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Santini T, Chen C, Zhu W, Liou JJ, Walker E, Venkatesh S, Farhat N, Sajewski A, Alkhateeb S, Saranathan M, Xia Z, Ibrahim TS. Hippocampal subfields and thalamic nuclei associations with clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis: An ultrahigh field MRI study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105520. [PMID: 38582026 PMCID: PMC11081814 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that thalamic and hippocampal neurodegeneration is associated with clinical decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, contributions of the specific thalamic nuclei and hippocampal subfields require further examination. OBJECTIVE Using 7 Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we investigated the cross-sectional associations between functionally grouped thalamic nuclei and hippocampal subfields volumes and T1 relaxation times (T1-RT) and subsequent clinical outcomes in MS. METHODS High-resolution T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were acquired at 7T (n=31), preprocessed, and segmented using the Thalamus Optimized Multi Atlas Segmentation (THOMAS, for thalamic nuclei) and the Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields (ASHS, for hippocampal subfields) packages. We calculated Pearson correlations between hippocampal subfields and thalamic nuclei volumes and T1-RT and subsequent multi-modal rater-determined and patient-reported clinical outcomes (∼2.5 years after imaging acquisition), correcting for confounders and multiple tests. RESULTS Smaller volume bilaterally in the anterior thalamus region correlated with worse performance in gait function, as measured by the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). Additionally, larger volume in most functional groups of thalamic nuclei correlated with better visual information processing and cognitive function, as measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). In bilateral medial and left posterior thalamic regions, there was an inverse association between volumes and T1-RT, potentially indicating higher tissue degeneration in these regions. We also observed marginal associations between the right hippocampal subfields (both volumes and T1-RT) and subsequent clinical outcomes, though they did not survive correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSION Ultrahigh field MRI identified markers of structural damage in the thalamic nuclei associated with subsequently worse clinical outcomes in individuals with MS. Longitudinal studies will enable better understanding of the role of microstructural integrity in these brain regions in influencing MS outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tales Santini
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Chenyi Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jr-Jiun Liou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Nadim Farhat
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrea Sajewski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Salem Alkhateeb
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Zongqi Xia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Tamer S Ibrahim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Riley C, Venkatesh S, Dhand A, Doshi N, Kavak K, Levit E, Perrone C, Weinstock-Guttman B, Longbrake E, De Jager P, Xia Z. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Personal Networks and Neurological Outcomes of People With Multiple Sclerosis: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Case-Control Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e45429. [PMID: 38319703 PMCID: PMC10879979 DOI: 10.2196/45429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected the social fabric. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the associations between personal social networks and neurological function in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and controls in the prepandemic and pandemic periods. METHODS During the early pandemic (March-December 2020), 8 cohorts of pwMS and controls completed a questionnaire quantifying the structure and composition of their personal social networks, including the health behaviors of network members. Participants from 3 of the 8 cohorts had additionally completed the questionnaire before the pandemic (2017-2019). We assessed neurological function using 3 interrelated patient-reported outcomes: Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale-Revised (MSRS-R), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function. We identified the network features associated with neurological function using paired 2-tailed t tests and covariate-adjusted regressions. RESULTS In the cross-sectional analysis of the pandemic data from 1130 pwMS and 1250 controls during the pandemic, having a higher percentage of network members with a perceived negative health influence was associated with worse disability in pwMS (MSRS-R: β=2.181, 95% CI 1.082-3.279; P<.001) and poor physical function in controls (PROMIS Physical Function: β=-5.707, 95% CI -7.405 to -4.010; P<.001). In the longitudinal analysis of 230 pwMS and 136 controls, the networks of all participants contracted, given an increase in constraint (pwMS-prepandemic: mean 52.24, SD 15.81; pwMS-pandemic: mean 56.77, SD 18.91; P=.006. Controls-prepandemic: mean 48.07, SD 13.36; controls-pandemic: mean 53.99, SD 16.31; P=.001) and a decrease in network size (pwMS-prepandemic: mean 8.02, SD 5.70; pwMS-pandemic: mean 6.63, SD 4.16; P=.003. Controls-prepandemic: mean 8.18, SD 4.05; controls-pandemic: mean 6.44, SD 3.92; P<.001), effective size (pwMS-prepandemic: mean 3.30, SD 1.59; pwMS-pandemic: mean 2.90, SD 1.50; P=.007. Controls-prepandemic: mean 3.85, SD 1.56; controls-pandemic: mean 3.40, SD 1.55; P=.01), and maximum degree (pwMS-prepandemic: mean 4.78, SD 1.86; pwMS-pandemic: mean 4.32, SD 1.92; P=.01. Controls-prepandemic: mean 5.38, SD 1.94; controls-pandemic: mean 4.55, SD 2.06; P<.001). These network changes were not associated with worsening function. The percentage of kin in the networks of pwMS increased (mean 46.06%, SD 29.34% to mean 54.36%, SD 30.16%; P=.003) during the pandemic, a change that was not seen in controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high perceived negative health influence in the network was associated with worse function in all participants during the pandemic. The networks of all participants became tighter knit, and the percentage of kin in the networks of pwMS increased during the pandemic. Despite these perturbations in social connections, network changes from the prepandemic to the pandemic period were not associated with worsening function in all participants, suggesting possible resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Riley
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Amar Dhand
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nandini Doshi
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Elle Levit
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Philip De Jager
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zongqi Xia
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Ann Marrie R, McFadyen C, Yaeger L, Salter A. A Systematic Review of the Validity and Reliability of the Patient-Determined Disease Steps Scale. Int J MS Care 2023; 25:20-25. [PMID: 36711220 PMCID: PMC9881423 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2021-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale is a patient-reported measure of disability used by at least 3 North American multiple sclerosis (MS) registries. We conducted a systematic review of the psychometric properties of the PDDS scale as part of a harmonization effort related to disability measures used in MS registries. METHODS We searched the EMBASE, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from database inception through July 28, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text reports for study inclusion and data extraction and assessed study quality and risk of bias. We included studies that assessed the validity or reliability of the PDDS scale. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the findings. RESULTS From the 2476 abstracts screened, 234 articles underwent full-text review, of which 5 met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed criterion validity, construct validity, and test-retest reliability. In all studies, criterion validity was assessed by correlating the PDDS scale score with the Expanded Disability Status Scale score (pooled r = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.66-0.79). Test-retest reliability was high (pooled intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review, the PDDS scale demonstrated criterion and construct validity for assessing disability in individuals with MS who have mild to moderate disabilities. This review also supports the test-retest reliability of the PDDS scale, although further studies with larger samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- From the Department of Internal Medicine (RAM, CM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- From the Department of Community Health Sciences (RAM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Caitlin McFadyen
- From the Department of Internal Medicine (RAM, CM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lauren Yaeger
- From the Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (LY)
| | - Amber Salter
- From the Section of Statistical Planning and Analysis, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern University, Dallas, USA (AS)
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Riley CS, Venkatesh S, Dhand A, Doshi N, Kavak K, Levit EE, Perrone C, Weinstock-Guttman B, Longbrake EE, De Jager PL, Xia Z. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Personal Networks and Neurological Outcomes of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analysis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.08.17.22278896. [PMID: 36203554 PMCID: PMC9536025 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.17.22278896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the social fabric of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Objective To evaluate the associations between personal social network environment and neurological function in pwMS and controls during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare with the pre-pandemic baseline. Methods We first analyzed data collected from 8 cohorts of pwMS and control participants during the COVID-19 pandemic (March-December 2020). We then leveraged data collected between 2017-2019 in 3 of the 8 cohorts for longitudinal comparison. Participants completed a questionnaire that quantified the structure and composition of their personal social network, including the health behaviors of network members. We assessed neurological disability using three interrelated patient-reported outcomes: Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale â€" Revised (MSRS-R), and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Physical Function. We identified the network features associated with neurologic disability using paired t-tests and covariate-adjusted regressions. Results In the cross-sectional analysis of the pandemic data from 1130 pwMS and 1250 control participants, higher percent of network members with a perceived negative health influence was associated with greater neurological symptom burden in pwMS (MSRS-R: Beta[95% CI]=2.181[1.082, 3.279], p<.001) and worse physical function in controls (PROMIS-Physical Function: Beta[95% CI]=-5.707[-7.405, -4.010], p<.001). In the longitudinal analysis of 230 pwMS and 136 control participants, the networks of both pwMS and controls experienced an increase in constraint (pwMS p=.006, control p=.001) as well as a decrease in network size (pwMS p=.003, control p<.001), effective size (pwMS p=.007, control p=.013), maximum degree (pwMS p=.01, control p<.001), and percent contacted weekly or less (pwMS p<.001, control p<.001), suggesting overall network contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was also an increase in percentage of kin (p=.003) in the networks of pwMS but not controls during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the pre-pandemic baseline. These changes in personal social network due to the pandemic were not associated with worsening neurological disability during the pandemic. Conclusions Our findings suggest that perceived negative health influences in personal social networks are associated with worse disability in all participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the perturbation in social environment and connections during the pandemic, the stability in neurological function among pwMS suggests potential resilience.
