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Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Jul 2023With the new highly active drugs available for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), vaccination becomes an essential part of the risk management strategy. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the new highly active drugs available for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), vaccination becomes an essential part of the risk management strategy.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a European evidence-based consensus for the vaccination strategy of pwMS who are candidates for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
METHODS
This work was conducted by a multidisciplinary working group using formal consensus methodology. Clinical questions (defined as population, interventions, and outcomes) considered all authorized DMTs and vaccines. A systematic literature search was conducted and quality of evidence was defined according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The recommendations were formulated based on the quality of evidence and the risk-benefit balance.
RESULTS
Seven questions, encompassing vaccine safety, vaccine effectiveness, global vaccination strategy and vaccination in sub-populations (pediatric, pregnant women, elderly and international travelers) were considered. A narrative description of the evidence considering published studies, guidelines, and position statements is presented. A total of 53 recommendations were agreed by the working group after three rounds of consensus.
CONCLUSION
This first European consensus on vaccination in pwMS proposes the best vaccination strategy according to current evidence and expert knowledge, with the goal of homogenizing the immunization practices in pwMS.
Topics: Aged; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Consensus; Evidence-Based Medicine; Immunization; Multiple Sclerosis; Vaccination
PubMed: 37293841
DOI: 10.1177/13524585231168043 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Mar 2023Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The most common clinical manifestations of MS... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The most common clinical manifestations of MS are spasticity, pain, vesico-urethral disorders, cognitive impairments, chronic fatigue and sexual dysfunction. This review aims to explore the possible therapeutic options for managing sexual dysfunction in people with MS (PwMS).
METHOD
A thorough search of the PubMed Medline database was performed. Records were limited to clinical studies published between 01/01/2010 up to 01/01/2022. The results were screened by the authors in pairs.
RESULTS
The search identified 36 records. After screening, 9 records met the inclusion-exclusion criteria and were assessed. The pharmacological approaches investigated the effectiveness of sildenafil, tadalafil and onabotulinumtoxinA. Of the interventional studies the non-pharmacological investigated, the effectiveness of aquatic exercises, the application of pelvic floor exercises,the combination of pelvic floor exercises and mindfulness technique, the combination of pelvic floor exercises and electro muscular stimulation with electromyograph biofeedback, the application of yoga techniques and the efficacy of assistive devices like the clitoral vacuum suction device and the vibration device.
CONCLUSION
The management of sexual dysfunction in PwMS needs to be further investigated. A team of healthcare professionals should be involved in the management of SD in order to address not only the primary (MS-related) SD symptoms but the secondary and tertiary as well. The main limitations that were identified in the existing literature were related to MS disease features, sample characteristics and evaluation tools and batteries.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sildenafil Citrate; Pain; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 36585597
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06572-0 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Jun 2021To compare the efficacy and compliance of up-to-date disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with remitting-relapsing MS (RRMS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and compliance of up-to-date disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with remitting-relapsing MS (RRMS).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for eligible studies. Annualized relapse rate, discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) were assessed as primary outcomes. Sensitivity analysis and inconsistency detection were performed to evaluated whether exclusion of high-risk studies affected the validity. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk-of-Bias Tool 2. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to estimate the rankings among different DMTs.
RESULTS
21 studies were included for main report. Seven studies were evaluated as "high risk" and were therefore excluded. Exclusion of high-risk studies did not affect the validity of evidence. The risk of relapses for most DMTs except Betaseron 50 μg was significantly lower comparing to placebo. Incompliance in patients treated with DMTs was not significantly increased comparing to placebo. Dimethyl fumarate and ocrelizumab had superiority in improving MRI outcomes. Ocrelizumab and ofatumumab had the largest reduction of risk in disability progression at 3 months. Referring to SUCRA, ofatumumab, alemtuzumab and natalizumab showed the best efficacy and compliance.
CONCLUSION
The present study demonstrated the hierarchy of DMTs treating RRMS. Ofatumumab, alemtuzumab and natalizumab have superiority with respect to effectiveness and compliance. More studies are required to explore the long-term effect of DMTs. Our findings could provide helpful information and contribute to clinical treatment decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Natalizumab; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 33878488
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102826 -
JAMA Neurology Nov 2023Emerging evidence suggests that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a substantial contributor to long-term disability accumulation in...
