The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) annual congress included new research on neurofilament-light (NfL), an indicator of neuroaxonal damage and one of the more promising biomarkers in multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions. Several recent publications have also presented interesting findings that suggest a role for NfL in MS diagnosis, prognosis and treatment selection. Read More
Neurology
Update on B cells in MS pathophysiology
June 29, 2020SPECIAL REPORT
In the past few years, considerable attention has focussed on the role of B cells in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis, in large part because of the success of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab) in reducing clinical and radiological disease activity. A novel agent, ofatumumab, is expected soon and other agents (e.g. ublituximab) are in development. Read More
Cognitive dysfunction in MS: Update from EAN
June 10, 2020The following is a summary of some of the key studies on cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis presented at this year’s European Academy of Neurology virtual congress.
SPMS: new data and developments
June 2, 2020Click here to take the SPMS Management survey
A number of recent studies have provided important insights on the pathophysiology, clinical course and treatment of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). SPMS is generally characterized as a progressive accumulation of disability after an initial relapsing course; further modifiers are active disease (relapses and/or new MRI lesions) with or without progression, not active with progression and not active and no progression (stable disease) (Lublin et al. Neurology 2014;83:278-286).
Sun exposure and MS: effects beyond vitamin D
May 26, 2020Two Swedish case-control studies have reported that the benefits of sun exposure in MS patients occur largely independently of vitamin D (Hedstrom et al. J Neurol 2020;267:1045-1052). The finding has particular relevance during the current COVID-19 pandemic as patients self-isolate indoors.