Correlation between the clinical disability and T1 hypointense lesions' volume in cerebral magnetic resonance imaging of multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the correlation between T1 hypointense lesions' mean volume on cerebral MRI with disability level of patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: We included studies testing the desired outcome in adult patients diagnosed with RRMS or SPMS. In Feb 2021, we searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science to find relevant studies. All included studies were assessed for the risk of bias using a tailored version of the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Extracted correlation coefficients were converted to the Fisher's z scale, and a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed on the results. RESULTS: We included 27 studies (1919 participants). Meta-analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.32 (95% CI 0.26-0.37) between T1 hypointense lesions' mean volume and EDSS score. DISCUSSION: The correlation between T1 hypointense lesions' mean volume and EDSS was interpreted as low to slightly moderate. The certainty of the evidence was judged to be high.

Adverse events reported by Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis after the first dose of Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV.

MS patients were one of the first populations vaccinated in Iran. To date, the most used vaccine brand on Iranian MS patients is Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. Here is the first study on the adverse events after the first dose of Sinopharm vaccine on 583 Iranian MS patients. A Google form link was sent to MS patients through social networks, between May 1, 2021 and May 22, 2021. No serious adverse event was reported. At least one complaint (mostly transient) was reported by 350 (60%) of vaccine recipients. Constitutional symptoms (malaise, fatigue, fever, shivering, & generalized body pain) (51%) and headache (9%) were the most reported complaints. We found a relation between gender and prior infection with COVID-19 and reported symptoms (p value less than 0.05). Only five recipients (0.9%) reported MS relapse after vaccination. MS worsening was a minor incident related to fever.

Validity and reliability of Persian version of Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) questionnaire in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) questionnaire for Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: One hundred and twenty patients with MS and 75 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Participants were asked to answer the valid and reliable Persian version of the Beck depression inventory (BDI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and translated MFIS questionnaires. Twenty cases filed the questionnaire two weeks later to assess reliability. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbach's alpha and multiple regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The total MFIS score and subscale scores differed significantly between the patients with MS and the healthy controls. The ICCs and Cronbach's alpha values were also outstandingly high. There was a significant correlation between the FSS and MFIS scores in patients (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Also, a significant correlation was investigated between the scores of the BDI and the MFIS (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis between the MFIS as a dependent variable and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), BDI and disease duration as independent variables showed that the BDI and EDSS are dependent predictors of the MFIS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the Persian version of MFIS can be regarded as a valid and reliable scale for assessing fatigue in Iranian patients with MS. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Fatigue is one of the most common, disabling and troublesome complaints of individuals with MS. Different factors such as depression and physical disability are considered to play an important role in MS-related fatigue. Fatigue evaluation by means of a valid and reliable instrument is important in individuals with MS. Persian version of MFIS provides a valid and reliable instrument for fatigue evaluation.

IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease. Positive genetic background could predispose individuals to this chronic disabling disease. In order to investigate the role of some proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)) as a risk factor for MS, this study was performed. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven patients with relapsing-remitting form of MS were enrolled in this study and compared with 359 healthy individuals. Using polymerase chain reaction based on sequence-specific primer method, the cytokine genes were amplified, and alleles and genotypes were detected on gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Significant increases for IFN-gamma AT (+874) genotype (54.5% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.0002) and IL-12 AA (-1188) genotype (60.8% vs. 49.7%, p = 0.014) were found in MS patients in comparison with healthy controls. A significant decrease in IFN-gamma TT (+874) genotype (17.7% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.01) and IL-12 CA (-1188) genotype (30.9% vs. 45%, p = 0.001) in MS patients was also detected. No significant differences of IL-2 G/T (-330) and IL-2 G/T (+166) in alleles and genotypes were observed between MS patients and normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: It could be suggested that the genetic variation in IL-12 A/C (-1188) and IFN-gamma A/T (+874) cytokine genes could be risk factors for MS patients.