Migraine in 746 patients with multiple sclerosis.

Migraine adds to the burden of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). The ID-migraine is a useful tool for screening migraine, and the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire can evaluate disease burden. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence and burden of migraine in patients with MS. METHODS Patients diagnosed with MS attending specialized MS units were invited to answer an online survey if they also experienced headache. RESULTS The study included 746 complete responses from patients with MS and headache. There were 625 women and 121 men, and 69% of all the patients were aged between 20 and 40 years. Migraine was identified in 404 patients (54.1%) and a moderate-to-high burden of disease was observed in 68.3% of the patients. CONCLUSION Migraine is a frequent and disabling type of primary headache reported by patients with MS.

Migraine in 746 patients with multiple sclerosis / Enxaqueca em 746 pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Migraine adds to the burden of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). The ID-migraine is a useful tool for screening migraine, and the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire can evaluate disease burden. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence and burden of migraine in patients with MS. Methods: Patients diagnosed with MS attending specialized MS units were invited to answer an online survey if they also experienced headache. Results: The study included 746 complete responses from patients with MS and headache. There were 625 women and 121 men, and 69% of all the patients were aged between 20 and 40 years. Migraine was identified in 404 patients (54.1%) and a moderate-to-high burden of disease was observed in 68.3% of the patients. Conclusion: Migraine is a frequent and disabling type of primary headache reported by patients with MS.

RESUMO Enxaqueca piora o sofrimento do paciente que tem esclerose múltipla (EM). ID-migraine é uma ferramenta útil para seleção de pacientes com enxaqueca e Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) é um questionário que avalia o impacto da doença. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença e impacto de enxaqueca em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Pacientes diagnosticados com EM e tratados em clínicas especializadas foram convidados a responder um questionário online se também apresentassem cefaleia. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 746 participantes com cefaleia e EM que preencheram completamente as respostas. Foram 625 mulheres e 121 homens, sendo 69% dos pacientes com idade entre 20 e 40 anos. Enxaqueca foi identificada em 404 pacientes (54,1%) e moderado a grave impacto da doença foi observado em 68,3% dos casos. Conclusão: Enxaqueca é uma cefaleia primária frequente e incapacitante relatada por pacientes com EM.

Serological profile of John Cunningham virus (JCV) in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have changed over the last few years, bringing about a new category of drugs with more efficient profiles. However, these drugs have come with a whole new profile of potential adverse events that neurologists have to learn well and quickly. One of the most feared complications of these MS treatments is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). OBJECTIVE: To identify the serologic profile of JCV in patients with MS. METHODS: Data on serum antibodies for JCV were obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provided by the STRATIFY-JCV program. RESULTS: A total of 1,501 blood tests were obtained from 1,102 patients with MS. There were 633 patients (57.1%) who were positive for antibodies for JCV and 469 patients who were negative (42.9%). Twenty-three patients became positive after initially having negative JCV antibody status. The rate of seroconversion was 18.5% over 22 months. CONCLUSION: The JCV serologic profile and seroconversion in Brazilian patients were similar to those described in other countries.

Practical Evidence-Based Recommendations for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Who Want to Have Children.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) management presently aims to reach a state of no (or minimal) evidence of disease activity. The development and commercialization of new drugs has led to a renewed interest in family planning, since patients with MS may face a future with reduced (or no) disease-related neurological disability. The advice of neurologists is often sought by patients who want to have children and need to know more about disease control at conception and during pregnancy and the puerperium. When MS is well controlled, the simple withdrawal of drugs for patients who intend to conceive is not an option. On the other hand, not all treatments presently recommended for MS are considered safe during conception, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. The objective of the present study was to summarize the practical and evidence-based recommendations for family planning when our patients (women and men) have MS.Funding TEVA Pharmaceutical Brazil.

