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COVID-19 and MS disease-modifying therapies

Joseph R Berger1, Rachel Brandstadter2, Amit Bar-Or2

  • 1From the Division of Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. joseph.berger@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation
|May 17, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) do not appear to increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Early data suggest MS patients on DMTs face risks similar to the general population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Understanding the interplay between MS, its treatments, and SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) and its effects on individuals with MS undergoing DMT.
  • To evaluate the influence of various MS DMTs on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing literature on the viral etiology of COVID-19.
  • Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of injury.
  • Examination of the impact of individual MS DMTs on infection risk and disease expression.

Main Results:

  • Limited data indicate that MS DMTs do not significantly elevate the risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Severe COVID-19 outcomes seem linked to an exaggerated immune response rather than uncontrolled viral replication.
  • The review discusses how MS DMTs might affect viral clearance and potentially mitigate COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • Definitive real-world data on specific MS DMTs and COVID-19 are still accumulating.
  • Emerging insights suggest MS patients on DMTs have a COVID-19 risk comparable to the general population.
  • Registries are expected to provide crucial answers as data collection progresses.

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