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
Latest News
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
COVID vaccination and anti-CD20s – an update
June 28, 2021A number of case series have reported a negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination or vaccine failure in patients treated with ocrelizumab. While the results are preliminary, they do lend support to the findings from a recent study in Israel (Achiron et al. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021;14:1-8). (See Few vaccine responders with fingolimod, ocrelizumab, NeuroSens, April 23, 2021). 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