Different Types Of Multiple Sclerosis Research Articles

Association between insulin resistance and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is increasing evidence of metabolic perturbations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and insulin is an important parameter that has controversial effects on neurological disease. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the association between insulin resistance (IR) and MS as well as insulin levels and MS.Three electronic databases, including Medline, Scopus, and the Web of Science, were examined up to 26 May 2023 for observational studies. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies according to a pre-specified protocol. Random-effects model using a Restricted-maximum Likelihood (REML) estimator was used to meta-analyze the association between IR [assessed by Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR)], insulin and MS.Eighteen datasets from 2012 to 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for comparison IR and insulin between MS and healthy control group as outcomes 1 and 2 were 0.78 and 0.72 respectively. Furthermore, for outcome 1, we observed a greater effect size in studies that recruited different types of MS (Mix) (SMD: 1.09) than in those that included only relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (SMD: 0.59).The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between IR, insulin and MS, with stronger associations in studies that recruited mixed patients. However, high heterogeneity has been observed in the present study. Therefore, more studies are needed to confirm the association between these parameters and MS.

Real-world effectiveness, safety and immunogenicity of ocrelizumab in turkish multiple sclerosis patients: a single-center experience for 4-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to evaluate postmarketing ocrelizumab safety and effectiveness in a real-world population with multiple sclerosis (MS) and matching these parameters among MS disease types. This was a retrospective, single-center study with MS patients treated with ocrelizumab. Demographic, clinical characteristics and immunological data were analyzed, including annualized relapse rate (ARR), relapse-free rate, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), complete blood count parameters, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, liver function tests (LFT), hepatitis markers and adverse events in the 4-year follow-up. A total of 96 patients, 22 with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 54 with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 20 with primary progressive MS (PPMS) who were treated with at least two doses of ocrelizumab between January 2018 and September 2023 were included in the study. Sixty-five (68%) were women and 31 (32%) were men. The mean age was 48.4 ± 11.1years (20-70years). Ninety-three patients were evaluated in the first year, 65 in the second year, 39 in the third year and 24 in the fourth year of treatment. 96% of patients were relapse-free rate in the first year, 91% in the second year, 85% in the third year and 75% in the fourth year. Eighty-six percent of patients were progression free in the 1st year of treatment, 71% in the 2nd year, in 64% in the 3rd year, and in 62% in the 4th year. During the follow-up of the cases, EDSS remained stable in 77% of RRMS patients, improved in 14%, and worsened in 9%; while EDSS remained stable in 65% of SPMS patients with attacks, it improved in 9% and worsened in 26%; while EDSS remained stable in 60% of PPMS patients, worsening was observed in 40%. There is a significant decrease in IgM and IgG values during the follow-up of ocrelizumab therapy (p < 0.001, p = 0.014). There is no significant difference in IgA, lymphocyte and neutrophil values (p = 0.713, p = 0.086, p = 0.999). No significant relationship was found between low serum IgM levels and the risk of developing infection (p > 0.05). Liver function tests was found to be within normal limits in 94% of the patients over a 4-year period. No hepatitis B, C or A infection, hepatitis B reactivation, tuberculosis, HIV infection, malignancy or drug related death occurred during 4-years follow-up. The most common side effect during ocrelizumab treatment is urinary tract infection (29%); others were upper respiratory tract infections (13%), numbness/tingling of the face, trunk, or extremities (8%), insomnia (6%), headache (5%), and soft tissue infections (cellulitis and dental abscess, 2%). Our results show that ocrelizumab reduces the frequency of attacks and prevent the disease progression in RRMS patients, and reducing the disease progression by primarily stabilizing EDSS scores in SPMS with attacks and PPMS. It is thought that the relatively high rates of urinary tract infection detected in this study may be related with advanced stage of the disease. The absence of hepatitis B reactivation, chronic infection or malignancy in the 4-year follow-up of our cases supports the long-term safety of ocrelizumab treatment. Ocrelizumab may be preferred as an effective and reliable treatment of different types of MS due to non-serious side effects.

