Multiple sclerosis management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may experience elevated risks from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Immunomodulatory disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and increased healthcare needs contribute to this heightened risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility in MS patients.
• To assess the pandemic's effects on healthcare delivery for individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• Surveys were distributed to MS patients across three major healthcare centers in April-May 2020.
• Data collected included comorbidities, DMT use, COVID-19 exposure and outcomes, health behaviors, and disruptions to MS care.

Main Results:

• A known COVID-19 contact significantly increased the likelihood of infection (OR: 4.38).
• Younger age, on-site work, lower education, and disadvantaged socioeconomic status were linked to reduced adherence to social distancing.
• 4.4% of patients experienced therapy plan changes (mainly infusion delays), and 15.5% faced disruptions in rehabilitative services.

Conclusions:

• Younger individuals with lower socioeconomic status working on-site are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure.
• Educational interventions and work restrictions are recommended for this demographic.
• Healthcare providers must remain aware of potential delays in MS infusions and disruptions to care.