-
BMJ Open Nov 2020In recent years, quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been gaining considerable importance in clinical research and practice. Against this backdrop, this...
OBJECTIVE
In recent years, quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been gaining considerable importance in clinical research and practice. Against this backdrop, this systematic review aimed to provide a broad overview of clinical, sociodemographic and psychosocial risk and protective factors for QoL in adults with MS and analyse psychological interventions for improving QoL.
METHOD
The literature search was conducted in the Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest electronic databases. Document type was limited to articles written in English, published from January 1, 2014, to January 31, 2019. Information from the selected articles was extracted using a coding sheet and then qualitatively synthesised.
RESULTS
The search identified 4886 records. After duplicate removal and screening, 106 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and were assessed for study quality. Disability, fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment and unemployment were consistently identified as QoL risk factors, whereas higher self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience and social support proved to be protective. The review analysed a wide spectrum of approaches for QoL psychological intervention, such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, self-help groups and self-management. The majority of interventions were successful in improving various aspects of QoL.
CONCLUSION
Adequate biopsychosocial assessment is of vital importance to treat risk and promote protective factors to improve QoL in patients with MS in general care practice.
Topics: Adult; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Fatigue; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Quality of Life; Social Support
PubMed: 33257490
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041249 -
European Journal of Physical and... Jun 2022The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for bladder disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to guide physicians in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for bladder disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to guide physicians in delineating therapeutic tools and programs for physiatrists, using the best current strategies.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they included adults with bladder disorders related to MS and described specific treatments of rehabilitation interest. The search identified 190,283 articles using the key words "multiple sclerosis" AND "rehabilitation" AND "urinary" OR "bladder," of which the reviewers analyzed 81 full-texts; 21 publications met the criteria and were included in the systematic review.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The systematic review identified the specific rehabilitation treatments reported in the current literature. The meta-analysis compared the scores and scales used to quantify bladder disorders due to MS, both before and after rehabilitation or in a comparison with a control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests the need of a specific therapeutic protocol, based on the degree of disability and symptom complexity in patients with MS-related neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Particularly, the meta-analysis shows the effectiveness of peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). However, the goal of physiotherapy is to treat incontinence without making urinary retention worse and vice-versa, reducing the loss of urine urgency, while ensuring the emptying of the bladder.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 35102733
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.22.07217-3 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2019People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility levels in this population have been linked to postural problems and muscular pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of investigations studying the effects of exercise interventions on the flexibility levels of people with MS. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) were systematically searched up to May 2019 for intervention studies focused on the effects of exercise on the flexibility levels of people with MS. A meta-analysis, including randomized controlled trials (RCT), which reported information regarding the effects of exercise on flexibility, was also conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After Studies, with no control group. The quality of the information reported, regarding the programs conducted, was assessed by means of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) scale. Seven studies, four RCTs and three uncontrolled investigations were finally selected. The methodological quality of the RCTs was considered "poor" in one study, and "good" and "excellent" in two studies and one investigation, respectively. The three uncontrolled studies showed a methodological quality between "fair" and "poor". Following the CERT scale, four studies were graded as "high" and three as "low". Findings from the meta-analysis indicated no significant effects on hamstring flexibility, or the range of motion in the hips, knees or ankles. There is preliminary evidence from individual studies which indicates that people with MS can improve their lower limb flexibility following participation in physical exercise programs, but the meta-analysis did not confirm these findings.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Pliability; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 31684026
DOI: 10.3390/medicina55110726 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2023Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, T-cell-dependent, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, with an unpredictable course. Current MS... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, T-cell-dependent, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, with an unpredictable course. Current MS therapies focus on treating and preventing exacerbations, and avoiding the progression of disability. At present, there is no treatment that is capable of safely and effectively reaching these objectives. Clinical trials suggest that alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, could be a promising option for MS.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of alemtuzumab alone or associated with other treatments in people with any form of MS.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 21 June 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with any subtype of MS comparing alemtuzumab alone or associated with other medications versus placebo; another active drug; or alemtuzumab in another dose, regimen, or duration.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our co-primary outcomes were 1. relapse-free survival, 2. sustained disease progression, and 3. number of participants experiencing at least one adverse event. Our secondary outcomes were 4. participants free of clinical disability, 5. quality of life, 6. change in disability, 7. fatigue, 8. new or enlarging lesions on resonance imaging, and 9. dropouts. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included three RCTs (1713 participants) comparing intravenous alemtuzumab versus subcutaneous interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting MS. Participants were treatment-naive (two studies) or had experienced at least one relapse after interferon or glatiramer (one study). Alemtuzumab was given at doses of 12 mg/day or 24 mg/day for five days at months 0 and 12, or 24 mg/day for three days at months 12 and 24. Participants in the interferon beta-1a group received 44 μg three times weekly. Alemtuzumab 12 mg: 1. may improve relapse-free survival at 36 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18 to 0.53; 1 study, 221 participants; low-certainty evidence); 2. may improve sustained disease progression-free survival at 36 months (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.56; 1 study, 223 participants; low-certainty evidence); 3. may make little to no difference on the proportion of participants with at least one adverse event at 36 months (risk ratio [RR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.02; 1 study, 224 participants; low-certainty evidence), although the proportion of participants with at least one adverse event was high with both drugs; 4. may slightly reduce disability at 36 months (mean difference [MD] -0.70, 95% CI -1.04 to -0.36; 1 study, 223 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain regarding the risk of dropouts at 36 months (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14; 1 study, 224 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Alemtuzumab 24 mg: 1. may improve relapse-free survival at 36 months (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.40; 1 study, 221 participants; low-certainty evidence); 2. may improve sustained disease progression-free survival at 36 months (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.69; 1 study, 221 participants; low-certainty evidence); 3. may make little to no difference on the proportion of participants with at least one adverse event at 36 months (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.02; 1 study, 215 participants; low-certainty evidence), although the proportion of participants with at least one adverse event was high with both drugs; 4. may slightly reduce disability at 36 months (MD -0.83, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.50; 1 study, 221 participants; low-certainty evidence); 5. may reduce the risk of dropouts at 36 months (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.57; 1 study, 215 participants; low-certainty evidence). For quality of life, fatigue, and participants free of clinical disease activity, the studies either did not consider these outcomes or they used different measuring tools to those planned in this review.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Compared with interferon beta-1a, alemtuzumab may improve relapse-free survival and sustained disease progression-free survival, and make little to no difference on the proportion of participants with at least one adverse event for people with relapsing-remitting MS at 36 months. The certainty of the evidence for these results was very low to low.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Alemtuzumab; Interferon beta-1a; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37272540
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011203.pub3 -
Neurology India 2021Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disorder with a myriad of imaging and clinical features that overlap with number of other neurological conditions.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disorder with a myriad of imaging and clinical features that overlap with number of other neurological conditions. Incorrect diagnosis poses a significant risk to patients, it may lead to delays in management, increased morbidity, and also adds to the financial cost.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to highlight strategies for the efficient differentiation of multiple sclerosis from other diseases which may masquerade as MS clinico-radiologically.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted through online databases including PubMed and Medline. Relevant publications on radiological aspects of multiple sclerosis, white matter diseases and mimickers of Multiple sclerosis were included in the analysis.
RESULTS
Common mimickers of MS include small vessel disease, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, neuromyelitis optica, anti-MOG encephalomyelitis, vasculitis, and CADASIL. Contrast-enhanced MRI study performed using MS protocol on high strength MRI system evaluated following a structured protocol along with clinical correlation is effective in differentiating MS from its mimickers.
CONCLUSIONS
Contrast-enhanced MRI performed on a high strength scanner using MS protocol with structured protocol for evaluation along, with a better collaboration between radiologists and clinicians may help in minimizing errors in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Topics: Encephalomyelitis; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple Sclerosis; Neuromyelitis Optica
PubMed: 34979638
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.333497 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Sep 2023Previously, several studies investigated the effect of cladribine among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a treatment option. Due to the contradictory results of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Previously, several studies investigated the effect of cladribine among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a treatment option. Due to the contradictory results of previous studies regarding the efficacy and safety of cladribine in the MS population, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis by including clinical trials and observational studies in terms of having more confirmative results to make a general decision.
