University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Neurology
Advisor
Dr. Sarah Bolander
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the treatment changes that occurred for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) throughout the COVID pandemic.
Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms multiple sclerosis (MS) with COVID, guidelines, protocol, and treatment. Fifteen pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review.
Results: There is a paucity of data on the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in MS patients who contract COVID or how to manage DMTs to maximize response when obtaining COVID-19 vaccinations. As clinical trials and case reports started to publish data regarding DMTs, certain therapies revealed an increased risk of hospitalization or severe disease with contracting SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, recent data revealed important information regarding whether a patient would mount an immune response to either the virus or vaccination, specifically while on a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1P) or anti-CD20 therapy. The concern remains on how that response is measured, which includes conflicting data around the globe regarding T cell and antibody response.
Conclusion: Current literature supports the continued use of DMTs in PwMS through the COVID pandemic. Further research is needed to identify how patients respond to the mRNA vaccines as well as the SARS-CoV-2 virus on mounting an immune response while on different classes of DMTs.
Recommended Citation
Rogers AJ. Multiple Sclerosis: Changes to Treatment During Covid-19 Pandemic. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).
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