Serological profile of John Cunningham virus (JCV) in patients with multiple sclerosis / Perfil sorológico do vírus John Cunningham (JCV) em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) have changed over the last few years, bringing about a new category of drugs with more efficient profiles. However, these drugs have come with a whole new profile of potential adverse events that neurologists have to learn well and quickly. One of the most feared complications of these MS treatments is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by the reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). Objective: To identify the serologic profile of JCV in patients with MS. Methods: Data on serum antibodies for JCV were obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provided by the STRATIFY-JCV program. Results: A total of 1,501 blood tests were obtained from 1,102 patients with MS. There were 633 patients (57.1%) who were positive for antibodies for JCV and 469 patients who were negative (42.9%). Twenty-three patients became positive after initially having negative JCV antibody status. The rate of seroconversion was 18.5% over 22 months. Conclusion: The JCV serologic profile and seroconversion in Brazilian patients were similar to those described in other countries.

RESUMO As opções terapêuticas para esclerose múltipla (EM) modificaram-se ao longo dos últimos anos, trazendo uma nova categoria de drogas com melhor perfil de eficácia. No entanto, estas drogas vieram com um novo perfil de potenciais eventos adversos que exigem que o neurologista os reconheça bem e rapidamente. Uma das complicações mais temidas destes tratamentos para a EM é a leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressiva (LEMP), causada pela reativação do vírus John Cunningham (JCV). Objetivo: Identificar o perfil sorológico de JCV em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Dados sorológicos de JCV foram obtidos através do ensaio por enzimas imuno-adsorvidas (ELISA) fornecido pelo programa STRATIFY-JCV. Resultados: Um total de 1.501 testes sanguíneos foram obtidos de 1.102 pacientes com EM. O grupo teve 633 pacientes (57,1%) soropositivos para anticorpos anti-JCV e 469 pacientes negativos (42,9%). Vinte e três pacientes se tornaram posivitos após resultados iniciais negativos para anticorpos anti-JCV. A taxa de soroconversão foi 18,5% em 22 meses. Conclusão: O perfil sorológico do JCV e a soroconversão nos pacientes brasileiros foi semelhante àquela descrita em outros países.

High levels of alexithymia in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings. Some researchers describe high levels of alexithymia among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but literature data on this subject are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to characterize findings of alexithymia in patients with MS. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included 180 patients with MS and a matched control group. Data for patients with MS included disease duration, number of demyelinating relapses and degree of neurological disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS). In addition, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used. RESULTS: There were 126 women and 54 men in each group, with median age of 37 years and median education of 16 years. Patients with MS had higher degrees of depression (p<0.01), anxiety (p=0.01) and alexithymia (p<0.01) than did control subjects. For individuals with MS, depressive traits (p<0.01), anxious traits (p=0.03), higher age (p=0.02), lower education level (p=0.02), higher degree of disability (p<0.01) and not being actively employed (p=0.03) were associated with higher rates of alexithymia. CONCLUSION: Alexithymia was a relevant finding in patients with MS.

Alexitimia é um traço de personalidade caracterizado pelas dificuldades na identificação e descrição dos sentimentos. Alguns pesquisadores descrevem altos índices de alexitimia em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM), porém os dados na literatura são escassos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar achados de alexitimia em pacientes com EM. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 180 pacientes com EM e um grupo controle pareado. Dados de pacientes com EM incluíram a duração da doença, número de surtos clínicos de desmielinização e grau de incapacidade neurológica avaliados pela Escala Expandida do Grau de Incapacidade (EDSS). Foram também utilizadas a escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD) e a escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS) foram utilizadas. RESULTADOS: Cada grupo era constituído por 126 mulheres e 54 homens, com mediana de idade de 37 anos e mediana de escolaridade de 16 anos. Pacientes com EM apresentaram maior grau de depressão (p<0.01), ansiedade (p=0.01) e alexitimia (p<0.01) que os controles. Para pessoas com EM, traços depressivos (p<0.01), ansiosos (p=0.03), maior idade (p=0.02), menor nível educacional (p=0.02), maior grau de incapacidade (p<0.01) e o fato de não estar ativamente trabalhando (p=0.03) levaram a maiores níveis de alexitimia. CONCLUSÃO: Alexitimia foi um importante achado em pacientes com EM.

