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Predictors of Catching COVID-19 Infection during Pandemic Stage in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Mahsa Ghajarzadeh1,2, Omid Mirmosayyeb3, Negar Molazadeh1
1Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are considered at higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to treatment with immune modulators and immune-suppressive agents. The exact risk factors are not clear. So, we aimed to conduct a study to determine the predictors of catching COVID-19 infection during the pandemic stage in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We conducted a multicenter screening study and developed an online questionnaire to collect patients' self-reported demographic features along with MS-related and COVID-19-related information. The online questionnaire link was released by the Iran Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) social media channel, accessible for 4160 MS patients totally and also was sent by WhatsApp for nonmember cases.
Results:
Totally, 1448 MS patients participated in our study. Twenty-five (1.7%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, from which 4 were hospitalized, 4 were treated with medical therapy, and 17 patients had home-quarantine. The patients with COVID-19 diagnosis were more frequently treated with rituximab (28% vs 24%, P = 0.001) than others, and cardiovascular comorbidity was more frequent in this group (8% vs 1.6%, P = 0.01). Regression analysis showed that cardiovascular disease was a significant positive predictor of COVID-19 infection (OR = 5.2, 95% CI: 1.1-23.7).
Conclusions:
Patients with MS who have cardiovascular disease should be more monitored for COVID-19 infection as they are at higher risk of infection.
Insights
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cardiovascular disease face a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Cardiovascular disease is a significant predictor, necessitating increased monitoring for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are considered at increased risk for COVID-19 due to immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatments.
- The specific risk factors for COVID-19 infection in MS patients remain unclear.
- This study aimed to identify predictors of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic in individuals with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the predictors of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To identify specific risk factors that increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in this population.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter online screening study was conducted.
- An online questionnaire collected self-reported demographic, MS-related, and COVID-19-related data from patients.
- The questionnaire was disseminated via social media and WhatsApp, reaching 4160 MS patients.
Main Results:
- 1448 MS patients participated; 1.7% (25) were diagnosed with COVID-19.
- COVID-19 patients showed higher rates of rituximab treatment (28% vs 24%) and cardiovascular comorbidity (8% vs 1.6%).
- Cardiovascular disease was identified as a significant positive predictor of COVID-19 infection (OR = 5.2).
Conclusions:
- Patients with multiple sclerosis and coexisting cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
- Increased monitoring for COVID-19 is recommended for MS patients with cardiovascular conditions.
- Identifying predictors aids in targeted public health strategies for vulnerable MS populations.
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