Application of Glucocorticoids in Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system that causes significant disability and healthcare burden. Pulse-dosaged glucocorticoids therapy remains the mainstay of treatment of exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. A total of 98 patients were examined, including 28 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (24 women and 4 men) and 70 patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (57 women and 13 men). The number of glucocorticoids therapy courses in 98 patients at all disease stages totalled 536: 98 in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (9 at debuts and 89 at relapsing-remitting stage) and 438 in secondary progredient multiple sclerosis (11 at debuts, 178 at relapsing-remitting stage, and 249 at secondary progression stage). The efficacy of repeated courses of glucocorticoids therapy in patients with RR and secondary progredient multiple sclerosis was evaluated at different stages of the disease progression: debut in relapsing-remitting and secondary progredient multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting stage in relapsing-remitting and secondary progredient multiple sclerosis, and secondary progression stage in secondary progredient multiple sclerosis, including retrospective analysis. Important conclusions have been made about complex systemic reorganisation at different stages of relapsing-remitting and secondary-progredient types of multiple sclerosis, efficiency of glucocorticoids therapy in different types of multiple sclerosis and stages of pathological process and about influence of glucocorticoids therapy on the prognosis of the disease.

Influence of manipulative skills on quality of life and activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis.

More than 50% of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis report problems with manipulative function and impairments in their daily lives due to this disorder. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine how pinch strength, prey strength and manipulative dexterity affect the quality of life and personal autonomy of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and to study whether there is a difference in these aspects between different types of multiple sclerosis. There was a total sample of 126 participants, of which 57 were controls and 69 cases. All of them were assessed with a Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 test, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Barthel Index. People with multiple sclerosis have worse pinch strength, prey strenght, manipulative dexterity, performance in basic activities of daily living and quality of life (p < 0.001). Prey strength is a conditioning factor for performance and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. As for the type of multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis presented better values (p < 0.001). The findings of this study point to the fact that patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have a decrease in prey strength, pinch strength, manipulative dexterity, quality of life and autonomy in activities of daily living compared to the healthy population.

An Overview of Physical Exercise Program Protocols and Effects on the Physical Function in Multiple Sclerosis: An Umbrella Review.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that concerns a growing number of people, especially females. There are different interventions proposed for this population, and physical activity is one of them. A proper and well-structured physical activity program can be a cheap, feasible, and practical instrument to help this population improve their quality of life. Consequently, the present study aimed to analyze, through an umbrella review, published articles to evaluate the protocols and the effect of intervention on different types of multiple sclerosis and eventually to propose a standardized intervention for this population. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on multiple sclerosis and physical activity effects were searched for on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 22 December 2022. The quality of the studies included was determined and the results were narratively analyzed. The included studies present heterogeneity in the population, in the study design and protocols, and in the outcomes evaluated. Most of the studies detected positive outcomes on the physical function of people with multiple sclerosis. This study highlights the necessity of future studies on a population with similar characteristics, adopting similar protocols to evaluate their feasibility and validity to make physical intervention prescribed as a medicine.

On the effect of remyelination in a mathematical model of multiple sclerosis

In the present work, we consider a mathematical model of multiple sclerosis, extending a model, known in the literature, so that it can account for the process of remyelination. Our model comprises of a reaction-diffusion-chemotaxis system of partial differential equations with a time delay. As a first approximation, we consider the model under the assumption of radial symmetry, which is consistent, e.g., with Baló's concentric disease. We conduct numerical experiments in order to study the effect of the remyelination strength on the disease progression. Furthermore, we show that the modified model has greatly enriched dynamics, which is capable of describing qualitatively different types of multiple sclerosis (according to classical classifications of the disease progression) as well as giving a better agreement with experimental data.