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5
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Boorgu DSSK, Venkatesh S, Lakhani CM, Walker E, Aguerre IM, Riley C, Patel CJ, De Jager PL, Xia Z. The impact of socioeconomic status on subsequent neurological outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 65:103994. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chikersal P, Venkatesh S, Masown K, Walker E, Quraishi D, Dey A, Goel M, Xia Z. Predicting Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes During the COVID-19 Stay-at-home Period: Observational Study Using Passively Sensed Behaviors and Digital Phenotyping. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e38495. [PMID: 35849686 PMCID: PMC9407162 DOI: 10.2196/38495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has broad negative impact on the physical and mental health of people with chronic neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE We presented a machine learning approach leveraging passive sensor data from smartphones and fitness trackers of people with MS to predict their health outcomes in a natural experiment during a state-mandated stay-at-home period due to a global pandemic. METHODS First, we extracted features that capture behavior changes due to the stay-at-home order. Then, we adapted and applied an existing algorithm to these behavior-change features to predict the presence of depression, high global MS symptom burden, severe fatigue, and poor sleep quality during the stay-at-home period. RESULTS Using data collected between November 2019 and May 2020, the algorithm detected depression with an accuracy of 82.5% (65% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.84), high global MS symptom burden with an accuracy of 90% (39% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.93), severe fatigue with an accuracy of 75.5% (22% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.80), and poor sleep quality with an accuracy of 84% (28% improvement over baseline; F1-score: 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Our approach could help clinicians better triage patients with MS and potentially other chronic neurological disorders for interventions and aid patient self-monitoring in their own environment, particularly during extraordinarily stressful circumstances such as pandemics, which would cause drastic behavior changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Chikersal
- School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Karman Masown
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Danyal Quraishi
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anind Dey
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mayank Goel
- School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zongqi Xia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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7
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Mani A, Santini T, Puppala R, Dahl M, Venkatesh S, Walker E, DeHaven M, Isitan C, Ibrahim TS, Wang L, Zhang T, Gong E, Barrios-Martinez J, Yeh FC, Krafty R, Mettenburg JM, Xia Z. Applying Deep Learning to Accelerated Clinical Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:685276. [PMID: 34646227 PMCID: PMC8504490 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.685276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) scans are routine clinical procedures for monitoring people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Patient discomfort, timely scheduling, and financial burden motivate the need to accelerate MR scan time. We examined the clinical application of a deep learning (DL) model in restoring the image quality of accelerated routine clinical brain MR scans for PwMS. Methods: We acquired fast 3D T1w BRAVO and fast 3D T2w FLAIR MRI sequences (half the phase encodes and half the number of slices) in parallel to conventional parameters. Using a subset of the scans, we trained a DL model to generate images from fast scans with quality similar to the conventional scans and then applied the model to the remaining scans. We calculated clinically relevant T1w volumetrics (normalized whole brain, thalamic, gray matter, and white matter volume) for all scans and T2 lesion volume in a sub-analysis. We performed paired t-tests comparing conventional, fast, and fast with DL for these volumetrics, and fit repeated measures mixed-effects models to test for differences in correlations between volumetrics and clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes (PRO). Results: We found statistically significant but small differences between conventional and fast scans with DL for all T1w volumetrics. There was no difference in the extent to which the key T1w volumetrics correlated with clinically relevant PROs of MS symptom burden and neurological disability. Conclusion: A deep learning model that improves the image quality of the accelerated routine clinical brain MR scans has the potential to inform clinically relevant outcomes in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashika Mani
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tales Santini
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Radhika Puppala
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Megan Dahl
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Megan DeHaven
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Cigdem Isitan
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tamer S Ibrahim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Long Wang
- Subtle Medical Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Tao Zhang
- Subtle Medical Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Enhao Gong
- Subtle Medical Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | | | - Fang-Cheng Yeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Robert Krafty
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joseph M Mettenburg
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zongqi Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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8
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Chahine LM, Chin I, Caspell-Garcia C, Standaert DG, Brown E, Smolensky L, Arnedo V, Daeschler D, Riley L, Korell M, Dobkin R, Amondikar N, Gradinscak S, Shoulson I, Dean M, Kwok K, Cannon P, Marek K, Kopil C, Tanner CM, Marrason C. Comparison of an Online-Only Parkinson's Disease Research Cohort to Cohorts Assessed In Person. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:677-691. [PMID: 31958097 PMCID: PMC7242834 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online tools for data collection could be of value in patient-oriented research. The Fox Insight (FI) study collects data online from individuals with self-reported Parkinson's disease (PD). Comparing the FI cohort to other cohorts assessed through more traditional (in-person) observational research studies would inform the representativeness and utility of FI data. OBJECTIVE To compare self-reported demographic characteristics, symptoms, medical history, and PD medication use of the FI PD cohort to other recent observational research study cohorts assessed with in-person visits. METHODS The FI PD cohort (n = 12,654) was compared to 3 other cohorts, selected based on data accessibility and breadth of assessments: Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI; PD n = 422), Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program (PDBP; n = 700), and PD participants in the LRRK2 consortium without LRRK2 mutations (n = 508). Demographics, motor and non-motor assessments, and medications were compared across cohorts. Where available, identical items on surveys and assessments were compared; otherwise, expert opinion was used to determine comparable definitions for a given variable. RESULTS The proportion of females was significantly higher in FI (45.56%) compared to PPMI (34.36%) and PDBP (35.71%). The FI cohort had greater educational attainment as compared to all other cohorts. Overall, prevalence of difficulties with motor experiences of daily living and non-motor symptoms in the FI cohort was similar to other cohorts, with only a few significant differences that were generally small in magnitude. Missing data were rare for the FI cohort, except on a few variables. DISCUSSION Patterns of responses to patient-reported assessments obtained online on the PD cohort of the FI study were similar to PD cohorts assessed in-person.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ethan Brown
- University of California, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Care Plan, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luba Smolensky
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Arnedo
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daisy Daeschler
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Riley
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Korell
- University of California, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Care Plan, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roseanne Dobkin
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ninad Amondikar
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Gradinscak
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Marissa Dean
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin Kwok
- Theravance Biopharma, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Marek
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Kopil
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline M Tanner
- University of California, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Care Plan, San Francisco, CA, USA
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9
