Disease-Modifying Therapies During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Narrative Review of International and National Recommendations

Overview

Journal Int J MS Care

Date 2020 Sep 1

PMID 32863782

Citations 15

Authors

Smathorn Thakolwiboon

Hannah Zhao-Fleming

Jie Pan

Jordan Knecht Scott

Eri Shoji

GyeongMo Sohn

Mirla Avila

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge due to the lack of evidence from clinical studies. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may affect the immune response and subsequently alter the risk of COVID-19 infections.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. A focused Google search was also performed. Recommendations regarding the use of DMTs during the COVID-19 outbreak from national and international MS/neurology societies were identified and reviewed.

Results: The review included 16 recommendations from international and national MS organizations. All recommendations are based on expert opinions. The recommendations regarding DMT initiation and management during this outbreak are summarized. Moreover, the experts' views about the risk of COVID-19 infection with each DMT are discussed.

Conclusions: There is significant agreement among most experts' recommendations from a variety of sources based on collective clinical experience. However, the recommendations will likely evolve because sufficient clinical data are limited. Several ongoing registries will help provide information for future recommendations.

Citing Articles

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COVID-19 Outcomes and Vaccination in People with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Ofatumumab.

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Mental Health in Multiple Sclerosis During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Delicate Balance between Fear of Contagion and Resilience.

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Natalizumab administration in multiple sclerosis patients during active SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case series.

Chisari C, Toscano S, Arena S, Finocchiaro C, Montineri A, Patti F BMC Neurol. 2021; 21(1):462.

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Toscano S, Chisari C, Patti F Neurol Ther. 2021; 10(2):627-649.

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