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Balcom EF, Smyth P, Kate M, Vu K, Martins KJB, Aponte-Hao S, Luu H, Richer L, Williamson T, Klarenbach SW, McCombe JA. Disease-modifying therapy use and health resource utilisation associated with multiple sclerosis over time: A retrospective cohort study from Alberta, Canada. J Neurol Sci 2024; 458:122913. [PMID: 38335712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.122913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimating multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and incidence, and assessing the utilisation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and healthcare resources over time is critical to understanding the evolution of disease burden and impacts of therapies upon the healthcare system. METHODS A retrospective population-based study was used to determine MS prevalence and incidence (2003-2019), and describe utilisation of DMTs (2009-2019) and healthcare resources (1998-2019) among people living with MS (pwMS) using administrative data in Alberta. RESULTS Prevalence increased from 259 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 253-265) to 310 (95% CI: 304, 315) cases per 100,000 population, and incidence decreased from 21.2 (95% CI: 19.6-22.8) to 12.7 (95% CI: 11.7-13.8) cases per 100,000 population. The proportion of pwMS who received ≥1 DMT dispensation increased (24% to 31% annually); use of older platform injection therapies decreased, and newer oral-based, induction, and highly-effective therapies increased. The proportion of pwMS who had at least one MS-related physician, ambulatory, or tertiary clinic visits increased, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations decreased. CONCLUSIONS Alberta has one of the highest rates of MS globally. The proportion of pwMS who received DMTs and had outpatient visits increased, while acute care visits decreased over time. The landscape of MS care appears to be rapidly evolving in response to changes in disease burden and new highly-effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin F Balcom
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Penelope Smyth
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mahesh Kate
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Khanh Vu
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Real World Evidence Unit, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Karen J B Martins
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Real World Evidence Unit, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sylvia Aponte-Hao
- University of Calgary, Department of Community Health Sciences and the Centre for Health Informatics, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Huong Luu
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Real World Evidence Unit, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lawrence Richer
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Real World Evidence Unit, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada; University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Tyler Williamson
- University of Calgary, Department of Community Health Sciences and the Centre for Health Informatics, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Scott W Klarenbach
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada; University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Real World Evidence Unit, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Jennifer A McCombe
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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Moslemi Z, Toledo-Aldana EA, Baldwin B, Donkers SJ, Eng JJ, Mondal P, de Zepetnek JOT, Buttigieg J, Levin MC, Mang CS. Task-oriented exercise effects on walking and corticospinal excitability in multiple sclerosis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:175. [PMID: 38129896 PMCID: PMC10734154 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that disrupts walking function and results in other debilitating symptoms. This study compares the effects of 'task-oriented exercise' against 'generalized resistance and aerobic exercise' and a 'stretching control' on walking and CNS function in people with MS (PwMS). We hypothesize that task-oriented exercise will enhance walking speed and related neural changes to a greater extent than other exercise approaches. METHODS This study is a single-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada. Eligible participants are those older than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of MS and an expanded Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score between 3 ('gait disability') and 6 ('bilateral support'). Exercise interventions are delivered for 12 weeks (3 × 60-min per week) in-person under the supervision of a qualified exercise professional. Interventions differ in exercise approach, such that task-oriented exercise involves weight-bearing, walking-specific activities, while generalized resistance and aerobic exercise uses seated machine-based resistance training of major upper and lower body muscle groups and recumbent cycling, and the stretching control exercise involves seated flexibility and relaxation activities. Participants are allocated to interventions using blocked randomization that stratifies by PDDS (mild: 3-4; moderate: 5-6). Assessments are conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at a six-week retention time point. The primary and secondary outcome measures are the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test and corticospinal excitability for the tibialis anterior muscles determined using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), respectively. Tertiary outcomes include assessments of balance, additional TMS measures, blood biomarkers of neural health and inflammation, and measures of cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness. DISCUSSION A paradigm shift in MS healthcare towards the use of "exercise as medicine" was recently proposed to improve outcomes and alleviate the economic burden of MS. Findings will support this shift by informing the development of specialized exercise programming that targets walking and changes in corticospinal excitability in PwMS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05496881, Registered August 11, 2022. https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT05496881 . Protocol amendment number: 01; Issue date: August 1, 2023; Primary reason for amendment: Expand eligibility to include people with all forms of MS rather than progressive forms of MS only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Moslemi
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada
| | - Eduardo A Toledo-Aldana
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada
| | - Bruce Baldwin
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada
| | - Sarah J Donkers
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2Z4, Canada
| | - Janice J Eng
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Prosanta Mondal
- Clinical Research Support Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 3200 Health Science E-wing, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B5, Canada
| | - Julia O Totosy de Zepetnek
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada
| | - Josef Buttigieg
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada
| | - Michael C Levin
- Department of Neurology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Cameron S Mang
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A1, Canada.