IMPORTANCE
Emerging evidence suggests that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a substantial contributor to long-term disability accumulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). To date, there is no uniform agreed-upon definition of PIRA, limiting the comparability of published studies.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current evidence about PIRA based on a systematic review, to discuss the various terminologies used in the context of PIRA, and to propose a harmonized definition for PIRA for use in clinical practice and future trials.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A literature search was conducted using the search terms multiple sclerosis, PIRA, progression independent of relapse activity, silent progression, and progression unrelated to relapses in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, published between January 1990 and December 2022.
FINDINGS
Of 119 identified single records, 48 eligible studies were analyzed. PIRA was reported to occur in roughly 5% of all patients with RRMS per annum, causing at least 50% of all disability accrual events in typical RRMS. The proportion of PIRA vs relapse-associated worsening increased with age, longer disease duration, and, despite lower absolute event numbers, potent suppression of relapses by highly effective disease-modifying therapy. However, different studies used various definitions of PIRA, rendering the comparability of studies difficult.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
PIRA is the most frequent manifestation of disability accumulation across the full spectrum of traditional MS phenotypes, including clinically isolated syndrome and early RRMS. The harmonized definition suggested here may improve the comparability of results in current and future cohorts and data sets.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Chronic Disease; Recurrence; PubMed; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37782515
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3331 -
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Feb 2023Intrathecal immunoglobulin-G synthesis is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS), which can be detected by oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) or by κ-free light chains (κ-FLC)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Intrathecal immunoglobulin-G synthesis is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS), which can be detected by oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) or by κ-free light chains (κ-FLC) in cerebrospinal fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether κ-FLC index has similar diagnostic value to identify patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS compared to OCB, and to determine κ-FLC index cut-off.
METHODS
PubMed was searched for studies that assessed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of κ-FLC index and OCB to discriminate CIS/MS patients from control subjects. Two reviewers following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines performed study eligibility assessment and data extraction. Findings from studies were analyzed with bivariate mixed models.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate diagnostic value of κ-FLC index. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 52% to 100% (weighted average: 88%) and 69% to 100% (89%) for κ-FLC index and from 37% to 100% (85%) and 74% to 100% (92%) for OCB. Mean difference of sensitivity and specificity between κ-FLC index and OCB was 2 and -4 percentage points. Diagnostic accuracy determined by mixed models revealed no significant difference between κ-FLC index and OCB. A discriminatory cut-off for κ-FLC index was determined at 6.1.
CONCLUSION
The findings indicate that κ-FLC index has similar diagnostic accuracy in MS as OCB.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; Oligoclonal Bands; Immunoglobulin G; Demyelinating Diseases; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36453167
DOI: 10.1177/13524585221134213 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Jan 2022Stroke, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis are a range of diseases affecting the nervous system and show balance impairments due to damage of the balance control system.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Stroke, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis are a range of diseases affecting the nervous system and show balance impairments due to damage of the balance control system. Many early articles have been published on the effect of exercise on balance in patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases. However, a comprehensive study showing a clear result of these three diseases was not found. Hence, the purpose of the present meta-analysis and systematic review is to determine the effect of exercise on balance in people with stroke, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis.
METHODS
According to the PRISMA 2009 multi-step instructions, keywords related to the purpose of the research were browsed in the MeSH browser databases; IranDoc, MagIran, IranMedex, SID, ScienceDirect, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to extract articles published in Persian and English language. The search process for retrieving the articles in the sources mentioned from January 01, 2000, to December 30, 2020, was done. The heterogeneity index of the studies was determined using the I test. Given the heterogeneity, the random-effects model was used to combine the articles and the results.
RESULTS
Initially, 7067 articles were found, but after removing duplicate and irrelevant articles, 96 clinical trials with a sample size of the intervention group of 1760 people were included in the study. As a result of the articles' composition, the mean balance score index after exercise in the intervention group showed a significant increase of 0.67 ± 0.12 of the unit (P˂0.01). The highest rate of increase in the balance score after the intervention was reported in patients with myelomeningocele with 1.66 ± 0.3 unit (P˂0.01).
CONCLUSION
Considering the positive effect of using exercise on increasing the balance in patients with stroke, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis, it is recommended that health care providers implement a regular exercise program to improve the condition of these patients.
Topics: Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Parkinson Disease; Stroke
PubMed: 34709478
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05689-y -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021Patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have a high level of fatigue and a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Virtual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have a high level of fatigue and a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS). Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) is being used to reduce disability in PwMS. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of VRBT on fatigue, the impact of MS, and QoL in PwMS.
