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Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders May 2024To compare the efficacy of treatment of optic neuritis (ON) with corticosteroids (CTC) alone, CTC+plasmapheresis (PLP), and CTC+intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
Efficacy and comparison of corticosteroids only and corticosteroids with plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of optic neuritis in demyelinating disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
To compare the efficacy of treatment of optic neuritis (ON) with corticosteroids (CTC) alone, CTC+plasmapheresis (PLP), and CTC+intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
DESIGN
After an episode of ON, although visual recovery is usually good, some patients may have significant visual sequelae. While the efficacy of first-line CTC is now indisputable, there is no consensus on the nature of second-line treatment. To date, no systematic review has compared the efficacy of treatment of ON with CTC alone, CTC+plasmapheresis (PLP), and CTC+intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). A meta-analysis is needed to compare the efficacy of PLP and IVIG in steroid-resistant ON.
METHODS
This systematic review included all studies comparing at least two of the three treatments for steroid-resistant ON (CTC alone, CTC+PLP, and CTC+IVIG). From all articles published on PubMed between January 2000 and June 2022, two independent ophthalmologists selected studies of interest using the PRISMA method. Methodology, patient characteristics, and outcomes were identified. A network metaanalysis was then performed to compare the efficacy of the three treatments.
RESULTS
Six comparative studies were included, representing 209 patients. The percentage of significant visual recovery after CTC alone, CTC+PLP, and CTC+IVIG in the acute treatment of steroid-resistant ON was 30 %, 45 %, and 77 %, respectively. Comparison of CTC+IVIG vs CTC alone, CTC+PLP vs CTC only, and CTC+PLP vs CTC+IVIG yielded odds ratios of 12.81, 2.47, and 0.19 respectively.
CONCLUSION
Treatment of steroid-resistant ON with CTC+PLP or CTC+IVIG is more effective than treatment with CTC alone. Although no study has directly compared the two treatments, IVIG may be more effective than PLP.
Topics: Optic Neuritis; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Plasmapheresis; Network Meta-Analysis; Combined Modality Therapy; Immunologic Factors; Demyelinating Diseases
PubMed: 38457882
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105521 -
Drug Safety Apr 2024Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, people living with HIV have represented most cases for more than a decade. With the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy, this group progressively decreased in favor of patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy/immunomodulators. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess which drugs are most frequently related to PML development, and report the incidence of drug-induced PML through a meta-analytic approach.
METHODS
The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Database (CADTH) were searched up to May 10, 2022. Articles that reported the risk of PML development after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including patients of both sexes under the age of 80 years, affected by any pathology except HIV, primary immunodeficiencies or malignancies, were included in the review. The incidence of drug-induced PML was calculated based on PML cases and total number of patients observed per 100 persons and the observation time. Random-effect metanalyses were conducted for each drug reporting pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the observation time. Heterogeneity was measured by I statistics. Publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's test.
RESULTS
A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review. In our analysis, we found no includible study reporting cases of PML during the course of treatment with ocrelizumab, vedolizumab, abrilumab, ontamalimab, teriflunomide, daclizumab, inebilizumab, basiliximab, tacrolimus, belimumab, infliximab, firategrast, disulone, azathioprine or danazole. Dalfampridine, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod show a relatively safe profile, although some cases of PML have been reported. The meta-analysis showed an incidence of PML cases among patients undergoing rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) of 0.01 cases/100 persons (95% CI - 0.08 to 0.09; I = 20.4%; p = 0.25) for a median observation period of 23.5 months (IQR 22.1-42.1). Treatment of MS with natalizumab carried a PML risk of 0.33 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.29-0.37; I = 50%; p = 0.003) for a median observation period of 44.1 months (IQR 28.4-60) and a mean number of doses of 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 20.7). When comparing data about patients treated with standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID), the latter appears to carry a smaller risk of PML, that is, 0.08 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.0-0.15) for EID versus 0.3 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.25-0.34) for SID.