High levels of alexithymia in patients with multiple sclerosis / Altos índices de alexitimia foram observados em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT: Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings. Some researchers describe high levels of alexithymia among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but literature data on this subject are scarce. Objective: The objective of the present study was to characterize findings of alexithymia in patients with MS. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study included 180 patients with MS and a matched control group. Data for patients with MS included disease duration, number of demyelinating relapses and degree of neurological disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS). In addition, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used. Results: There were 126 women and 54 men in each group, with median age of 37 years and median education of 16 years. Patients with MS had higher degrees of depression (p<0.01), anxiety (p=0.01) and alexithymia (p<0.01) than did control subjects. For individuals with MS, depressive traits (p<0.01), anxious traits (p=0.03), higher age (p=0.02), lower education level (p=0.02), higher degree of disability (p<0.01) and not being actively employed (p=0.03) were associated with higher rates of alexithymia. Conclusion: Alexithymia was a relevant finding in patients with MS.

RESUMO: Alexitimia é um traço de personalidade caracterizado pelas dificuldades na identificação e descrição dos sentimentos. Alguns pesquisadores descrevem altos índices de alexitimia em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM), porém os dados na literatura são escassos. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar achados de alexitimia em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 180 pacientes com EM e um grupo controle pareado. Dados de pacientes com EM incluíram a duração da doença, número de surtos clínicos de desmielinização e grau de incapacidade neurológica avaliados pela Escala Expandida do Grau de Incapacidade (EDSS). Foram também utilizadas a escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD) e a escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS) foram utilizadas. Resultados: Cada grupo era constituído por 126 mulheres e 54 homens, com mediana de idade de 37 anos e mediana de escolaridade de 16 anos. Pacientes com EM apresentaram maior grau de depressão (p<0.01), ansiedade (p=0.01) e alexitimia (p<0.01) que os controles. Para pessoas com EM, traços depressivos (p<0.01), ansiosos (p=0.03), maior idade (p=0.02), menor nível educacional (p=0.02), maior grau de incapacidade (p<0.01) e o fato de não estar ativamente trabalhando (p=0.03) levaram a maiores níveis de alexitimia. Conclusão: Alexitimia foi um importante achado em pacientes com EM.

Real-life experience with fampridine (Fampyra®) for patients with multiple sclerosis and gait disorders.

BACKGROUND: Fampridine is a broad-spectrum voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker that enhances synaptic transmission. The drug has been shown to be able to ameliorate conduction in demyelinated axons, thereby leading to improved gait in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the "real-life" efficacy and safety of fampridine prescribed for gait disorders in MS. This was an observational and prospective study carried out at MS Units participating in the Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. METHODS: Patients with MS and gait disorders were prescribed fampridine (10 mg twice a day), irrespectively of the degree of disability determined by MS. Neurological disability determined by MS was assessed with the expanded disability scale score (EDSS). Outcomes for efficacy and safety of the drug were evaluated by the 25 foot-walk test and by the adverse events of fampridine. RESULTS: The time taken to walk 25 feet decreased by 20% or more in 62 patients (70%). Twenty-five patients were considered to be non-responders to this treatment. Improvement in walking speed was independent of improvement of disability. Mild or moderate adverse events were reported in 8% of patients. CONCLUSION: Fampridine is an efficient and safe therapeutic option for patients with MS and gait disorders.

How do we manage and treat a patient with multiple sclerosis at risk of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis continues to be a serious health problem worldwide. The disease continues to be underdiagnosed and not properly treated. In conditions that affect the immune system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), latent tuberculosis may thrive and reactivate during the use of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs. Among the best treatment options for patients with latent or active tuberculosis who have MS are IFN-ß, glatiramer acetate and mitoxantrone. Drugs leading to a reduced number and/or function of lymphocytes should be avoided or used with caution. Tuberculosis must always be investigated in patients with MS and treated with rigor.

Recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently associated with depression. Yet there are few clinical trials on treating depression in MS and no agreed recommendations for its assessment and follow-up. We present evidence-based recommendations for several aspects of depression in MS, including screening for depression, recognition of other concomitant psychiatric conditions, suicide risk, disability, fatigue, cognition, adherence to treatment, the effect of drugs used to treat MS on depression and possible pharmacological treatments for depression in MS.