Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: September 9, 2022
Multiple Sclerosis and Risk of Infection-Related Hospitalization and Death in US Veterans
Richard E Nelson1, Yan Xie1, Scott L DuVall1
1Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA (REN, SLD, JB, KK, JL); University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA (REN, SLD, JB, YX); AbbVie, Inc, Chicago, IL, USA (YX); University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, USA (SLD, KK, JL); Anolinx LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, USA (AWCK); and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland (MS, NF).
Background:
This study estimated the risk of infection-related hospitalizations and death in patients with and without multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We identified adults with MS in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system between 1999 and 2010. Each veteran with MS was matched, on age and sex, with up to four veterans without MS. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to assess the influence of MS on the development of serious and fatal infections.
Results:
The cohort included 7743 veterans with MS and 30,972 veterans without MS. Mean (SD) age was 53.8 (13.3) years, and 80.8% were male. The incidence per 1000 person-years of overall serious infections was 19.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.6-20.8) for those with MS and 10.3 (95% CI, 9.8-10.9) for those without MS. Fatal infection incidence rates were 1.2 (95% CI, 0.8-1.7) for patients with MS and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.6) for patients without MS. Regression models showed that veterans with MS were at greater risk for overall serious (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.52, P < .01) and fatal (HR = 1.85, P = .03) infections and serious respiratory (HR = 1.31, P = .01), urinary tract (HR = 4.44, P < .01), and sepsis-related infections (HR = 2.56, P < .01).
Conclusions:
This study provides evidence that VA patients with MS are more likely than those without MS to be hospitalized and die of infection.
Insights
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a higher risk of serious and fatal infections compared to those without MS. This includes increased hospitalizations and deaths from infections like respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Infection is a significant concern for individuals with MS.
- Understanding infection risk in MS patients is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the risk of infection-related hospitalizations and death in patients with and without multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To compare infection rates between MS patients and a matched cohort without MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) database from 1999-2010.
- Included 7743 veterans with MS and 30,972 matched controls without MS.
- Employed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to analyze infection risks.
Main Results:
- Veterans with MS had higher incidence rates of serious infections (19.2 vs. 10.3 per 1000 person-years) and fatal infections (1.2 vs. 0.5 per 1000 person-years).
- MS was associated with significantly greater risk for overall serious infections (HR=1.52) and fatal infections (HR=1.85).
- Increased risks were observed for serious respiratory (HR=1.31), urinary tract (HR=4.44), and sepsis-related infections (HR=2.56) in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Veterans with MS are at a substantially higher risk of hospitalization and death due to infections.
- These findings highlight the increased vulnerability of MS patients to various types of infections.
- Implications for clinical management and preventative strategies in MS care.
More Related Videos
05:44Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
09:35Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
Published on: May 19, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:18Viral Meningitis