CONCLUSIONS
A higher risk of drug-related PML in patients whose immune system is not additionally depressed by means of neoplasms, HIV or concomitant medications is found in the neurological field. This risk is higher in MS treatment, and specifically during long-term natalizumab therapy. While this drug is still routinely prescribed in this field, considering the efficacy in reducing MS relapses, in other areas it could play a smaller role, and be gradually replaced by other safer and more recently approved agents.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Natalizumab; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal; Canada; Immunologic Factors; Multiple Sclerosis; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38321317
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01383-4 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jul 2023Wearable sensor technologies have the potential to improve monitoring in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and inform timely disease management decisions. Evidence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Wearable sensor technologies have the potential to improve monitoring in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and inform timely disease management decisions. Evidence of the utility of wearable sensor technologies in people with MS is accumulating but is generally limited to specific subgroups of patients, clinical or laboratory settings, and functional domains.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all studies that have used wearable sensors to assess, monitor, and quantify motor function in people with MS during daily activities or in a controlled laboratory setting and to shed light on the technological advances over the past decades.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed studies on wearable sensors to assess the motor performance of people with MS. We scanned PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases until December 31, 2022, considering search terms "multiple sclerosis" and those associated with wearable technologies and included all studies assessing motor functions. The types of results from relevant studies were systematically mapped into 9 predefined categories (association with clinical scores or other measures; test-retest reliability; group differences, 3 types; responsiveness to change or intervention; and acceptability to study participants), and the reporting quality was determined through 9 questions. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines.
RESULTS
Of the 1251 identified publications, 308 were included: 176 (57.1%) in a real-world context, 107 (34.7%) in a laboratory context, and 25 (8.1%) in a mixed context. Most publications studied physical activity (196/308, 63.6%), followed by gait (81/308, 26.3%), dexterity or tremor (38/308, 12.3%), and balance (34/308, 11%). In the laboratory setting, outcome measures included (in addition to clinical severity scores) 2- and 6-minute walking tests, timed 25-foot walking test, timed up and go, stair climbing, balance tests, and finger-to-nose test, among others. The most popular anatomical landmarks for wearable placement were the waist, wrist, and lower back. Triaxial accelerometers were most commonly used (229/308, 74.4%). A surge in the number of sensors embedded in smartphones and smartwatches has been observed. Overall, the reporting quality was good.
CONCLUSIONS
Continuous monitoring with wearable sensors could optimize the management of people with MS, but some hurdles still exist to full clinical adoption of digital monitoring. Despite a possible publication bias and vast heterogeneity in the outcomes reported, our review provides an overview of the current literature on wearable sensor technologies used for people with MS and highlights shortcomings, such as the lack of harmonization, transparency in reporting methods and results, and limited data availability for the research community. These limitations need to be addressed for the growing implementation of wearable sensor technologies in clinical routine and clinical trials, which is of utmost importance for further progress in clinical research and daily management of people with MS.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021243249; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=243249.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Sclerosis; Wearable Electronic Devices; Gait; Exercise; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 37498655
DOI: 10.2196/44428 -
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &... Jan 2024This systematic review evaluated the safety and efficacy of blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) on skeletal muscle size, strength, and functional performance in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review evaluated the safety and efficacy of blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) on skeletal muscle size, strength, and functional performance in individuals with neurological disorders (ND).
METHODS
A literature search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. Two researchers independently assessed eligibility and performed data extraction and quality assessments.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Study populations with ND, BFRE as intervention modality, outcome measures related to safety or efficacy.
RESULTS
Out of 443 studies identified, 16 were deemed eligible for review. Three studies examined the efficacy and safety of BFRE, one study focused on efficacy results, and 12 studies investigated safety. Disease populations included spinal cord injury (SCI), inclusion body myositis (sIBM), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke. A moderate-to-high risk of bias was presented in the quality assessment. Five studies reported safety concerns, including acutely elevated pain and rating of perceived exertion levels, severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and cases of autonomic dysreflexia. Two RCTs reported a significant between-group difference in physical function outcomes, and two RCTs reported neuromuscular adaptations.
CONCLUSION
BFRE seems to be a potentially safe and effective training modality in individuals with ND. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to limited quality and number of studies, small sample sizes, and a general lack of heterogeneity within and between the examined patient cohorts.