Impact of comorbid primary headache on neurological function of patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease affecting the working population. Due to the demyelination process, patients have motor, sensory and cognitive impairments. Often patients with MS complain of headaches. Comorbid primary headache accompanies more than half of patients with MS. The aim of our study was to reveal the relationship between the presence of primary comorbid headache and the progression of MS. For this purpose, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), motor testing for 25-Foot Walk Test (25FWT), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) were used. International Classification of Headache - 3 (ICHD-3) scale was used for differential diagnosis of headache types. The obtained data were compared among patients with different types of MS: Relapsing-Remitting (RRMS); primary and secondary progressive, which was combined into Progressive forms of MS (PMS). 130 patients with MS were studied, among whom patients with RRMS prevailed (n=98), primary comorbid headache was found in 56.2% (n=73). Among patients with MS, migraine prevailed (p=0.015), in particular, the most cases were found in patients with RRMS. Among patients with PMS, tension headache prevailed (p&lt;0.05). The 9HPT and 25FWT scores did not differ significantly between the groups with and without primary comorbid headache, however, according to the confidence intervals, the EDSS score exceeded the score in the group of patients with comorbid headache. It was found that patients with comorbid migraine performed the motor test faster than patients with tension type headache. Therefore, it can be concluded that comorbid primary headache may have an impact on motor function indicators among MS patients and requires further investigation to determine the role of comorbid headache in the patterns of initial MS symptoms. Keywords: central nervous system, demyelination, migraine, tension type headache, motor function, comorbidity.

Monitoring of asthenic disorders in patients with psychoneurological pathology

24 healthy adults as well as 69 patients with asthenic manifestations (43 patients with chronic ischemia of brain and 26 patients with different types of multiple sclerosis) were examined with using of an original computer modification of tapping. The results of the study showed that parameters of serial motor reactions and their relationship in healthy adults were indicated the stability of the brain functional state and significant influence of cortex regulatory systems on its dynamics according to tasks that are performed. Examination materials of patients indicated the significant reduction of ability of cortex regulatory influences on subcortical non-specific systems under load conditions, reduction of level of interhemispheric interaction as well as availability of non-adaptive changes with reduction of functional state of different types in dynamics of examination. These manifestations were correlated with clinical symptoms severity. The proposed option of tapping has shown its ability to determine of common features and differences of asthenic syndrome in patients with chronic ischemia and multiple sclerosis in connection with the development of pathological conditions and processes of its compensation. This is very important especially in the early stages of the disease and may be used for assessment of the effectiveness of therapy. Key words: chronic ischemia, multiple sclerosis, asthenic manifestations, functional state of brain, tapping

Microbiota markers level in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with different types of multiple sclerosis and radiologically isolated syndrome

To assess the level of microbiota markers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with different types of multiple sclerosis (MS), people with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) and control subjects. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to evaluate the levels of microbiota markers in 69 patients with different types of MS (27 patients in the acute stage, 35 patients with MS in remission, 7 patients with primary-progressive MS), 10 people with RIS, and 47 control subjects (different diseases of the nervous system of a non-autoimmune or inflammatory nature). We showed a statistically significant increase in the content of various microbiota markers in the CSF of patients with MS compared with the control group. We found no change in the content of these markers in blood of patients with MS. This suggests a change of markers of microbial load at the level of the central nervous system, but not at the level of the whole organism. The greatest number of statistically significant differences with the control group was found in the content of markers in CSF of patients with MS in remission. In the acute stage, on the contrary, we found no statistically significant differences compared to the control group. In particular, in CSF of patients with MS in remission, a statistically significant increase in the content of bacterial plasmalogen (4.5 times), and increase in the level of microbial markers specific to Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium, Butirivibrio, Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Propionibacterium acnes, as well as an increase of markers of the Epstein-Barr virus were found. In addition, there was an increase of campesterol, the likely source of which is campesterol-producing microfungi. In the CSF of subjects with RIS there were a statistically significant increase in the level of markers of the Epstein-Barr virus, Propionibacterium acnes, as well as Pseudomonas, Moraxella, and Acinetobacter. An association of MS with polymicrobial infection is possible. It is also likely that there is a certain pattern of increase of microbiota markers in the CSF of patients with MS, but not in blood.