METHODS
A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted through a bibliographic search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro up to April 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with PwMS that received VRBT in comparison to conventional therapy (CT) including physiotherapy, balance and strength exercises, and stretching or physical activity, among others; or in comparison to simple observation; in order to assess fatigue, MS-impact, and QoL. The effect size was calculated using Cohen's standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
Twelve RCTs that provided data from 606 PwMS (42.83 ± 6.86 years old and 70% women) were included. The methodological quality mean, according to the PEDro Scale, was 5.83 ± 0.83 points. Our global findings showed that VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue (SMD -0.33; 95% CI -0.61, -0.06), lowering the impact of MS (SMD -0.3; 95% CI -0.55, -0.04), and increasing overall QoL (0.5; 95% CI 0.23, 0.76). Subgroup analysis showed the following: (1) VRBT is better than CT at reducing fatigue (SMD -0.4; 95% CI -0.7, -0.11), as well as in improving the mental dimension of QoL (SMD 0.51; 95% CI 0.02, 1); (2) VRBT is better than simple observation at reducing the impact of MS (SMD -0.61; 95% CI -0.97, -0.23) and increasing overall QoL (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.3, 1.28); and (3) when combined with CT, VRBT is more effective than CT in improving the global (SMD 0.6, 95% CI 0.13, 1.07), physical (SMD 0.87; 95% CI 0.3, 1.43), and mental dimensions (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.08, 1.11) of QoL.
CONCLUSION
VRBT is effective at reducing fatigue and MS impact and improving QoL in PwMS.
Topics: Adult; Exercise; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Quality of Life; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 34770694
DOI: 10.3390/s21217389 -
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 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Dec 2022In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the impact of long-term aquatic exercise training on balance, fatigue, and motor function. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the impact of long-term aquatic exercise training on balance, fatigue, and motor function.
METHODS
Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Medline, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing, and Allied Health Literature were searched on April 19, 2021. The search included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, case series, and case reports. Two independent reviewers reviewed titles and abstracts to determine which studies satisfied the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers independently surveyed the full texts and conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Data synthesis was applied to summarize information from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.
RESULTS
From 170 studies that were identified in the initial search, 16 trials (794 participants) satisfied the eligibility criteria. Aquatic therapy had a positive effect on fatigue compared to control group based on Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) in physical (SMD, -1.29; 95% CI, [(-1.65) - (-0.93)]; I=88%) cognitive (SMD, -0.75; 95% CI, [(-1.08)-(- 0.43)]; I=78%), and psychological (SMD, -1.25; 95% CI, [(-1.59) - (-0.90)]; I=79%) domains, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (SMD, -0.53; 95% CI, [(-0.86) - (-0.20)]; I=57%). In addition, aquatic therapy improved balance based on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) compared to the control group (SMD, 1.19; 95% CI, [(0.62)-(1.76)]; I=11%) CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic therapy has positive effects on fatigue and balance. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical utility of aquatic therapy for multiple sclerosis patients in the long term.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Aquatic Therapy; Fatigue; Exercise; Case-Control Studies; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35988329
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104107 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022There is a growing body of evidence highlighting there are significant changes in the gut microbiota composition and relative abundance in various neurological... (Review)
Review
There is a growing body of evidence highlighting there are significant changes in the gut microbiota composition and relative abundance in various neurological disorders. We performed a systematic review of the different microbiota altered in a wide range of neurological disorders (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke). Fifty-two studies were included representing 5496 patients. At the genus level, the most frequently involved microbiota are Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella. The overlap between the pathologies was strongest for MS and PD, sharing eight genera (Akkermansia, Butyricicoccus, Bifidobacterium, Coprococcus, Dorea, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, and Prevotella) and PD and stroke, sharing six genera (Enterococcus, Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, Prevotella, and Roseburia). The identification signatures overlapping for AD, PD, and MS raise the question of whether these reflect a common etiology or rather common consequence of these diseases. The interpretation is hampered by the low number and low power for AD, ALS, and stroke with ample opportunity for false positive and false negative findings.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Nervous System Diseases; Parkinson Disease; Microbiota; Akkermansia; Multiple Sclerosis; Prevotella; Clostridiaceae; Clostridiales; Stroke
PubMed: 36430144
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213665