Topics: Humans; Blood Flow Restriction Therapy; Multiple Sclerosis; Myalgia; Nervous System Diseases; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 38268066
DOI: 10.1111/sms.14561 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023We decided to conduct the first systematic review with meta-analysis to provide the highest level of up-to-date evidence on the occupational risk factors for Multiple... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We decided to conduct the first systematic review with meta-analysis to provide the highest level of up-to-date evidence on the occupational risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis.
METHODS
A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed in four electronic academic databases. We included any case-control study that enrolled working-age subjects and compared the proportion of MS cases with controls who were not exposed to an occupational risk factor. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MS. The quality assessment was performed with the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Control Studies, developed, and validated by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All the selection process was also carried out by two independent and previously trained researchers.
RESULTS
Overall, the total sample included 19,004 people with MS and 4,164,162 controls. Agricultural workers (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.83), offshore workers (OR = 3.56, 95% CI 2.74-4.61), and hairdressers (OR = 8.25, 95% CI 1.02-66.52) were associated with a higher probability of being diagnosed with MS. In parallel, workers exposed to toxic fumes from oil wells (OR = 16.80, 95% CI 8.33-33.90), low-frequency magnetic fields (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.03-2.72), and pesticides (OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 2.53-3.99) also had an increased likelihood of having MS.
CONCLUSION
Our study has the potential to influence more assertive public policies. Nevertheless, future studies on how the occupational setting may contribute to the incidence of MS are highly recommended.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO- CRD42023443257).
Topics: Humans; Occupational Diseases; Multiple Sclerosis; Case-Control Studies; Occupational Exposure; World Health Organization; Cost of Illness; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38054069
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1285103 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Apr 2024Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fear of falling (FOF) is a common concern among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and affects the performance of their daily living activities. Falls may result in FOF, leading to worsening of symptoms of MS, physical deconditioning, and exposure to future falls. This may trigger a vicious cycle between FOF and falls. A better understanding of the relationship between FOF and symptoms of MS may be helpful to develop a conceptual model to guide fall prevention interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the correlational and predictive relationships between FOF and common symptoms of MS.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscuss were searched from inception to October 2023. Studies examining correlations and/or predictions between FOF and common MS symptoms that include measures of gait, postural control, fatigue, cognition, pain, sleep, depression, and anxiety were identified by two independent reviewers. Both reviewers also conducted the methodological quality assessment of the included studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies with a total of 2819 participants were included in the review. Correlational findings indicated that increased FOF was significantly associated with greater walking deficits (lower gait speed, smaller steps), reduced mobility, and poorer balance. Increased FOF was also significantly correlated with higher cognitive impairments, more fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. Decreased gait parameters, reduced balance, lower physical functions, cognitive impairments, and sleep deficits were found as significant predictors of increased FOF.
CONCLUSION
Evidence indicates significant correlational and bidirectional predictive relationships exist between FOF and common MS symptoms. A comprehensive conceptual framework accounting for the interaction between FOF and MS symptoms is needed to develop effective falls prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Depression; Fear; Cognition; Fatigue; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38422635
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105506 -
Expert Review of Medical Devices 2024Wearable devices and telemedicine are increasingly used to track health-related parameters across patient populations. Since gait and postural control deficits... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Wearable devices and telemedicine are increasingly used to track health-related parameters across patient populations. Since gait and postural control deficits contribute to mobility deficits in persons with movement disorders and multiple sclerosis, we thought it interesting to evaluate devices in telemedicine for gait and posture monitoring in such patients.
METHODS
For this systematic review, we searched the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Of the 452 records retrieved, 12 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data about (1) study characteristics and clinical aspects, (2) technical, and (3) telemonitoring and teleconsulting were retrieved, The studies were quality assessed.
RESULTS
All studies involved patients with Parkinson's disease; most used triaxial accelerometers for general assessment ( = 4), assessment of motor fluctuation ( = 3), falls ( = 2), and turning ( = 3). Sensor placement and count varied widely across studies. Nine used lab-validated algorithms for data analysis. Only one discussed synchronous patient feedback and asynchronous teleconsultation.