Correlation analysis between clinical indicators in different types of multiple sclerosis

Objective: to assess the influence of clinical indicators on the nature of the prognosis for different types of multiple sclerosis (MS) using correlation analysis Correlation analysis was carried out between clinical indicators characterizing different time stages (premorbid stage, debut, remission after debut and recurrent stage in recurrent and secondary-progressive (SP), progression stage in SP and primary progressive course of MS. In graphical form, structures were obtained that selectively unite groups of indicators with high connections (0.95 and higher) in the so-called clinical and statistical syndromes, which in the form of a special network were a system of connections between clinical symptoms (indicators) during the entire period of the disease development. In the obtained correlation structures, two levels of organization of connections were distinguished: intra-stage and inter-stage, which have different structural organization for different types of MS flow. For each type of course, three groups of indicators are identified: the first group (the so-called “centers of influence”) includes indicators from which the arrows are directed to other symptoms; the second group (the so-called “controlled” indicators), which “accumulate” incoming influences from the outside; the third group (the so-called “transit” indicators), which simultaneously have both influence networks and controlled networks, i. e. equally combine two alternative options. Analysis of the connections between the indicated groups of indicators with different informational value determined the further nature of the forecast. The study made it possible to prove that the formation of a prognosis within the framework of a single nosological form (MS) occurs as a result of a complex multilevel structural reorganization of correlations between individual clinical indicators, both at different time stages and with different types of the course of the disease.

Modulating effect of HERV-W ENV on peripheral blood monocytes in patients with different types of multiple sclerosis

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the HERV-W ENV glycoprotein on the functional and metabolic characteristics of intact and stimulated peripheral blood monocytes, depending on the type of multiple sclerosis (MS), which can contribute to our understanding of their pathogenetic role in the development of neurological disorders and to design of novel therapeutic agents. Materials and methods. To determine the reserve capacity index (Rci) of cytokine production, HERV-W ENV glycoprotein, E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or ssRNA40/LyoVec were added to the monocyte-enriched cell suspension as agonists of TLR4 and TLR7/8. The study also included the evaluation of arginase activity in cell lysates of the monocyte fraction. The study involved 37 patients with relapsing-remitting type and 19 patients with progressive type of MS. The control group included 32 healthy individuals. Results. In patients with MS of both groups, the reserve capacity of monocytes to produce IL-1β was lower than in healthy individuals, while the reserve capacity to produce TNF-α and IL-10 was almost twice as high as in the control group. This index for IL-1RA in monocytes obtained from the group with progressive MS and stimulated with HERV-W ENV was 2 times lower than the control; thus increased IL-1β values provoke chronic inflammation. The highest arginase activity in patients with relapsing-remitting MS was observed when monocytes were cultured with HERV-W ENV and LPS. In patients with progressive MS, during the cultivation of monocytes with LPS, arginase activity was significantly reduced relative to the control. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate functional and metabolic changes in peripheral blood monocytes upon stimulation with TLR4 and TLR7/8, which may be associated with the disease course. In progressive MS, stimulation with HERV-W ENV leads to an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, contributing to a chronic inflammation and, as a consequence, to a more severe course of the disease.

Muscle Quality of Knee Extensors Based on Several Types of Force in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Varying Degrees of Disability.

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) tends to affect muscle performance, mainly in the lower extremities. The degree of disability is associated with the loss of strength and muscle mass, to varying extents. Muscle quality (MQ) expresses the amount of force produced relative to the activated muscle mass. The purpose of this study was to compare the MQ of the knee extensors in the main manifestations of strength (isometric, dynamic strength, and power) among patients with differing degrees of neurological disability and evolutionary forms of the disease. We also establish reference values for MQ in MS patients (pwMS). Materials and Methods: In total, 250 pwMS were evaluated according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The maximum dynamic and isometric forces and muscle power manifested a load of 60% of the maximum dynamics of the knee extensors. The lean mass of the thigh and hip was determined by densitometry, and the MQ was calculated for the three types of force evaluated. Results: The pwMS with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) presented isometric MQ values that were 15.8% better than those of pwMS with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and 13.8% better than those of pwMS with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). For pwMS with SPMS, the dynamic MQ was 16.7% worse than that of patients with RRMS, while the power MQ was 29.5% worse. By degree of disability (<4 >7.5 EDSS score), patients with better MQ had mild EDSS scores, and patients with severe EDSS scores had 24.8%, 25.9%, and 40.3% worse isometric, dynamic, and power MQ scores, respectively, than those with RRMS. Based on these results, reference values for MQ in pwMS were established. Conclusions: The pwMS with different types of MS do not show differences in lean mass or strength but do show differences in MQ. In pwMS with different EDSS grades, there are no differences in lean mass, but there are differences in strength based on MQ, especially power MQ.

