RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Risk of Getting COVID-19 in People With Multiple Sclerosis
JF Neurology - Neuroimmunology Neuroinflammation
JO Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm
FD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
SP e1141
DO 10.1212/NXI.0000000000001141
VO 9
IS 2
A1 Pietro Iaffaldano
A1 Giuseppe Lucisano
A1 Alessia Manni
A1 Damiano Paolicelli
A1 Francesco Patti
A1 Marco Capobianco
A1 Vincenzo Brescia Morra
A1 Patrizia Sola
A1 Ilaria Pesci
A1 Giacomo Lus
A1 Giovanna De Luca
A1 Alessandra Lugaresi
A1 Paola Cavalla
A1 Sara Montepietra
A1 Giorgia Teresa Maniscalco
A1 Franco Granella
A1 Paolo Ragonese
A1 Marika Vianello
A1 Laura Brambilla
A1 Rocco Totaro
A1 Simona Toscano
A1 Simona Malucchi
A1 Maria Petracca
A1 Lucia Moiola
A1 Diana Ferraro
A1 Vito Lepore
A1 Paola Mosconi
A1 Michela Ponzio
A1 Gioacchino Tedeschi
A1 Giancarlo Comi
A1 Mario Alberto Battaglia
A1 Massimo Filippi
A1 Maria Pia Amato
A1 Maria Trojano
A1 ,
YR 2022
UL http://nn.neurology.org/content/9/2/e1141.abstract
AB Background and Objectives Several studies have assessed risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The potential role of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and demographic and clinical factors on the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been evaluated so far. The objective of this study was to assess risk factors of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection in PwMS by using data collected in the Italian MS Register (IMSR).Methods A case-control (1:2) study was set up. Cases included PwMS with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and controls included PwMS without a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Both groups were propensity score–matched by the date of COVID-19 diagnosis, the date of last visit, and the region of residence. No healthy controls were included in this study. COVID-19 risk was estimated by multivariable logistic regression models including demographic and clinical covariates. The impact of DMTs was assessed in 3 independent logistic regression models including one of the following covariates: last administered DMT, previous DMT sequences, or the place where the last treatment was administered.Results A total of 779 PwMS with confirmed COVID-19 (cases) were matched to 1,558 PwMS without COVID-19 (controls). In all 3 models, comorbidities, female sex, and a younger age were significantly associated (p < 0.02) with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Patients receiving natalizumab as last DMT (OR [95% CI]: 2.38 [1.66–3.42], p < 0.0001) and those who underwent an escalation treatment strategy (1.57 [1.16–2.13], p = 0.003) were at significantly higher COVID-19 risk. Moreover, PwMS receiving their last DMT requiring hospital access (1.65 [1.34–2.04], p < 0.0001) showed a significant higher risk than those taking self-administered DMTs at home.Discussion This case-control study embedded in the IMSR showed that PwMS at higher COVID-19 risk are younger, more frequently female individuals, and with comorbidities. Long-lasting escalation approach and last therapies that expose patients to the hospital environment seem to significantly increase the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection in PwMS.Classification of Evidence This study provides Class III evidence that among patients with MS, younger age, being female individuals, having more comorbidities, receiving natalizumab, undergoing an escalating treatment strategy, or receiving treatment at a hospital were associated with being infected with COVID-19. Among patients with MS who were infected with COVID-19, a severe course was associated with increasing age and having a progressive form of MS, whereas not being on treatment or receiving an interferon beta agent was protective.DMT=disease-modifying therapy; EC=ethical committee; EDSS=Expanded Disability Status Scale; IMSR=Italian MS Register; IQR=interquartile range; MedDRA=Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities; MoA=mechanisms of action; MS=multiple sclerosis; PS=propensity score; PwMS=people with multiple sclerosis