The limited benefit of B cell-directed therapies in progressive MS has been attributed in part to poor penetration of the CNS by monoclonal antibodies. However, two new studies have reported that intrathecal administration of rituximab has little effect on CNS inflammation, suggesting that limited drug entry into the brain is not the main problem. Read More
Neurology
T25FW useful to identify early progression in MS
June 29, 2021A new analysis has reported that significant worsening on the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) is predictive of EDSS progression in a majority of MS cases (Kalinowski et al. Mult Scler 2021; epublished June 8, 2021). Confirmed disability progression (CDP) was defined as >20% change from baseline in T25FW sustained for >90 days. Read More
Highlights from EAN 2021
June 22, 2021The following are some of the highlights of research presented at the 7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, held 19-22 June 2021.
COVID-19 update
Imaging
DMTs in development
Biomarkers
CNS/PNS complications: A Danish study reported that 28 of 61 consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital had CNS/PNS complications (Nersesjan et al. EAN 2021; OPR-140). The most common complication was encephalopathy (31%); other complications included ischemic stroke, acute necrotizing encephalitis and transverse myelitis. The most common PNS complication was polyneuromyopathy. Most complications were secondary to critical illness or other causes. There was no evidence of CNS infection by CoV-2; laboratory changes implicated autoimmune-mediated mechanisms in some cases. Read More
MS Clinics Network updates COVID vaccine guidance
May 3, 2021The Canadian Network of MS Clinics has updated its COVID vaccine recommendations following a report of a reduced vaccine response in MS patients receiving fingolimod or ocrelizumab (see Few vaccine responders with fingolimod, ocrelizumab, NeuroSens, April 23, 2021). Read More
Are trial data generalizable to MS population?
April 27, 2021An analysis of patients in the German MS Register has found that 83% of real-world patients would not have met inclusion/exclusion criteria for entry in a trial of disease-modifying therapies (Jalusic et al. Mult Scler 2021; epublished January 20, 2021). Read More