METHODS
The three databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched in May 2022. We included the studies that investigated the efficacy and safety of cladribine in patients with MS. Eligible studies have to provide sufficient details on MS diagnosis and appropriate follow-up duration. We investigated the efficacy of cladribine with several outcomes including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change, progression-free survival (PFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and MRI-free activity survival (MFAS).
RESULTS
After two-step reviewing, 23 studies were included in our qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The pooled SMD for EDSS before and after treatment was - 0.54 (95%CI: - 1.46, 0.39). Our analysis showed that the PFS after cladribine use is 79% (95%CI 71%, 86%). Also, 58% of patients with MS who received cladribine remained relapse-free (95%CI 31%, 83%). Furthermore, the MFAS after treatment was 60% (95%CI 36%, 81%). Our analysis showed that infection is the most common adverse event after cladribine treatment with a pooled prevalence of 10% (95%CI 4%, 18%). Moreover, the pooled prevalence of infusion-related adverse events was 9% (95%CI 4%, 15%). Also, the malignancies after cladribine were present in 0.4% of patients (95%CI 0.25%, 0.75%).
CONCLUSION
Our results showed acceptable safety and efficacy for cladribine for the treatment of MS except in terms of reducing EDSS. Combination of our findings with the results of previous studies which compared cladribine to other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), cladribine seems to be a safe and effective drug in achieving better treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients.
Topics: Humans; Cladribine; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Clinical Trials as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37062787
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06794-w -
Annals of Clinical and Translational... Feb 2022Multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two autoimmune diseases that seriously affect patients' quality of life. Previous studies have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two autoimmune diseases that seriously affect patients' quality of life. Previous studies have established an association between MS and IBD, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), but the results were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalences of and the association between MS and IBD.
METHODS
The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched through November 2020 for studies reporting data on MS among patients with IBD and vice versa. The main outcomes were the proportion of MS in patients with IBD and vice versa, as well as the association (risk ratio [RR]) of IBD in MS and that of MS in IBD.
RESULTS
Based on the analysis of 17 studies, the prevalence of MS in patients with IBD was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.4%), while the prevalence of IBD in patients with MS was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4-0.9%). Patients with MS had a higher prevalence of IBD than controls (RR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.38-1.70, p < 0.00001). There was a similarly high risk of developing CD (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14-1.74, p = 0.001) or UC (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.17-1.71, p = 0.0003) in patients with MS (p for subgroup differences: 0.97). Patients with IBD had a higher prevalence of MS than controls (RR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.06-3.45, p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of IBD or MS comorbidity during the diagnostic process. Systematic diagnosis and management at an earlier stage are suggested.
Topics: Comorbidity; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 35092169
DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51495 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022Viral infections are a proposed possible cause of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis...
BACKGROUND
Viral infections are a proposed possible cause of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). During the past 2 years, CNS demyelinating events associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported, but causality is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between CNS demyelinating disease development and exacerbation with antecedent and/or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
METHODS
A systematic literature review of all publications describing either a new diagnosis or relapse of CNS demyelinating diseases (MS, NMOSD, MOGAD) in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed utilizing PRISMA guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, using a case analysis approach.
RESULTS
Sixty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the study. Most of the reported cases of NMOSD ( = 13, 72.2% of reported cases) and MOGAD ( = 27, 96.5% of reported cases) were of new disease onset, presenting with typical clinical and radiographic features of these conditions, respectively. In contrast, reported MS cases varied amongst newly diagnosed cases ( = 10, 10.5% of reported cases), relapses ( = 63, 66.4%) and pseudo-relapses ( = 22, 23.2%). The median duration between COVID-19 infection and demyelinating event onset was 11.5 days (range 0-90 days) in NMOSD, 6 days (range-7 to +45 days) in MOGAD, and 13.5 days (range-21 to +180 days) in MS. Most cases received high-dose corticosteroids with a good clinical outcome.
