. Papers were categorized by topic and assessed for relevance and quality, before being used to formulate statements summarizing the literature on each subject. SC members voted on/revised statements, requiring ⩾80% agreement and ⩽10% disagreement for inclusion. Statements not reaching this level were discussed further until agreement was reached or until there was agreement to remove the statement. A total of 1030 papers were retrieved and used to formulate the statements and evidence summaries considered by the SC members. A total of 45 statements were agreed by the SC members. The findings support the positive efficacy and safety profile of DMF in treating patients with MS. Limited Chinese patient data are an ongoing consideration; however, based on current evidence, the statements are considered applicable to both the global and Chinese populations. DMF is a valuable addition to address unmet MS treatment needs in China. Registration: Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44791, Germany
| | - Michael Barnett
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital (Bern University Hospital), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huiyu Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Department of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Department of Neurology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Montalbán
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mar Tintoré
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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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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Stefanou MI, Palaiodimou L, Theodorou A, Christodoulou MV, Tzartos JS, Tzanetakos D, Kitsos D, Chondrogianni M, Zouvelou V, Dardiotis E, Tzavellas E, Syrigou E, Benetou V, Paraskevas GP, Tsiodras S, Tsivgoulis G, Giannopoulos S. Safety of COVID-19 vaccines in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler 2023; 29:585-594. [PMID: 36722184 PMCID: PMC9895285 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221150881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data are sparse regarding the safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To estimate (1) the pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse among vaccine recipients; (2) the rate of transient neurological worsening, adverse events, and serious adverse events; (3) the previous outcomes of interest for different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine types. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacovigilance registries and observational studies. RESULTS Nineteen observational studies comprising 14,755 MS patients who received 23,088 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were included. Mean age was 43.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 40-46.6); relapsing-remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive MS and clinically isolated syndrome were diagnosed in 82.6% (95% CI: 73.9-89.8), 12.6% (95% CI: 6.3-20.8), 6.7% (95% CI: 4.2-9.9), and 2.9% (95% CI: 1-5.9) of cases, respectively. The pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse at a mean time interval of 20 days (95% CI: 12-28.2) from vaccination was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.3%-2.6%; I2 = 78%), with the relapse risk being independent of the type of administered SARS-CoV-2-vaccine (p for subgroup differences = 0.7 for messenger RNA (mRNA), inactivated virus, and adenovector-based vaccines). After vaccination, transient neurological worsening was observed in 4.8% (95% CI: 2.3%-8.1%) of patients. Adverse events and serious adverse events were reported in 52.8% (95% CI: 46.7%-58.8%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0%-0.2%) of vaccinations, respectively. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk of relapse and serious adverse events in MS. Weighted against the risks of SARS-CoV-2-related complications and MS exacerbations, these safety data provide compelling pro-vaccination arguments for MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aikaterini Theodorou
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Veatriki Christodoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John S Tzartos
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tzanetakos
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kitsos
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Chondrogianni
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- First Department of Neurology, Eginition
Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital
of Larissa, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Elias Tzavellas
- First Department of Psychiatry, Aiginition
Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vassiliki Benetou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and
Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens,
Greece
| | - George P Paraskevas
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon”
University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine,
Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sotirios Giannopoulos
- S Giannopoulos Second Department of
Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12462 Athens, Greece.
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6
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Giovannoni G, Mathews J. Cladribine Tablets for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinician's Review. Neurol Ther 2022; 11:571-595. [PMID: 35318617 PMCID: PMC8940595 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-022-00339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination for which there is currently no cure; therefore, the aim of therapy is to reduce the risk of relapse and disability progression. The treatment options for MS have increased greatly in recent years with the development of several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and the advent of immune reconstitution therapy (IRT). IRTs are administered in short-dosing periods to produce long-term effects on the immune system. Treatment with an IRT is based on the 3Rs: reduction, repopulation, and reconstitution of lymphocytes, which leads to restoration of immune effector functions. Cladribine tablets represent a selective, high-efficacy, oral form of IRT for patients with MS that targets lymphocytes and spares innate immune cells. Patients require only two weekly treatment courses, with each course comprising two treatment weeks, in Years 1 and 2; therefore, cladribine tablets are associated with a lower monitoring burden than many other DMTs, while short dosing periods can help to improve adherence. This review provides an overview of IRT and offers the clinician's perspective on the current MS treatment landscape, with a focus on practical advice for the management of patients undergoing treatment with cladribine tablets based on the most recent evidence available, including risks associated with COVID-19 and recommendations for vaccination in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Joela Mathews
- Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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