MS and Demyelinating Disorders

Data presented at CMSC 2021 suggest worse COVID-19 outcomes were associated with patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and other comorbidities.

Rates of infection or serious infection with satralizumab in the overall treatment period were not higher than those on placebo in the double-blind period and did not increase over time.

An expert provided context on a subanalysis of the EXPAND study that evaluated the effect of baseline age on the efficacy and safety of siponimod (Mayzent; Novartis) in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

In total, 72% of responders reported spasticity as a top 5 most problematic symptom, with 17% ranking it as the single most difficult symptom of MS to manage.

The director of the Multiple Sclerosis/MRI Research Group at the University of British Columbia spoke to some of the newer biomarkers and measures being assessed in the clinical management of multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

The director of the Multiple Sclerosis Experimental Therapeutics Program at Johns Hopkins Medicine offered insight on the TREAT-MS trial to attendees of the CMSC 2021 annual meeting.

Data further investigated the impact of how individual disease-modifying therapies affect outcomes for this patient population.

The post-doctoral scholar at the University of Iowa outlined his presentation at CMSC 2021 which focused on the use of elimination diets to improve symptoms of MS. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]

All told, 48% of patients with MS reported that their most common primary person for guidance on cannabis use in MS was themself or no one, followed by a dispensary professional and MS physician.

The professor of neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine provided his thoughts on the VIOLA study and the importance of monitoring cell response of post-vaccinated patients with MS on DMTs.

In the presidential lecture series at CMSC 2021, Ellen M. Mowry, MD, called into question whether or not the induction treatment approach in multiple sclerosis does in fact present a higher chance of preventing long-term disability.

Investigators provided 4 strategies for health care providers to implement when speaking to patients with MS, in an effort to improve communication between both parties.

An expert discusses takeaways about the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody class of disease-modifying therapies for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis through the lens of ofatumumab (Kesimpta; Novartis).

Real-world data from a single-center study with more than 4 years of follow-up showed similar rates of moderate infections and malignancies to the general population with multiple sclerosis.

Patient data were evaluated over a 3-year period, with analyses from baseline, year 1, and year 2 presented at previous CMSC meetings.

Both diets resulted in patients with MS reporting significant changes on Perceived Deficits Questionnaire scores for fatigue and cognitive dysfunction after 12 weeks of intervention.

An expert discusses real-world data for ofatumumab (Kesimpta; Novartis), the first self-administered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Here's what is coming soon to NeurologyLive.

The NeurologyLive staff compiled highlights from our discussions with experts in one convenient location, following ECTRIMS 2021.

Following the approval of 3 treatments for the disease, the clinical research director of the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center commented on the implications for the clinical development pipeline. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Jeffrey Bennett, MD, PhD, professor of neurology, University of Colorado, discussed his presentation at ECTRIMS involving the relationship of B-cell depletion and improved outcomes in patients treated with inebilizumab.

Discussing a 6-week, virtual program conducted over Zoom, the founder of First Coast Integrative Medicine, spoke on the use of telehealth and future research efforts for integrative medicine in MS. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Take 5 minutes to catch up on NeurologyLive's highlights from the week ending October 22, 2021.

The professor of neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine discussed his findings presented at ECTRIMS 2021, which did not support the hypothesis of a wearing off effect with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech). [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Stephen Krieger, MD.

Chaired by Devon Conway, MD, the presentations also feature Cleveland Clinic experts Kedar Mahajan, MD, PhD; Marisa McGinley, DO; and Amy Kunchok, MD. [WATCH TIME: 1 hour, 33 minutes]

Deborah Miller, PhD, commented on strategies to maintain patient-provider communication following the discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies in MS.

The founder of First Coast Integrative Medicine spoke on a 6-week virtual program that introduced IM modalities, including guided journaling, nutrition, and yoga. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD; Jeffrey Cohen, MD; and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD discuss the evolution of fellowship training for multiple sclerosis specialists.

Ashish Pradhan, MD, the executive director and disease area lead for MS and NMOSD, Genentech, offered insight on a number of presentations at the 2021 ECTRIMS Congress.