Значення часових етапів при різних типах перебігу розсіяного склерозу для формування прогнозу

Мета дослідження: розробити систему оцінки характеру прогнозу на основі клініко-математичного аналізу показників, що виникають на різних етапах при різних типах перебігу розсіяного склерозу. Матеріали та методи. Використані клінічні (клініко-неврологічний і метод анкетування — за анкетою, розробленою у відділі аутоімунної і дегенеративної патології нервової системи ДУ «Інститут неврології, психіатрії та наркології Національної академії медичних наук України») і математико-статистичні (метод пермутації) методи. За допомогою методу пермутації (перестановочного тесту) в групах хворих з різними типами перебігу обчислювалися відмінності в середніх значеннях клінічних показників, що характеризують перебіг розсіяного склерозу на різних часових етапах: доклінічному етапі, етапі дебюту, рецидивному етапі для рецидивуючого й вторинно-прогредієнтного перебігу, етапі прогресування — для вторинно- і первинно-прогредієнтного. На цій підставі було виділено клінічні показники, які з високою вірогідністю (рівень зв’язку 0,95) на кожному часовому етапі перебігу розсіяного склерозу визначають кінцевий варіант прогнозу захворювання. Результати. Обстежено 280 хворих, серед них: 80 (50 жінок і 30 чоловіків) — з рецидивуючим перебігом, 140 (80 жінок і 60 чоловіків) — із вторинно-прогредієнтним і 60 (30 жінок та 30 чоловіків) — із первинно-прогредієнтним. Характер прогнозу (сприятливий і невизначений при рецидивному перебігу, невизначений і несприятливий при прогредієнтних типах перебігу) оцінювався на основі клініко-діагностичних критеріїв, розроблених з урахуванням особливостей перебігу захворювання в цілому. Проведені дослідження показали, що сприятливий прогноз при рецидивуючому перебігу з високою вірогідністю зустрічався при поєднанні таких клінічних показників, як легка тяжкість дебюту, повна ремісія після дебюту, легкі рецидиви, що розвиваються швидкими темпами, і тривалі ремісії між рецидивами на рецидивному етапі; невизначений прогноз — за наявності дебютів середньої тяжкості, стовбурової симптоматики в дебюті, тяжких і середньої тяжкості рецидивів і тенденції до обтяження й подовження рецидивів на рецидивному етапі. Несприятливий прогноз при вторинно-прогредієнтному перебігу вірогідно пов’язаний з перенесеною вітряною віспою на доклінічному етапі в преморбідному анамнезі, блискавичними темпами розвитку дебюту, неухильним варіантом прогресування, що перебігає без клінічно окреслених періодів стабілізації; невизначений прогноз — із швидкими темпами розвитку дебюту. Несприятливий прогноз при первинно-прогредієнтному перебігу був тісно асоційований з перенесеною тяжкою черепно-мозковою травмою на доклінічному етапі в преморбідному анамнезі, мозочковою симптоматикою в дебюті, формуванням етапу прогресування безпосередньо після дебюту, минаючи етап стабілізації, неухильним варіантом прогресування на етапі прогресування; невизначений прогноз — із перенесеними герпетичними інфекціями на доклінічному етапі в преморбідному анамнезі, легкою тяжкістю дебюту, формуванням етапу прогресування після періоду стабілізації, що настала слідом за дебютом, поступальним варіантом прогресування на етапі прогресування, який перебігає у вигляді чергування періодів повільного накопичення неврологічного дефіциту, що має, як правило, локальний акцент, і етапів стабілізації різної тривалості. Висновки. Отже, за допомогою клініко-математичного аналізу було показано, що формування альтернативних варіантів прогнозу при різних типах перебігу розсіяного склерозу відбувається шляхом вибіркового залучення до єдиного патерну клінічних показників, які мають діагностичне значення на різних часових етапах перебігу захворювання.