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Levin SN, Venkatesh S, Nelson KE, Li Y, Aguerre I, Zhu W, Masown K, Rimmer KT, Diaconu CI, Onomichi KB, Leavitt VM, Levine LL, Strauss-Farber R, Vargas WS, Banwell B, Bar-Or A, Berger JR, Goodman AD, Longbrake EE, Oh J, Weinstock-Guttman B, Thakur KT, Edwards KR, Riley CS, Xia Z, De Jager PL. Manifestations and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in neuroinflammatory diseases. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:918-928. [PMID: 33616290 PMCID: PMC8013889 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report initial results of a planned multicenter year‐long prospective study examining the risk and impact of COVID‐19 among persons with neuroinflammatory disorders (NID), particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In April 2020, we deployed online questionnaires to individuals in their home environment to assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of suspected COVID‐19 in persons with NID (PwNID) and change in their neurological care. Results Our cohort included 1115 participants (630 NID, 98% MS; 485 reference) as of 30 April 2020. 202 (18%) participants, residing in areas with high COVID‐19 case prevalence, met the April 2020 CDC symptom criteria for suspected COVID‐19, but only 4% of all participants received testing given testing shortages. Among all participants, those with suspected COVID‐19 were younger, more racially diverse, and reported more depression and liver disease. PwNID had the same rate of suspected COVID‐19 as the reference group. Early changes in disease management included telemedicine visits in 21% and treatment changes in 9% of PwNID. After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing neurological disability was associated with a greater likelihood of suspected COVID‐19 (ORadj = 1.45, 1.17–1.84). Interpretations Our study of real‐time, patient‐reported experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic complements physician‐reported MS case registries which capture an excess of severe cases. Overall, PwNID seem to have a risk of suspected COVID‐19 similar to the reference population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth N Levin
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- Program in Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katie E Nelson
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Program in Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ines Aguerre
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wen Zhu
- Program in Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karman Masown
- Program in Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathryn T Rimmer
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claudiu I Diaconu
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kaho B Onomichi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Victoria M Leavitt
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Libby L Levine
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Strauss-Farber
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wendy S Vargas
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brenda Banwell
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph R Berger
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew D Goodman
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Erin E Longbrake
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs Multiple Sclerosis Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | | | - Keith R Edwards
- The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York, Latham, New York, USA
| | - Claire S Riley
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zongqi Xia
- Program in Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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10
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Dhand A, McCafferty L, Grashow R, Corbin IM, Cohan S, Whittington AJ, Connor A, Baggish A, Weisskopf M, Zafonte R, Pascual-Leone A, Barabási AL. Social network structure and composition in former NFL football players. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1630. [PMID: 33526803 PMCID: PMC7851122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80091-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Social networks have broad effects on health and quality of life. Biopsychosocial factors may also modify the effects of brain trauma on clinical and pathological outcomes. However, social network characterization is missing in studies of contact sports athletes. Here, we characterized the personal social networks of former National Football League players compared to non-football US males. In 303 former football players and 269 US males, we found that network structure (e.g., network size) did not differ, but network composition (e.g., proportion of family versus friends) did differ. Football players had more men than women, and more friends than family in their networks compared to US males. Black players had more racially diverse networks than White players and US males. These results are unexpected because brain trauma and chronic illnesses typically cause diminished social relationships. We anticipate our study will inform more multi-dimensional study of, and treatment options for, contact sports athletes. For example, the strong allegiances of former athletes may be harnessed in the form of social network interventions after brain trauma. Because preserving health of contact sports athletes is a major goal, the study of social networks is critical to the design of future research and treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Dhand
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Liam McCafferty
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Grashow
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ian M Corbin
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Cohan
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ann Connor
- Department of Neurology, Berenson-Allen Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Baggish
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Weisskopf
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ross Zafonte
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA
- Guttmann Brain Health Institut, Institut Guttmann, Universitat Autonoma Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert-László Barabási
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Levin SN, Riley CS, Dhand A, White CC, Venkatesh S, Boehm B, Nassif C, Socia L, Onomichi K, Leavitt VM, Levine L, Heyman R, Farber RS, Vargas WS, Xia Z, De Jager PL. Association of social network structure and physical function in patients with multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2020; 95:e1565-e1574. [PMID: 32769139 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the association between physical function and the social environment in multiple sclerosis (MS), we quantified personal social networks. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 2 academic MS centers, with center 1 serving as a discovery group and center 2 as the extension group. We performed a meta-analysis of the centers to extend the analysis. We used responses from a questionnaire to map the structure and health habits of participants' social networks as well as the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function scale (0-100, mean 50 for US general population) as the primary outcome. We applied multivariable models to test the association between network metrics and physical function. RESULTS The discovery cohort included 263 patients with MS: 81% were women, 96% non-Hispanic European, 78% had relapsing MS, average age was 50 (12.4) years, and mean disease duration was 17 (12.3) years. The extension group included 163 patients, who were younger, more racially diverse, and less physically disabled, and had shorter disease duration. In the meta-analysis, higher network constraint, a measure of tightly bound networks, was associated with worse physical function (β = -0.163 ± 0.047, p < 0.001), while larger network effective size, a measure of clustered groups in the network, correlated with better physical function (β = 0.134 ± 0.046, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights personal networks as an important environmental factor associated with physical function in MS. Patients with close-knit networks had worse function than those with more open networks. Longitudinal studies are warranted to evaluate a causal relationship between network structure and physical impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth N Levin
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Claire S Riley
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Amar Dhand
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Charles C White
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Shruthi Venkatesh
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Blake Boehm
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Caren Nassif
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lauren Socia
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kaho Onomichi
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Victoria M Leavitt
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Libby Levine
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rock Heyman
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Rebecca S Farber
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Wendy S Vargas
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Zongqi Xia
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- From the Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology (S.N.L., C.S.R., C.N., L.S., K.O., V.M.L., L.L., R.S.F., W.S.V., P.L.D.J.), and The Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research (P.L.D.J.), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (A.D.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Network Science Institute (A.D.), Northeastern University, Boston; Broad Institute (C.C.W., Z.X., P.L.D.J.), Cell Circuits Program, Cambridge, MA; and Department of Neurology (S.V., B.B., R.H., Z.X.), University of Pittsburgh, PA.
