Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Post-acute sequela of COVID-19 infection in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Amber Salter1,2, Samantha Lancia1, Gary R Cutter3
1Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.
Background:
Many common symptoms in post-acute sequelae following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) overlap with those of multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined symptoms and performance of the PASC score, developed in the general population, in MS based on infection history.
Methods:
We surveyed North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) registry participants regarding infections and categorized participants based on infection history. Symptoms experienced before, during, and after infection were used to identify persistent new symptoms. PASC was defined as a score ⩾ 12 based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study RECOVER.
Results:
Of 4787 participants surveyed, 2927 were included: 294 (10%) having recent COVID-19; 853 (29.1%) recent non-COVID-19 infection; 246 (8.4%) recent COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infection; 1534 (52.4%) uninfected, defined as never having COVID-19 nor any infection within the past 6 months. Compared to those uninfected, infection groups reported at least a two-fold increase in fever, cough, loss of smell/taste, and shortness of breath. Based on persistent new symptoms, PASC was identified in only 1.5% of participants with COVID-19.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests lower than expected prevalence of PASC in MS and a complex association between infections and development of new persistent symptoms following infections. The similar proportions classified with PASC across infection groups shows that symptoms of PASC are common and complicate assessment of PASC in MS.
Insights
Post-acute sequelae (PASC) symptoms overlap with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study found lower PASC prevalence in MS patients than expected, with common symptoms complicating assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Post-acute sequelae (PASC) symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection share similarities with multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
- The PASC score, developed for the general population, was evaluated in MS patients with varying infection histories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of PASC in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the utility of the PASC score in a multiple sclerosis cohort based on infection history.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed participants from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) registry.
- Categorized participants by infection history (COVID-19, non-COVID-19, both, or uninfected).
- Defined PASC based on persistent new symptoms and a score of 12 or higher from the NIH RECOVER study criteria.
Main Results:
- Of 2927 participants, 10% had recent COVID-19, 29.1% recent non-COVID-19, 8.4% both, and 52.4% were uninfected.
- Infection groups reported a two-fold increase in symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of smell/taste compared to uninfected individuals.
- PASC was identified in only 1.5% of participants with COVID-19 based on persistent new symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a lower-than-anticipated prevalence of PASC in the multiple sclerosis population.
- A complex relationship exists between infections and the development of new persistent symptoms post-infection.
- The commonality of PASC symptoms across different infection groups complicates accurate PASC assessment in MS patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology