SARS-CoV-2 infection and seroprevalence in patients with multiple sclerosis

R Piñar Morales1, M A Ramírez Rivas2, F J Barrero Hernández3

  • 1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, España.

Neurologia
|April 4, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

COVID-19 in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients did not show increased risk or severity, with disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and lymphocytopaenia not impacting outcomes. Antibody prevalence was similar to the general population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) remains unclear.
  • Existing data suggests MS patients may not face a higher risk or more severe COVID-19 progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis.
  • To evaluate the influence of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and lymphocytopaenia on COVID-19 in MS patients.
  • To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study was conducted on MS patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 via PCR.
  • Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were analyzed.
  • SARS-CoV-2 antibody presence was determined in the patient sample.

Main Results:

  • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most common form observed.
  • Unfavorable prognosis occurred in 10.2% of patients, linked to older age and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
  • SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence was 83.3%, not associated with DMTs or lymphocytopaenia.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 incidence in the studied MS sample was slightly lower than the general population.
  • Older age and higher EDSS scores were associated with unfavorable COVID-19 prognosis in MS patients.
  • DMTs and lymphocytopaenia did not significantly influence the clinical course of COVID-19; antibody prevalence was comparable to the general population.