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12
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Ozel O, Vaughn CB, Eckert SP, Jakimovski D, Lizarraga AA, Weinstock-Guttman B. Dimethyl Fumarate in the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Patient Reported Outcomes and Perspectives. PATIENT-RELATED OUTCOME MEASURES 2019; 10:373-384. [PMID: 31849554 PMCID: PMC6911812 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s168095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a commonly prescribed oral medication for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) with a wide range of hypothesized downstream mechanisms of action. Randomized clinical trials have established its clinical efficacy by using standard objective clinical measures. However, MS is a chronic disease that, apart from physical ailments, can affect an individual’s mood, psychosocial status, and quality of life which cannot be captured by using only objective assessment tools. Given the challenge of determining the efficacy of the treatment in a real-world clinical setting, the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may help us to better address these aspects of patient care and establish a more patient-centered approach to MS care. To date, a review of PubMed identified six studies which reported on PROs in patients who are taking DMF. In total, twelve different kinds of PRO measures were utilized and 6359 patients provided at least one form of PRO in these studies. Upon review of these studies, we were able to conclude that people with MS had decreased quality of life compared to the healthy population in the US. MS patients on DMF, however, had better health-related quality of life assessment scores compared to those using a placebo. Previous studies also suggested that DMF decreased work productivity impairment scores after one year of use compared to baseline. DMF was associated with less impairment in fatigue and depression scales along with improved treatment quality assessment and adherence scores. This review will present a brief synopsis of the published literature and will provide indications for future directions with respect to PROs and DMF in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Ozel
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Caila B Vaughn
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Svetlana P Eckert
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dejan Jakimovski
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alexis A Lizarraga
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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13
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Chiauzzi E, Hekler EB, Lee J, Towner A, DasMahapatra P, Fitz-Randolph M. In search of a daily physical activity "sweet spot": Piloting a digital tracking intervention for people with multiple sclerosis. Digit Health 2019; 5:2055207619872077. [PMID: 31467683 PMCID: PMC6704414 DOI: 10.1177/2055207619872077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This pilot study tested a course-based intervention to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) match their daily activity to symptom severity (“sweet spot”) using wearable activity trackers. Methods This two-phase study recruited online research network members reporting MS and who were utilizing Fitbit One™ activity trackers. In the first phase, participant interviews assessed demand based on physical activity and the use of behavior-change techniques. The second phase assessed the demand, limited efficacy, acceptability, and practicality of a “Wearables 101” course that integrated behavior change and self-experimentation principles. Tracker data were used to determine the percent of matches between daily symptom-based step goals and step counts. Results Participants expressed demand in the form of interest in gaining insights about a possible “sweet spot” behavioral target, if a system could be produced to support that. Limited efficacy results were mixed, with approximately one-third of participants dropping out and only half matching their daily target goals for at least 50% of days. In terms of practicality, participants commented on the burden of daily measurement and the need for a longer baseline period. Participants noted that tracking helped support an understanding of the link between activities and symptom severity, suggesting acceptability. Conclusions Results suggested that the intervention demand and acceptability criteria were demonstrated more strongly than limited efficacy and practicality. The matching intervention tested in this study will require refinement in baseline measurement, goal definition, and reduced data-gathering burden. Such changes may improve efficacy and practicality requirements and, by extension, later impact of the intervention on MS outcomes. Overall, these results provide justification for additional work on refining the intervention to increase practicality and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric B Hekler
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jisoo Lee
- School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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14
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de David AC, Sasaki JE, Ramari C, Tauil CB, Moraes AG, Martins F, von Glehn F, Motl RW. Validation of the Brazilian version of the patient-determined disease steps scale in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 30:208-214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Dhand A, White CC, Johnson C, Xia Z, De Jager PL. A scalable online tool for quantitative social network assessment reveals potentially modifiable social environmental risks. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3930. [PMID: 30258103 PMCID: PMC6158181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Social networks are conduits of support, information, and health behavior flows. Existing measures of social networks used in clinical research are typically summative scales of social support or artificially truncated networks of ≤ 5 people. Here, we introduce a quantitative social network assessment tool on a secure open-source web platform, readily deployable in large-scale clinical studies. The tool maps an individual’s personal network, including specific persons, their relationships to each other, and their health habits. To demonstrate utility, we used the tool to measure the social networks of 1493 persons at risk of multiple sclerosis. We examined each person’s social network in relation to self-reported neurological disability. We found that the characteristics of persons surrounding the participant, such as negative health behaviors, were strongly associated with the individual’s functional disability. This quantitative assessment reveals the key elements of individuals’ social environments that could be targeted in clinical trials. An individual’s social network—their friends, family, and acquaintances—is important for their health, but existing tools for assessing social networks have limitations. Here, the authors introduce a quantitative social network assessment tool on a secure open-source web platform and show its utility in a nation-wide study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Dhand
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115, MA, USA. .,Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, 02115, MA, USA.
| | - Charles C White
- Broad Institute, Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Cambridge, 02142, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Johnson
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Zongqi Xia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 15260, PA, USA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Broad Institute, Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Cambridge, 02142, MA, USA.,Multiple Sclerosis Center and the Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, 10032, NY, USA
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Wicks P, Mack Thorley E, Simacek K, Curran C, Emmas C. Scaling PatientsLikeMe via a "Generalized Platform" for Members with Chronic Illness: Web-Based Survey Study of Benefits Arising. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e175. [PMID: 29735472 PMCID: PMC5962830 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Launched in 2006 for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, PatientsLikeMe is an online community offering patient-reported outcomes, symptom tracking, and social features. Every member of the site can see all the data reported by every other member, view aggregated reports, identify “patients like them,” and learn about treatment options in order to live better with their condition. In previous studies, members reported benefits such as improved condition knowledge, increased medication adherence, and better management of side effects. However, the site evolved in 2011 from condition-specific “vertical” communities consisting only of people with the same disease to a “generalized platform,” in which every patient could connect with every other patient regardless of condition and with generic, rather than condition-specific, data tools. Some, but not all, communities received further custom tracking tools. Objective We aimed to understand (1) whether members of PatientsLikeMe using the generalized platform still reported similar benefits and (2) assess factors associated with benefits, such as community customization, site use, and patient activation. