Manifestations and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in neuroinflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To report initial results of a planned multicenter year-long prospective study examining the risk and impact of COVID-19 among persons with neuroinflammatory disorders (NID), particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: In April 2020, we deployed online questionnaires to individuals in their home environment to assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of suspected COVID-19 in persons with NID (PwNID) and change in their neurological care. RESULTS: Our cohort included 1115 participants (630 NID, 98% MS; 485 reference) as of 30 April 2020. 202 (18%) participants, residing in areas with high COVID-19 case prevalence, met the April 2020 CDC symptom criteria for suspected COVID-19, but only 4% of all participants received testing given testing shortages. Among all participants, those with suspected COVID-19 were younger, more racially diverse, and reported more depression and liver disease. PwNID had the same rate of suspected COVID-19 as the reference group. Early changes in disease management included telemedicine visits in 21% and treatment changes in 9% of PwNID. After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing neurological disability was associated with a greater likelihood of suspected COVID-19 (ORadj  = 1.45, 1.17-1.84). INTERPRETATIONS: Our study of real-time, patient-reported experience during the COVID-19 pandemic complements physician-reported MS case registries which capture an excess of severe cases. Overall, PwNID seem to have a risk of suspected COVID-19 similar to the reference population.

ASPIRE trial: study protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial of aspirin for overheating during exercise in multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: The many benefits of exercise for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are well established, yet patients often refrain from exercise due to overheating and exhaustion. The present randomised controlled trial tests aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)) as a convenient method to prevent overheating and improve exercise performance in persons with MS. The effects of ASA are compared with those of acetaminophen (APAP) and placebo. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Participants are seen for a laboratory maximal exercise test on 3 separate days separated by at least 1 week. At each session, body temperature is measured before oral administration of a standard adult dose (650 mg) of ASA, APAP or placebo. One hour after drug administration, participants perform a maximal ramp test on a cycle ergometer. Primary outcomes are (a) time to exhaustion (that is, time spent cycling to peak exertion) and (b) body temperature change. Crossover analyses will include tests for effects of treatment, period, treatment-period interaction (carryover effect) and sequence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the institutional review board at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (reference: AAAS2529). Results of the trial will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences. Neurologists, physiatrists, primary care physicians and physiotherapists are important stakeholders and will be targeted during dissemination. Positive trial results have the potential to promote aspirin therapy, an inexpensive and readily available treatment, to reduce overheating and allow more persons with MS to benefit from exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03824938.