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Marrie RA. The Barancik lecture: Comorbidity in multiple sclerosis-Looking backward, looking forward. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1049-1056. [PMID: 37125430 PMCID: PMC10413784 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231167740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Comorbidity is highly prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout their disease course. In the last 15 years, our understanding of the association between comorbidity and outcomes such as relapses, disability progressive, health-related quality of life, health care use, and mortality has grown substantially. The broad adverse impacts of comorbidity on these outcomes point to the need to prevent and treat comorbidity effectively in people with MS. This requires having the necessary tools to evaluate comorbidity, an understanding of how MS affects management of comorbidity now, testing of interventions tailored to people with MS, and determining the best models of care to optimize comorbidity management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada/Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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4
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Macaron G, Larochelle C, Arbour N, Galmard M, Girard JM, Prat A, Duquette P. Impact of aging on treatment considerations for multiple sclerosis patients. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1197212. [PMID: 37483447 PMCID: PMC10361071 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1197212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With a rapidly aging global population and improvement of outcomes with newer multiple sclerosis (MS)-specific disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), the epidemiology of MS has shifted to an older than previously described population, with a peak prevalence of the disease seen in the 55-65 years age group. Changes in the pathophysiology of MS appear to be age-dependent. Several studies have identified a consistent phase of disability worsening around the fifth decade of life. The latter appears to be independent of prior disease duration and inflammatory activity and concomitant to pathological changes from acute focal active demyelination to chronic smoldering plaques, slow-expanding lesions, and compartmentalized inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). On the other hand, decreased CNS tissue reserve and poorer remyelinating capacity with aging lead to loss of relapse recovery potential. Aging with MS may imply longer exposure to DMTs, although treatment efficacy in patients >55 years has not been evaluated in pivotal randomized controlled trials and appears to decrease with age. Older individuals are more prone to adverse effects of DMTs, an important aspect of treatment individualization. Aging with MS also implies a higher global burden of comorbid illnesses that contribute to overall impairments and represent a crucial confounder in interpreting clinical worsening. Discontinuation of DMTs after age 55, when no evidence of clinical or radiological activity is detected, is currently under the spotlight. In this review, we will discuss the impact of aging on MS pathobiology, the effect of comorbidities and other confounders on clinical worsening, and focus on current therapeutic considerations in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Macaron
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Catherine Larochelle
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Manon Galmard
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Marc Girard
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Duquette
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Titcomb TJ, Bostick M, Obeidat AZ. Opinion: The role of the registered dietitian nutritionist in multiple sclerosis care in the United States. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1068358. [PMID: 36846127 PMCID: PMC9947712 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1068358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Titcomb
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Tyler J. Titcomb ✉
| | - Mona Bostick
- Independent Researcher, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Ahmed Z. Obeidat
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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6
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Petrin J, Marrie RA, Devonshire V, Jichici D, Hrebicek O, Metz LM, Morrow SA, Oh J, Smyth P, Donkers SJ. Good multiple sclerosis (MS) care and how to get there in Canada: Perspectives of Canadian healthcare providers working with persons with MS. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1101521. [PMID: 36937527 PMCID: PMC10018146 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The literature that has examined healthcare access and needs of the multiple sclerosis (MS) population is limited. Currently, no research has engaged healthcare providers delivering services to this population to examine their perspectives on the provision of MS care in Canada. We aimed to summarize what good MS care should look like according to Canadian healthcare providers working with people with MS, and to identify the supports and resources required, within their care setting, to enable this standard of care. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was taken to analyze data from participants who responded to additional open-ended survey questions, within a larger "MS Models of Care Survey" targeting Canadian healthcare providers working with persons with MS. Results Currently, a gap exists between what healthcare providers working with persons with MS believe MS care should encompass and what they are able to offer. Participants emphasized that their MS clinics are currently understaffed and patient-to-provider ratios are high, leaving very little time to address the array of healthcare concerns their patients present with. The healthcare providers overwhelmingly described that moving toward multidisciplinary team-based MS care that includes appropriate numbers of MS-trained neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health providers working within one location would be their prioritized approach to comprehensively managing MS care. This model of care enables all professionals to effectively coordinate care and use their time efficiently by only focusing on their area of expertise, all while meeting the needs of their patient in one setting, reducing wait-times and improving overall care. Conclusion To meet the care needs of Canadians with MS, the healthcare system must consider standardizing and funding multidisciplinary team-based MS clinics, comparable to Stroke units, which continue to show favorable health outcomes after years of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Petrin
- 1School of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- 3Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Virginia Devonshire
- 4Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Draga Jichici
- 5Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Olinka Hrebicek
- 6Department of Neurology, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Luanne M. Metz
- 7Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah A. Morrow
- 8Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jiwon Oh
- 9Division of Neurology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Penelope Smyth
- 10Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah J. Donkers
- 1School of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sarah J. Donkers
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