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, Spain.

Neurologia
|June 9, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

COVID-19 incidence was slightly higher in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but disease-modifying therapies (DMT) did not affect COVID-19 outcomes. Unfavorable prognosis was linked to older age and higher disability scores.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and the role of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in COVID-19 outcomes remain unclear.
  • Current evidence 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 assess the influence of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on COVID-19 severity in MS patients.

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, including antibody presence against SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

  • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was the most common form. Unfavorable prognosis occurred in 10.2% of patients, associated with older age and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
  • Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 83.3%, not associated with DMTs or lymphocytopenia.
  • COVID-19 incidence was slightly elevated compared to the general population.

Conclusions:

  • Older age and higher EDSS scores were associated with unfavorable COVID-19 prognosis in MS patients.
  • DMTs and lymphocytopenia did not significantly influence the clinical course of COVID-19 in this cohort.
  • Antibody seroprevalence was comparable to the general population; specific DMT effects on antibody development could not be determined.