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective custom survey was fielded to 377,625 members between 2016 and 2017 including the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). A benefit index was developed for comparability across conditions. Results The invitation was viewed by 26,048 members of whom 11,915 did not respond, 5091 opted out, 1591 provided partial data, and 17 were screened out. Complete responses were received from 7434 participants. Users perceived greatest benefit in understanding how their condition may affect them (4530/6770, 66.91% participants, excluding “does not apply” answers), understanding what might help them live better with their condition (4247/6750, 62.92%), which treatments were available (4143/6898, 60.06%), understanding treatment side effects (4182/6902, 60.59%), and important factors in making treatment decisions (3919/6813, 57.52%). The benefit index was 29% higher for the “most activated” patients (PAM level 4 vs PAM level 1; relative risk [RR]=1.29, P<.001), 21% higher for conditions with some community customization versus none (RR=1.21, P<.001), and 11% higher in those using the site most often versus least (RR=1.11, P<.001). Conclusions Members of the generalized platform reported a range of benefits related to improved knowledge and understanding of their condition and treatment management. Condition-specific customization may improve their experience still further. Future studies will explore longitudinal changes to patient activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Marziniak M, Brichetto G, Feys P, Meyding-Lamadé U, Vernon K, Meuth SG. The Use of Digital and Remote Communication Technologies as a Tool for Multiple Sclerosis Management: Narrative Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 5:e5. [PMID: 29691208 PMCID: PMC5941090 DOI: 10.2196/rehab.7805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in multiple sclerosis (MS) care, many patients only infrequently access health care services, or are unable to access them easily, for reasons such as mobility restrictions, travel costs, consultation and treatment time constraints, and a lack of locally available MS expert services. Advances in mobile communications have led to the introduction of electronic health (eHealth) technologies, which are helping to improve both access to and the quality of health care services. As the Internet is now readily accessible through smart mobile devices, most people can take advantage of eHealth apps. The development of digital applications and remote communication technologies for patients with MS has increased rapidly in recent years. These apps are intended to complement traditional in-clinic approaches and can bring significant benefits to both patients with MS and health care providers (HCPs). For patients, such eHealth apps have been shown to improve outcomes and increase access to care, disease information, and support. These apps also help patients to participate actively in self-management, for example, by tracking adherence to treatment, changes in bladder and bowel habits, and activity and mood. For HCPs, MS eHealth solutions can simplify the multidisciplinary approaches needed to tailor MS management strategies to individual patients; facilitate remote monitoring of patient symptoms, adverse events, and outcomes; enable the efficient use of limited resources and clinic time; and potentially allow more timely intervention than is possible with scheduled face-to-face visits. These benefits are important because MS is a long-term, multifaceted chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring, assessment, and management. We identified in the literature 28 eHealth solutions for patients with MS that fall within the four categories of screening and assessment, disease monitoring and self-management, treatment and rehabilitation, and advice and education. We review each solution, focusing on any clinical evidence supporting their use from prospective trials (including ASSESS MS, Deprexis, MSdialog, and the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test) and consider the opportunities, barriers to adoption, and potential pitfalls of eHealth technologies in routine health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Marziniak
- Department of Neurology, Isar-Amper-Klinikum Munich-East, Haar, Germany
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Genova, Italy
| | - Peter Feys
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Karen Vernon
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health Service Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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DasMahapatra P, Chiauzzi E, Bhalerao R, Rhodes J. Free-Living Physical Activity Monitoring in Adult US Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using a Consumer Wearable Device. Digit Biomark 2018; 2:47-63. [PMID: 32095756 DOI: 10.1159/000488040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wearable devices have been used to characterize physical activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives of this study were to advance the literature on the utility of free-living physical activity tracking from secondary analyses of a pilot study in MS patients. Method The original observational study was conducted in participants with MS at PatientsLikeMe (PatientsLikeMe (www.PatientsLikeMe.com), an online network of patients with chronic diseases. Participants completed a baseline self-assessment, and received a Fitbit One<sup>TM</sup> wearable device with instructions to upload data. Eligible participants (1) self-reported MS, (2) logged on to the PatientsLikeMe website 90 days prior to enrollment, and (3) consented to participate electronically. Participants (1) < 18 years, (2) living outside the United States, and (3) requiring wheelchair assistance for most daily activities were excluded. The secondary analyses were limited to participants with complete data on MS type, disease duration, and Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale (MSRS) and at least 7 days of wearable data. Step count was used as a measure of physical activity. Results The analysis cohort of 114 participants uploaded a mean of 20.1 days of wearable data over the 23-day study (87% adherence); participants averaged 4,393 steps per day. The mean age of participants was 52 years, predominantly female (75%), relapsing-remitting type (79%), with mean disease duration of 16 years. Mean MSRS score within 30-day of baseline was 32; 72% reported mild-moderate walking disability. The reliability of step count measured by intraclass correlation was 0.55 for a single day, ≥0.7 for 2-day average, and ≥0.9 for 7-day average. After controlling for covariates, self-reported disease severity (MSRS quartile) was an independent predictor of step count (p < 0.001). Least square means (LS means) for participants that were least disabled (lowest quartile) was 5,937 steps, which was significantly higher than participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (4,570, 3,490, and 3,272, respectively). Similarly, LS means of participants with no ambulatory disability (measured by MSRS walk component) was 6,931 steps, significantly higher than participants with greater disability (4,743, 4,394, 2,727 steps for symptomatic, mild, and moderate disability, respectively, p < 0.001). Discussion Using an interactive platform, this study captured free-living mobility data in MS patients. Important metrics such as the use of a minimum of 2-day estimates and self-reported disability were found to be robust indicators and correlates, respectively, of participant activity levels. Further triangulation of such metrics may reduce the burden on patients, clinicians, and researchers when monitoring clinical status.
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Boogar IR, Talepasand S, Jabari M. Psychosocial and Medical Determinants of Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2018; 55:29-35. [PMID: 30042638 PMCID: PMC6045807 DOI: 10.29399/npa.16983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological disease accompanied with adverse consequences for quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis on psychological, disease-related, socioeconomic, and demographic determinants of health-related quality of life of patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 193 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were selected by compliance sampling method among the patients who attended the Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Association in Tehran from March 2014 to July 2014; and they completed the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, and the Socio-demographical Questionnaire. Then, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis with the stepwise method is used for data analysis by the PASW-18. RESULTS According to the findings, in model 1, low socioeconomic status (SES) had a negative coefficient (beta=-0.30, p<0.01), and treatment history had a positive coefficient (beta=0.22, p<0.01). In model 2, while all variables of model 1 were controlled, depression had a negative coefficient (beta=-0.26, p<0.05), while disorder severity of multiple sclerosis had positive coefficients in lower level (beta=0.35, p<0.001), moderate level (beta=0.23, p<0.01), and severe level (beta=0.22, p<0.01). Other studied variables in model 1, and stress and anxiety in model 2 were not predicted in terms of the quality of life (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Unfavorable SES, lack of effective treatment history, higher depression, and signs and symptoms severity of multiple sclerosis significantly predict decreased health-related quality of life in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Thus, it is consequential to emphasize the value of tailored intervention for attending to these factors in the treatment and rehabilitation agendas for improvement of health-related quality of life in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
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Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Murphy G, Kneebone I, Craig A, Migliorini C. Online Resource to Promote Vocational Interests Among Job Seekers With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Australia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 99:272-280. [PMID: 28928026 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of an online resource for job seekers with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN Randomized controlled design. SETTING Community-dwelling cohort. PARTICIPANTS Adults (N = 95) with relapsing-remitting or progressive MS were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Forty-five accessed an email delivered, 7 module resource, Work and MS, over a 4 week period. Waitlist control participants (n=50) were offered the opportunity to access Work and MS 4 weeks postenrollment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes focused on vocational interests (My Vocational Situation Scale) and self-efficacy in job-seeking activities (Job-Procurement Self Efficacy Scale). Secondary outcomes focused on perceived workplace difficulties (Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire [MSWDQ]), optimism (Life Orientation Test - Revised), and mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). RESULTS Intention-to-treat analyses revealed pre-post gains: participants who accessed Work and MS reported improved confidence in their career goals (My Vocational Situation Scale g=.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], .14-.96; P=.008) and positively reappraised potential workplace difficulties (MSWDQ g range, .42-.47; P range, .023-.042). The effect on job self-efficacy was not significant, but changed in the expected direction (g=.17; 95% CI, -.23 to .57; P=.409). Completer data revealed larger, significant effect estimates (g range, .52-.64; P range, .009-.035). CONCLUSIONS Findings provide preliminary support for the utility of a job information resource, Work and MS, to augment existing employment services. The results also suggest the need to test employment-ready interventions in a larger study population. This might include the addition of online peer support to increase intervention compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Dorstyn