Клинико-математический анализ различий для разных типов течения при спорадической и семейной формах рассеянного склероза

Актуальность. В работе на основе создания реестра семейных форм рассеянного склероза (РС) на модели Харьковского региона изучены особенности разных типов течения (рецидивирующего (РТ), вторично-прогредиентного (ВПТ), первично-прогредиентного (ППТ)) при спорадической и семейной формах заболевания. С помощью метода анкетирования изучены клинические показатели, характеризующие различные временные этапы при разных типах течения РС: доклинический этап, дебют, полнота и длительность ремиссий после дебюта, рецидивирующий этап для РТ и ВПТ, пути формирования этапа прогрессирования для ВПТ и ППТ, этап прогрессирования, включая такие его варианты, как неуклонный, рецидивирующий, поступательный, и темпы прогрессирования. С помощью клинико-математического анализа (метод пермутации) были получены достоверные клинико-диагностические различия в структуре клинических показателей на каждом этапе течения для спорадической и семейной форм РС. Материалы и методы. Обследован 131 больной, в том числе 87 (18 мужчин и 69 женщин) со спорадической формой и 44 (16 мужчин и 28 женщин) с семейной формой. При спорадической форме у 55 больных наблюдалось РТ, у 25 — ВПТ, у 7 — ППТ; при семейной форме у 22 больных — РТ, у 15 — ВПТ, у 7 — ППТ. Результаты. При РТ для спорадической формы, в отличие от семейной, чаще встречался благоприятный прогноз с достоверным преобладанием олигосиндромных дебютов и коротких рецидивов с быстрыми темпами развития на рецидивирующем этапе. При семейной форме, в отличие от спорадической, преобладал неопределенный прогноз, при котором чаще встречались (р &lt; 0,05) предвестники дебюта, сфинктерные нарушения в дебюте, длительные рецидивы с замедленными темпами формирования. При ВПТ для спорадической формы неопределенный характер прогноза формировался благодаря таким клиническим показателям, как короткие дебюты, длительные ремиссии после дебюта, рецидивирующий вариант прогрессирования, преобладание пирамидной и мозжечковой симптоматики на этапе прогрессирования. При семейной форме и неблагоприятном прогнозе преобладали тяжелый и длительный дебют, сфинктерные нарушения и атипичные синдромы в дебюте, формирование ВПТ непосредственно после дебюта, минуя рецидивирующий этап. При ППТ для спорадической формы с неопределенным прогнозом были характерны длительный дебют, наличие этапа стабилизации после дебюта, стволовая симптоматика на этапе прогрессирования. При семейной форме преобладал неблагоприятный прогноз, который характеризовался олигосиндромным и неопределенным по длительности дебютом и формированием этапа прогрессирования непосредственно после дебюта. Выводы. Полученные паттерны клинических показателей, выделенные при разных формах РС, свидетельствуют о более неблагоприятном прогнозе для всех типов течения семейной формы по сравнению со спорадической, в первую очередь для прогредиентных типов течения.

Smoldering lesions in MS: if you like it then you should put a rim on it.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic active/smoldering white matter lesions presenting with hypointense rims on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) of the brain have been recognized as an important radiological feature. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of paramagnetic rim lesions (RLs) in MS patients in a clinical setting and to assess differences in demographic and clinical variables regarding the presence of RLs. All 3T brain magnetic resonance (MR) studies performed in MS patients between July 2020 and January 2021 were reviewed. In all patients, RLs were assessed on three-dimensional (3D) SWI images and the T2 FLAIR lesion load volume was assessed. Demographic, laboratory (oligoclonal bands in CSF), and clinical data, including functional status with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), were retrieved from the clinical files. Of the 192 patients, 113 (59%) presented with at least 1 RL. In the RL-positive group, the mean RL count was 4.81 ranging from 1 to 37. There was no significant difference in the number of RLs between the different types of MS (p = 0.858). Regarding the presence of RLs, there were no significant differences based on gender (p = 0.083), disease duration (p = 0.520), treatment regime (p = 0.326), EDSS score (p = 0.103), and the associated T2 FLAIR lesion load volume. SWI RLs were frequently detected in our cohort regardless of the MS type, T2 FLAIR lesion load volume, demographic features, disease duration, or clinical score. Our results suggest that RLs are not associated with more severe forms of the disease. Today, RLs can be seen on 3T 3D SWI, although this is not a clinical standard sequence yet. Therefore, it should be considered an additional helpful MR sequence in the diagnostic workup of MS, although more studies are warranted to establish the role of RLs as prognostic markers.