CONCLUSIONS
Wearable devices enable real-world patient monitoring and suggest biomarkers for symptoms and behaviors related to underlying gait disorders. thus enriching clinical assessment and personalized treatment plans. As digital healthcare evolves, further research is needed to enhance device accuracy, assess user acceptability, and integrate these tools into telemedicine infrastructure.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42022355460.
Topics: Humans; Gait; Posture; Wearable Electronic Devices; Parkinson Disease; Telemedicine; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 38124300
DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2023.2298342 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders May 2024Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by relapses of inflammation and demyelination primarily affecting the optic nerve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by relapses of inflammation and demyelination primarily affecting the optic nerve and the spinal cord. C5 complement inhibition is an effective therapeutic approach in the treatment of NMOSD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the role of C5 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with seropositive anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4+IgG) NMOSD.
METHODS
This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Relevant articles were systematically searched through Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases until October 6th, 2023. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the treatment with C5 inhibitors compared to placebo in patients with seropositive NMOSD. The primary endpoint was the rates of first adjudicated relapse. Secondary endpoints included different disability and quality of life measures. The random-effects model was used for all statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Two RCTs with a total of 201 patients were included. C5 inhibitors demonstrated significant reduction of first adjudicated relapse (risk ratio (RR) = 0.05, 95 % CI 0.01-0.15) and Hauser Ambulation Index (HAI) (mean difference (MD): -0.79, 95 % CI -1.27 to -0.31). There was no significant difference between the two groups in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (MD -0.23, 95 % CI -0.54-0.08). C5 inhibitors significantly improved the mean change in EQ-5D index (MD 0.08, 95 % CI 0.01-0.14; P = 0.02); however, no significant difference was shown in the mean change in EQ-5D VAS (MD 3.79, 95 % CI -1.61 to 9.19; P = 0.17). Safety measures were comparable between C5 inhibitors and placebo.
CONCLUSION
NMOSD Patients with AQP4+IgG receiving C5 inhibitors have lower rate of relapses and improved levels of disability and quality of life. Real-world studies are warranted to establish the long-term safety of C5 inhibitors.
Topics: Neuromyelitis Optica; Humans; Aquaporin 4; Autoantibodies; Complement C5; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38479045
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105524 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Mar 2024Upper respiratory viral infections have long been considered triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and exacerbation. The possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Upper respiratory viral infections have long been considered triggers for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and exacerbation. The possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on MS relapse and deterioration remain controversial.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to find relevant studies assessing changes in relapse rates or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) following COVID-19 in people with MS. Meta-analyses were performed, and to investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that COVID-19 was not associated with a rise in relapse rate (risk ratio (RR): 0.97, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.67, 1.41, p-value: 0.87) or a rise in EDSS (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.09, 95 % CI: -0.22, 0.03, p-value: 0.13). The analysis of EDSS changes indicated a significant heterogeneity (I: 55 %, p-value: 0.01). Other analyses were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased risk of relapse and clinical deterioration in people with MS.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Multiple Sclerosis; Chronic Disease; Recurrence
PubMed: 38316078
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105472 -
Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Apr 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology and leading to a physical and cognitive disability. Different studies suggest that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology and leading to a physical and cognitive disability. Different studies suggest that nitrosative stress may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and disability in MS. Besides, reports evaluated NO and their metabolites, expressed by nitrite and nitrate (NOx) levels of MS patients compared with other pathologies, but did not evaluate disability and relapse/remission phases.
OBJECTIVE
Thus, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of NOx levels in MS patients in relapse/remission phases and its involvement in patient disability.
METHODS
The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022327161). We used GRADE to estimate the articles' quality and evaluated the publication bias using Egger's and Begg's tests.
RESULTS
Here, through a search in the Pubmed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, 5.276 studies were found, and after the selection process, 20 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies included data from 1.474 MS patients and 1.717 healthy controls, 1.010 RRMS and 221 primary progressive MS (PPMS).
CONCLUSION
NOx levels are increased in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in the relapse phase. Also, NOx levels were increased in MS patients with higher disability. However, further studies are still needed to control lifestyle habits, pain, and MS treatment effects in biased NOx levels.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Nitric Oxide; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Nitrates; Recurrence
PubMed: 38331311
DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2024.01.006