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Rachel Roberts
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gregory Murphy
- School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian Kneebone
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashley Craig
- John Walsh Center for Rehabilitation Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney Medical School-Northern, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Migliorini
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Eaneff S, Wang V, Hanger M, Levy M, Mealy MA, Brandt AU, Eek D, Ratchford JN, Nyberg F, Goodall J, Wicks P. Patient perspectives on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Data from the PatientsLikeMe online community. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 17:116-122. [PMID: 29055439 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated patient perspectives on neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD). OBJECTIVE Describe patient-reported clinical and treatment experience in NMOSD and compare disease characteristics of NMOSD with those of multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS This retrospective, observational study included 522 members with NMO or NMOSD (hereafter collectively referred to as NMOSD) from PatientsLikeMe (PLM), an online patient community. Data describing member demographics, symptoms, and treatments were collected, analysed descriptively, and compared with data from PLM members with MS. RESULTS Fatigue, pain, and stiffness/spasticity were each rated as moderate to severe by more than half of NMOSD members, and 59% reported that their health limited the type of work or other activities they could perform all or most of the time. Overall, symptom severity and disability levels were comparable between NMOSD and MS members; however, NMOSD members were more likely than MS members to attribute disability to vision-related symptoms and were less likely to report moderate to severe cognitive and emotional symptoms, including brain fog, depressed or anxious mood, and emotional lability. CONCLUSION This analysis underscores the challenges of living with fatigue, pain, stiffness/spasticity, and visual difficulties, prevalent NMOSD symptoms among members of the PLM community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Wang
- PatientsLikeMe Inc., 160 s Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Morgan Hanger
- PatientsLikeMe Inc., 160 s Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Michael Levy
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Maureen A Mealy
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | | | - Daniel Eek
- AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | - Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe Inc., 160 s Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Dorstyn D, Roberts R, Murphy G, Kneebone I, Migliorini C, Craig A, Hutchinson C, Field D. Piloting an email-based resource package for job seekers with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil 2017; 39:867-873. [PMID: 28293978 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1161847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Media-based rehabilitation provides a powerful opportunity to examine vocational behaviors in the disability sector. However, this research is preliminary at best. This paper reports pilot data. METHOD Eighteen adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) accessed an email-delivered, resource-based package, Work and MS. Pre- and post-access vocational self-efficacy and identity (Job-Procurement Self Efficacy Scale, My Vocational Situation Scale- primary outcomes), life orientation and depressed mood (Life Orientation Test - revised and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 - secondary outcomes) were assessed. Pre- and post-change scores were examined with Wilcoxon signed ranks tests and Hedges g effect sizes with associated 95% confidence intervals. Reliable change analyses were additionally calculated to determine the clinical significance of individual change scores. RESULTS Significant and positive effects were reported for vocational self-efficacy, identity, and optimism. Reliable change scores in one or more of these key outcomes were reported by 30% of the sample. Satisfaction with the content and delivery of the email-based intervention was also noted. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence suggests that Work and MS can help to promote vocational goals, interests and strengths among job seekers with a disability by providing a set of tools, information and linkages relating to vocational pursuits and career development. Replication with a randomized control design is indicated. Implications for Rehabilitation Research indicates a high unemployment rate among working-age adults with MS. A combination of disease-specific, psychological, programmatic and societal variables contribute to employment instability in this group. This pilot study demonstrates that an e-mail-based resource package, Work and MS, provides an innovative and feasible option for promoting consumer engagement with vocational services and, potentially, improving vocational outcomes. Work and MS has potential applicability to other disability groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Dorstyn
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia , Australia
| | - Rachel Roberts
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia , Australia
| | - Gregory Murphy
- b School of Public Health , LaTrobe University , Victoria , Australia
| | - Ian Kneebone
- c Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health , University of Technology Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Christine Migliorini
- d Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology , Monash University , Victoria , Australia
| | - Ashley Craig
- e Sydney Medical School-Northern, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Claire Hutchinson
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia , Australia
| | - Deborah Field
- f Lyell McEwin Hospital, SA Health , South Australia , Australia
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Wicks P, Rasouliyan L, Katic B, Nafees B, Flood E, Sasané R. The real-world patient experience of fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:434. [PMID: 27604188 PMCID: PMC5015319 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral disease-modifying therapies offer equivalent or superior efficacy and greater convenience versus injectable options. Objectives To compare patient-reported experiences of fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate. Methods Adult relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod or dimethyl fumarate were recruited from an online patient community and completed an online survey about treatment side effects, discontinuation, and satisfaction. Results 281 patients in four groups completed the survey: currently receiving fingolimod (CF, N = 61), currently receiving dimethyl fumarate (CDMF, N = 129), discontinued fingolimod (DF, N = 32) and discontinued dimethyl fumarate (DDMF, N = 59). Reasons for treatment switch were to take oral treatment (CF: 63.3 %, CDMF: 61.8 %), side effects of prior medication (CF: 67.3 %, CDMF: 44.1 %) and lack of effectiveness of prior medication (CF: 38.8 %, CDMF: 31.4 %). Main reasons for discontinuation were side effects (DF: 46.9 %, DDMF: 67.8 %) and lack of effectiveness (DF: 25.0 %, DDMF: 15.3 %). CDMF patients had an increased risk of abdominal pain, flushing, diarrhea, and nausea. Treatment satisfaction was highest among CF patients followed by CDMF, DF, and then DDMF patients. Conclusions Discontinuation was driven by experience of side effects. Patients currently taking dimethyl fumarate were more likely to experience a side effect versus patients currently taking fingolimod. Examination of the relationship between tolerability and adherence/persistence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, 160 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Lawrence Rasouliyan
- ICON Plc, Medical Affairs Statistical Analysis, Torre Diagonal Mar, Josep Pla, 2, Planta 11, Módulo A1, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bo Katic
- PatientsLikeMe, 160 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Beenish Nafees
- ICON Plc, Clinical Outcomes Assessments, 820 W Diamond Ave Ste 100, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Emuella Flood
- ICON Plc, Clinical Outcomes Assessments, 820 W Diamond Ave Ste 100, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Rahul Sasané
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 1 Health Plaza, East Hanover, NJ, 07936, USA
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Hall-McMaster SM, Treharne GJ, Smith CM. ‘The positive feel’: Unpacking the role of positive thinking in people with multiple sclerosis’s thinking aloud about staying physically active. J Health Psychol 2016; 21:3026-3036. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105315592047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
People with multiple sclerosis experience barriers to physical activity. Thought processes are interwoven with garnering motivation to overcome these barriers. This study investigated in-depth the role of positive thinking in physical activity motivation of two women and two men with multiple sclerosis. Participants thought aloud while completing standardised measures of physical activity, stages of change and self-efficacy, and in response to planned and spontaneous questions. Four themes were formulated using inductive thematic analysis: thoughts about purpose, self-efficacy, the past and reinforcement through positive thinking. These findings have implications for physical activity theories and delivering appropriate physical activity interventions to the multiple sclerosis community.
