Real-time assessment of COVID-19 prevalence among multiple sclerosis patients: a multicenter European study

Neurol Sci. 2020 Jul;41(7):1647-1650. doi: 10.1007/s10072-020-04519-x. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Abstract

We assessed the prevalence and impact of COVID-19 among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients across Europe by leveraging participant data collected as part of the ongoing EU IMI2 RADAR-CNS major programme aimed at finding new ways of monitoring neurological disorders using wearable devices and smartphone technology. In the present study, 399 patients of RADAR-MS have been included (mean age 43.9 years, 60.7% females) with 87/399 patients (21.8%) reporting major symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. A trend for an increased risk of COVID-19 symptoms under alemtuzumab and cladribine treatments in comparison to injectables was observed. Remote monitoring technologies may support health authorities in monitoring and containing the ongoing pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Multiple Sclerosis; Remote monitoring technologies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alemtuzumab / therapeutic use
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Alemtuzumab