Personal Autonomy as Quality of Life Predictor for Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, severe disease, characterized by a progressive alteration in neuronal transmission, which decreases personal independence and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between QoL and personal autonomy in patients with MS, as well as its correlation with age, educational level, and diseases severity. Twenty-six MS patients were followed-up for six months. All patients completed the 15D questionnaire two times: at T0, when they started a new treatment, and at T1 after six months of treatment. At the end point, all patients completed the Personal Autonomy Questionnaire. The average patient age was 43 years (SD = 10), and 89% of them were female. The mean severity and duration of MS were 3.5 (SD = 1.75) and 9.5 (SD = 5.1), respectively. The average QoL of MS patients at T0 was 0.66 (SD = 0.18), and that at T1 was 0.71 (SD = 0.16). The scores of patients with different types of MS, i.e., relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS), were compared. SPMS patients were older than RRMS patients (mean age 47.5 vs. 39.7 years; p = 0.032), and more RRMS patients were working (0.014). SPMS patients described the same QoL and personal autonomy as RRMS patients. Results from bivariate correlation analyses showed a significant relationship between QoL and age, education, and severity of MS. Also, the analysis showed no significant correlation between QoL and personal autonomy.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Manipulative Dexterity on Different Subtypes of Multiple Sclerosis.

Background Manipulative dexterity impairments affect 76% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS can experience reduced skill when performing both basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Many studies consider that physical rehabilitation leads to a decrease in the level of disability, especially at the mild and moderate stages of the disease. However, most studies fail to distinguish between the different MS subtypes. Purpose Our aims were (1) to describe the manipulative skills of people according to the different subtypes of MS, (2) to analyze the correlation between dexterity and self-perception variables, and (3) to identify possible predictors of functionality. Study Design. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods 30 individuals with MS. The measurement tools used were the ABILHAND, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the Box and Block Test. Results All subtypes of MS obtained lower scores for manipulative dexterity compared to normal skill levels, with individuals with primary progressive MS displaying the lowest values. However, the analysis of differences between the different subtypes did not reveal statistically significant intragroup differences. In addition, differences were found regarding the effect size of practically all the variables analyzed for both manipulative dexterity (PPT, NHPT, and BBT) and the self-perception of ADLs (ABILHAND), for which high values (dr = 0.72) and very high values (dr = 1.46) were obtained. Conclusions Although no significant differences were found between the different types of MS, the assessment of manual dexterity and perceived efficacy of daily activities must be considered as prognostic factors in the progression of the disease. These findings may help support further research on targeted interventions to improve dexterity deficiencies, as well as promote an improved quality of therapeutic interventions.

IgG-Dependent Dismutation of Superoxide in Patients with Different Types of Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Subjects.

This work is the first to demonstrate that class G immunoglobulins (IgGs) in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals have the ability to catalyze the dismutation reaction of the superoxide anion radical. Thus, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is an intrinsic property of antibodies, which is confirmed by a number of stringent criteria. SOD activity of IgGs in patients with multiple sclerosis statistically significantly exceeds such activity in healthy individuals by 2-4 times. Moreover, the maximum activity has been registered in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The kinetic characteristics of the SOD reaction of IgGs are several orders of magnitude lower than those for the SOD enzyme but do not differ between patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals. Consequently, abzymes with SOD activity have a lower catalysis rate than that of the enzymes and form a stronger complex with the substrates. Inhibitory analysis showed that this activity is inhibited by classical metal-dependent SOD inhibitors. The activity of IgGs was inhibited by classical metal-dependent inhibitors EDTA and TETA (triethylenetetramine). Also, high catalase activity of IgGs was detected in these patients. We suggest that these abzymes help protect the body from oxidative stress.