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Sola-Valls N, Blanco Y, Sepúlveda M, Martinez-Hernandez E, Saiz A. Telemedicine for Monitoring MS Activity and Progression. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2015; 17:47. [PMID: 26423914 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-015-0377-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Telemedicine (TM) is defined as the exchange of medical information between two different physical places. The aims of TM are to provide services that cannot easily be provided face-to-face and improve the efficiency of existing ones. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease characterized by a heterogeneous array of symptoms that can lead to severe impairment and may impact on accessibility to medical services, patient's ability to function, and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The use of TM to clinically monitor MS patients has demonstrated benefits by improving HRQoL and reducing associated medical costs. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures have been used in TM interventions, registries, and cost-efficiency studies because they offer valuable information about patient's perspective of MS disease burden. Moreover, TM has shown acceptable reliability in the assessment of the neurological impairment by Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and has the potential to develop more sensitive measures, such as average daily walking activity, to closely monitor MS disease progression in real environment. It is likely that the use of TM will continue to increase in the following years but larger and controlled studies are necessary to confirm the beneficial effects of TM to deliver an optimal care for patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Sola-Valls
- Center of Neuroimmunology and Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Blanco
- Center of Neuroimmunology and Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Center of Neuroimmunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Sepúlveda
- Center of Neuroimmunology and Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugenia Martinez-Hernandez
- Center of Neuroimmunology and Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Center of Neuroimmunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Saiz
- Center of Neuroimmunology and Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic and Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Center of Neuroimmunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
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Bove R, Healy BC, Secor E, Vaughan T, Katic B, Chitnis T, Wicks P, De Jager PL. Patients report worse MS symptoms after menopause: findings from an online cohort. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2014; 4:18-24. [PMID: 25787049 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are postmenopausal, yet the impact of menopause on MS symptoms is unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate patient-reported impact of menopause in a large online research platform, PatientsLikeMe (PLM). METHODS A detailed reproductive history survey was deployed to PLM members, and responses were linked to PLM׳s prospectively collected patient-reported severity score (MS Rating Scale, MSRS). The MSRS has previously shown good correlation with physician-derived EDSS scores. RESULTS Of the 513 respondents, 55% were postmenopausal; 54% of these reported induced menopause. Median age at natural menopause was 51. Surgical menopause occurred at an earlier age (p<0.001) and was associated with more hormone replacement therapy use (p=0.02) than natural menopause. Postmenopausal status, surgical menopause, and earlier age at menopause were all associated with worse MSRS scores (p≤0.01) in regressions adjusting for age, disease type and duration. CONCLUSION Postmenopausal patients in this study reported worse MS disease severity. Further, this study highlights a utility for online research platforms, which allow for rapid generation of hypotheses that then require validation in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bove
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women׳s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, NRB168, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - B C Healy
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women׳s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, NRB168, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - E Secor
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, NRB168, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - T Vaughan
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - B Katic
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - T Chitnis
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women׳s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, NRB168, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - P Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - P L De Jager
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women׳s Hospital, Brookline, MA 02445, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, NRB168, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Quality of life in organ transplant recipients participating in an online transplant community. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 7:73-84. [PMID: 24194474 PMCID: PMC3929770 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-013-0033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The PatientsLikeMe Organ Transplants online community allows patients to share detailed health information for research. Objectives The objectives of our study were to describe and contrast data collected through an online community with the broader organ transplant population. Methods Quantitative data were examined with respect to basic demographic characteristics and quantitative data including treatment, symptoms, side effects, and the PatientsLikeMe Quality of Life (PLMQOL) scale. Qualitative data including forum discussion posts and treatment evaluations were examined to support future development of standardized questions that could be added to the platform. Online data were compared with US national registry data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Results Within 30 days of account creation, 1,924 single-organ transplant patients provided spontaneous, patient-reported data in the form of 915 reported symptoms, 938 treatment episodes, and 1,215 PLMQOL assessments. Relative to patients in the UNOS registry, online participants were more likely to be female, younger, and white. Lung transplant patients had worse quality-of-life scores than other organs. Average organ transplant quality-of-life scores were most similar to those of HIV patients, faring better than patients with epilepsy, fibromyalgia, mood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS. Site users generated 2,169 posts to 346 unique topic threads in the transplants forum. Conclusions Organ transplant patients are willing to report detailed health data through online communities across key domains—symptoms, treatment effects, and generic quality of life—that constitute the essential core of patient-reported outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes captured online have the potential to accelerate learning about patient experiences but suffer methodological challenges that must be overcome to maximize their utility.
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Osborne LA, Gareth Noble J, Maramba IDC, Jones KH, Middleton RM, Lyons RA, Ford DV, Reed P. Outcome measures for multiple sclerosis. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2014. [DOI: 10.1179/1743288x13y.0000000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Revisiting respect for persons in genomic research. Genes (Basel) 2014; 5:1-12. [PMID: 24705284 PMCID: PMC3978508 DOI: 10.3390/genes5010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The risks and benefits of research using large databases of personal information are evolving in an era of ubiquitous, internet-based data exchange. In addition, information technology has facilitated a shift in the relationship between individuals and their personal data, enabling increased individual control over how (and how much) personal data are used in research, and by whom. This shift in control has created new opportunities to engage members of the public as partners in the research enterprise on more equal and transparent terms. Here, we consider how some of the technological advances driving and paralleling developments in genomics can also be used to supplement the practice of informed consent with other strategies to ensure that the research process as a whole honors the notion of respect for persons upon which human research subjects protections are premised. Further, we suggest that technological advances can help the research enterprise achieve a more thoroughgoing respect for persons than was possible when current policies governing human subject research were developed. Questions remain about the best way to revise policy to accommodate these changes.
