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
The 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.
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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).
Two 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.
The Canadian MS Working Group, under the aegis of the Canadian Network of MS Clinics, has released new recommendations on optimizing the treatment of multiple sclerosis (Freedman et al. Can J Neurol Sci 2020; online April 6, 2020; see link below). The paper updates the group’s prior recommendations published seven years ago (Freedman et al. Can J Neurol Sci 2013;40:307-323).