CONCLUSION
Based upon available literature, the rate of CNS demyelinating events occurring in the setting of preceding or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection is relatively low considering the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical outcomes of new onset or relapsing MS, NMOSD, or MOGAD associated with antecedent or concurrent infection were mostly favorable. Larger prospective epidemiological studies are needed to better delineate the impact of COVID-19 on CNS demyelinating diseases.
PubMed: 36203986
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.970383 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Aug 2023To understand the benefit-risk profile for historical and current treatments for MLD. (Review)
Review
A systematic review of clinical effectiveness and safety for historical and current treatment options for metachromatic leukodystrophy in children, including atidarsagene autotemcel.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the benefit-risk profile for historical and current treatments for MLD.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted on the effectiveness, safety, and costs of MLD treatments: allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and atidarsagene autotemcel (arsa-cel) according to best practice.
RESULTS
A total of 6940 titles and abstracts were retrieved from the literature searches and 26 from other sources. From these, 35 manuscripts reporting on a total of 12 studies were selected for inclusion in the review. There were no controlled multi-armed trials. However, we provide observations comparing two interventional therapies (alloHSCT and arsa-cel) and each of these to standard/supportive care (natural history). There were no benefits for survival, gross motor function and cognitive function for LI patients receiving alloHSCT, as patients experienced disease progression similar to LI natural history. For juvenile patients receiving alloHSCT, no differences in survival were observed versus natural history, however stabilisation of cognitive and motor function were reported for some patients (particularly for pre- or minimally-symptomatic LJ patients), while others experienced disease progression. Furthermore, alloHSCT was associated with severe complications such as treatment-related mortality, graft versus host disease, and re-transplantation in both LI and EJ treated patients. Most LI and EJ patients treated with arsa-cel appeared to have normal development, preservation, or slower progression of gross motor function and cognitive function, in contrast to the rapid decline observed in natural history patients. A survival benefit for arsa-cel versus natural history and versus alloHSCT was observed in LI patients.LI and EJ patients treated with arsa-cel had better gross motor function and cognitive function compared to alloHSCT, which had limited effect on motor and cognitive decline. No data has been reported for arsa-cel treatment of LJ patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this systematic review indicates that compared to NHx and HSCT, treatment with arsa-cel results in clinically relevant benefits in LI and EJ MLD patients by preserving cognitive function and motor development in most patients, and increased survival for LI patients. Nevertheless, further research is required to confirm these findings, given they are based on results from non-RCT studies.
Topics: Humans; Child; Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic; Treatment Outcome; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37644601
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02814-2 -
Journal of Neurology Mar 2024Case-reports/series and cohorts of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with COVID-19 vaccination have been reported. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Case-reports/series and cohorts of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with COVID-19 vaccination have been reported.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of GBS after COVID-19 vaccination was carried out. Incidence and incidence rate ratio for a number of vaccine doses and risk of GBS, also considering the specific vaccine technology, were calculated in a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of 554 citations retrieved, 518 were discarded as irrelevant. We finally included 15 studies. The random effect model yielded, regardless of the vaccine technology, 1.25 (95%CI 0.21; 2.83) GBS cases per million of COVID-19 vaccine doses, 3.93 (2.54; 5.54) cases per million doses for adenovirus-vectored vaccines and 0.69 (0.38; 1.06) cases per million doses for mRNA vaccines. The GBS risk was 2.6 times increased with the first dose. Regardless of the vaccine technology, the GBS risk was not increased but disaggregating the data it was 2.37 (1.67; 3.36) times increased for adenovirus-vectored vaccines and 0.32 (0.23; 0.47) for mRNA vaccines. Mortality for GBS after vaccination was 0.10 per million doses and 4.6 per GBS cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Adenovirus-vectored vaccines showed a 2.4 times increased risk of GBS that was about seven times higher compared with mRNA-based vaccines. The decreased GBS risk associated with mRNA vaccines was possibly due to an elicited reduction of infections, including SARS-CoV-2, associated with GBS during the vaccination period. How adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccines may trigger GBS is unclear and further studies should investigate the relationship between vaccine technologies and GBS risk.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; mRNA Vaccines; Vaccination
PubMed: 38233678
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12186-7