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Keller B, Labrique A, Jain KM, Pekosz A, Levine O. Mind the gap: social media engagement by public health researchers. J Med Internet Res 2014; 16:e8. [PMID: 24425670 PMCID: PMC3906700 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional vertical system of sharing information from sources of scientific authority passed down to the public through local health authorities and clinicians risks being made obsolete by emerging technologies that facilitate rapid horizontal information sharing. The rise of Public Health 2.0 requires professional acknowledgment that a new and substantive forum of public discourse about public health exists on social media, such as forums, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Objective Some public health professionals have used social media in innovative ways: to surveil populations, gauge public opinion, disseminate health information, and promote mutually beneficial interactions between public health professionals and the lay public. Although innovation is on the rise, most in the public health establishment remain skeptical of this rapidly evolving landscape or are unclear about how it could be used. We sought to evaluate the extent to which public health professionals are engaged in these spaces. Methods We conducted a survey of professorial- and scientist-track faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. We asked all available faculty via email to complete a 30-question survey about respondent characteristics, beliefs about social media, and usage of specific technologies, including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Results A total of 181 (19.8%) of 912 professor- and scientist-track faculty provided usable responses. The majority of respondents rarely used major social media platforms. Of these 181 respondents, 97 (53.6%) had used YouTube, 84 (46.4%) had used Facebook, 55 (30.4%) had read blogs, and 12 (6.6%) had used Twitter in the prior month. More recent degree completion was the best predictor of higher usage of social media. In all, 122 (67.4%) agreed that social media is important for disseminating information, whereas only 55 (30.4%) agreed that social media is useful for their research. In all, 43 (23.8%) said social media was helpful for professional career advancement, whereas 72 (39.8%) said it was not. Only 43 (23.8%) faculty said they would employ a full- or part-time social media consultant, and 30 (16.6%) currently employed one. Conclusions Despite near-universal appreciation of the potential for social media to serve as a component of public health strategy, a small minority are actually engaged in this space professionally, whereas most are either disinterested or actively opposed to professional engagement. Social media is seen by most as more useful for spreading information than obtaining it. As public discourse on a number of critical health topics continues to be influenced and sometimes shaped by discussions online from Twitter to Facebook, it would seem that greater discourse is needed about when and how public health professionals should engage in these media, and also how personal, institutional, and professional barriers to greater use of social media may be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Keller
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wicks P, Stamford J, Grootenhuis MA, Haverman L, Ahmed S. Innovations in e-health. Qual Life Res 2013; 23:195-203. [PMID: 23852096 PMCID: PMC3929022 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The theme of ISOQOL’s 19th Annual Conference in Budapest, Hungary, was The Journey of Quality of Life Research: A Path Towards Personalized Medicine. Innovations in e-health was one of four plenary panels. E-health is changing the landscape of clinical practice and health care, but the best way to leverage the many promised benefits of emerging e-health technologies is still not clear. The Innovations in e-health panel presented emerging changes in technologies and applications that will facilitate clinical decision making, improve quality and efficiency of care, engage individuals in clinical decision making, and empower them to adopt healthy behaviors. The purpose of this paper was to present emerging trends in e-health and considerations for successful adoption of new technologies, and an overview of each of the presentations in the e-health plenary. The presentations included a personal perspective on the use of technology for self-monitoring in Parkinson’s disease, an overview of online social networks and emerging technologies, and the collection of patient-reported outcomes through web-based systems in clinical practice. The common thread across all the talks was the application of e-health tools to empower individuals with chronic disease to be actively engaged in the management of their health. Considerations regarding data ownership and privacy, universal access to e-health, interactivity between different types of e-health technologies, and tailoring applications to individual needs were explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Research and Development, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Bove R, Secor E, Healy BC, Musallam A, Vaughan T, Glanz BI, Greeke E, Weiner HL, Chitnis T, Wicks P, De Jager PL. Evaluation of an online platform for multiple sclerosis research: patient description, validation of severity scale, and exploration of BMI effects on disease course. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59707. [PMID: 23527256 PMCID: PMC3603866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the potential of an online platform, PatientsLikeMe.com (PLM), for research in multiple sclerosis (MS). An investigation of the role of body mass index (BMI) on MS disease course was conducted to illustrate the utility of the platform. Methods First, we compared the demographic characteristics of subjects from PLM and from a regional MS center. Second, we validated PLM’s patient-reported outcome measure (MS Rating Scale, MSRS) against standard physician-rated tools. Finally, we analyzed the relation of BMI to the MSRS measure. Results Compared with 4,039 MS Center patients, the 10,255 PLM members were younger, more educated, and less often male and white. Disease course was more often relapsing remitting, with younger symptom onset and shorter disease duration. Differences were significant because of large sample sizes but small in absolute terms. MSRS scores for 121 MS Center patients revealed acceptable agreement between patient-derived and physician-derived composite scores (weighted kappa = 0.46). The Walking domain showed the highest weighted kappa (0.73) and correlation (rs = 0.86) between patient and physician scores. Additionally, there were good correlations between the patient-reported MSRS composite and walking scores and physician-derived measures: Expanded Disability Status Scale (composite rs = 0.61, walking rs = 0.74), Timed 25 Foot Walk (composite rs = 0.70, walking rs = 0.69), and Ambulation Index (composite rs = 0.81, walking rs = 0.84). Finally, using PLM data, we found a modest correlation between BMI and cross-sectional MSRS (rho = 0.17) and no association between BMI and disease course. Conclusions The PLM population is comparable to a clinic population, and its patient-reported MSRS is correlated with existing clinical instruments. Thus, this online platform may provide a venue for MS investigations with unique strengths (frequent data collection, large sample sizes). To illustrate its applicability, we assessed the role of BMI in MS disease course but did not find a clinically meaningful role for BMI in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Bove
- Program in Translational NeuroPsychiatric Genomics, Department of Neurology, Institute for the Neurosciences, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Secor
- Program in Translational NeuroPsychiatric Genomics, Department of Neurology, Institute for the Neurosciences, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Healy
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexander Musallam
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Timothy Vaughan
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bonnie I. Glanz
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily Greeke
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Howard L. Weiner
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Philip L. De Jager
- Program in Translational NeuroPsychiatric Genomics, Department of Neurology, Institute for the Neurosciences, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wicks P, Vaughan TE, Massagli MP. The multiple sclerosis rating scale, revised (MSRS-R): development, refinement, and psychometric validation using an online community. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2012; 10:70. [PMID: 22709981 PMCID: PMC3502161 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-10-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In developing the PatientsLikeMe online platform for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), we required a patient-reported assessment of functional status that was easy to complete and identified disability in domains other than walking. Existing measures of functional status were inadequate, clinician-reported, focused on walking, and burdensome to complete. In response, we developed the Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale (MSRS). METHODS We adapted a clinician-rated measure, the Guy's Neurological Disability Scale, to a self-report scale and deployed it to an online community. As part of our validation process we reviewed discussions between patients, conducted patient cognitive debriefing, and made minor improvements to form a revised scale (MSRS-R) before deploying a cross-sectional survey to patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) on the PatientsLikeMe platform. The survey included MSRS-R and comparator measures: MSIS-29, PDDS, NARCOMS Performance Scales, PRIMUS, and MSWS-12. RESULTS In total, 816 RRMS patients responded (19% response rate). The MSRS-R exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .86). The MSRS-R walking item was highly correlated with alternative walking measures (PDDS, ρ = .84; MSWS-12, ρ = .83; NARCOMS mobility question, ρ = .86). MSRS-R correlated well with comparison instruments and differentiated between known groups by PDDS disease stage and relapse burden in the past two years. Factor analysis suggested a single factor accounting for 51.5% of variance. CONCLUSIONS The MSRS-R is a concise measure of MS-related functional disability, and may have advantages for disease measurement over longer and more burdensome instruments that are restricted to a smaller number of domains or measure quality of life. Studies are underway describing the use of the instrument in contexts outside our online platform such as clinical practice or trials. The MSRS-R is released for use under creative commons license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe Inc, 155 Second Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA
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