PB2334 AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT IN ADULT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS: A STUDY FROM NORTH INDIA

Background: Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) has been shown to provide long periods of progression free survival in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the past many years many groups have done the procedure in various groups of patients with different types of MS and using different conditioning regimens. Aims: This is an observational study to demonstrate safety of ASCT in MS patients at a transplant centre in North India using a lymphoablative regimen. Methods: The study was conducted from January 2017 and December 2018. MS patients who were either referred by a neurologist or who came of their own volition were evaluated. Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was calculated and those with a score of >7 were excluded. Patients <18 years were excluded. Informed written consent was taken. Mobilization was done with G-CSF (10 μg/kg/day) with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) to prevent disease flare-up. A minimum of 2 × 106 CD34 cells/kg were collected. Conditioning regimen consisted of Rabbit ATG 0.5 mg/kg on day -6 followed by 1 mg/kg on day -5 to -2 and Cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg on day-5 to -2. Rituximab 375 mg/m2 was given on day-7 and day+30 to prevent EBV reactivation and disease relapse. Antibiotic prophylaxis was given with levofloxacin, fluconazole and valacyclovir. Any persistent change in the EDSS score ≥0.5 was considered significant. Results: A total of 34 patients were included in this study. Ten patients had positive urine cultures prior to transplant and were treated before starting any chemotherapy.Majority (73%) of the patients were women (25/34). There was one patient of PPMS, sixteen of RRMS, and remaining were SPMS(50%). The median EDSS score was 5.5. The median age of the study population was 32 years. Mobilization was easily achieved with G-CSF with no disease flare ups. The median CD34 cell harvest was 5.71 × 106 cells/kg. All patients developed febrile neutropenia which was managed as per department policy. There was no mortality during peri transplant up to day+100. One patient of SPMS died following intracerebral bleed on day +120 unrelated to transplant complications. Subjective symptoms improved in majority (30/34) patients. EDSS score improved in 11/34 patients (8/11 with RRMS) with disease progression in 3/34 patients at a median follow up duration of 562 days. Five out of nine RRMS patients with active disease on MRI had a response. Summary/Conclusion: The study shows that ASCT can be done safely for patients with relatively high EDSS scores with additional precautions for screening for infections. RRMS patients with active disease on MRI show the most improvement. SPMS patients may not show significant improvement in the short term.

Experience with anti-B-cell therapy in the pathogenetic treatment of multiple sclerosis

One of the promising areas in the pathogenetic treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is anti-B-cell therapy using ocrelizumab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. The drug is indicated for primary progressive MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and exacerbations, and highly active MS. Objective : to analyze the use of the drug in 32 patients with different types of MS in everyday neurological practice. Patients and methods . The investigation included 32 patients diagnosed with MS using the 2017 McDonald criteria: 12 patients with PPMS, 12 with highly active MS and 8 with SPMS and exacerbations. The median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 4.0; the most severe course of the disease was observed in patients with SPMS. All the patients received a treatment cycle of 600-mg intravenous ocrelizumab injections (with an infusion pump) every 6 months; the initial dose was by 300 mg every 2 weeks. The follow-up period was 6 to 18 months. Results and discussion. During ocrelizumab therapy, the patients with PPMS showed stabilization of EDSS score; and 6 (50%) had even its slight decrease by 0.5–1.0 scores, which may be caused by compensation for the existing symptoms due to pathogenetic treatment. In highly active MS, only 1 of the 12 ocrelizumab-treated patients had an ongoing exacerbation of the disease. During a subsequent 6–18-month follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that none of the patients had manifestations of MS activity; the EDSS score decreased in all the patients, indicating their achievement of stable remission. Six (75%) of the 8 patients with SPMS and exacerbations also displayed a decrease in EDSS score in the absence of exacerbations. No adverse events, including infusion reactions, were recorded during drug administration. The drug has a good tolerance and safety profile and ease-to-use. Conclusion . Ocrelizumab therapy with will be able to improve the quality of treatment in patients with different types of MS, which is of great medical and social importance