Recommendations by the Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) on vaccination in general and specifically against SARS-CoV-2 for patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.

The Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) provide recommendations in this document for vaccination of the population with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) against infections in general and against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. We emphasize the seriousness of the current situation in view of the spread of COVID-19 in our country. Therefore, reference guides on vaccination for clinicians, patients, and public health authorities are particularly important to prevent some infectious diseases. The DCNI/ABN and BCTRIMS recommend that patients with CNS demyelinating diseases (e.g., MS and NMOSD) be continually monitored for updates to their vaccination schedule, especially at the beginning or before a change in treatment with a disease modifying drug (DMD). It is also important to note that vaccines are safe, and physicians should encourage their use in all patients. Clearly, special care should be taken when live attenuated viruses are involved. Finally, it is important for physicians to verify which DMD the patient is receiving and when the last dose was taken, as each drug may affect the induction of immune response differently.

Recommendations by the Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) on vaccination in general and specifically against SARS-CoV-2 for patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system / Recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neuroimunologia da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (DCNI/ABN) e do Comitê Brasileiro de Tratamento e Pesquisa em Esclerose Múltipla e Doenças Neuroimunológicas (BCTRIMS) sobre vacinação em geral e contra a SARS-CoV-2 para pacientes com doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central

ABSTRACT The Scientific Department of Neuroimmunology of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (DCNI/ABN) and Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunological Diseases (BCTRIMS) provide recommendations in this document for vaccination of the population with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) against infections in general and against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. We emphasize the seriousness of the current situation in view of the spread of COVID-19 in our country. Therefore, reference guides on vaccination for clinicians, patients, and public health authorities are particularly important to prevent some infectious diseases. The DCNI/ABN and BCTRIMS recommend that patients with CNS demyelinating diseases (e.g., MS and NMOSD) be continually monitored for updates to their vaccination schedule, especially at the beginning or before a change in treatment with a disease modifying drug (DMD). It is also important to note that vaccines are safe, and physicians should encourage their use in all patients. Clearly, special care should be taken when live attenuated viruses are involved. Finally, it is important for physicians to verify which DMD the patient is receiving and when the last dose was taken, as each drug may affect the induction of immune response differently.

RESUMO O DC de Neuroimunologia da ABN e o BCTRIMS trazem, nesse documento, as recomendações sobre vacinação da população com doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central (SNC) contra infecções em geral e contra o coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causador da COVID-19. Destaca-se a gravidade do atual momento frente ao avanço da COVID-19 em nosso País, o que torna mais evidente e importante a criação de guia de referência para orientação aos médicos, pacientes e autoridades de saúde pública quanto à vacinação, meio efetivo e seguro no controle de determinadas doenças infecciosa. O DCNI/ABN e o BCTRIMS recomendam que os pacientes com doenças desmielinizantes do SNC (ex., EM e NMOSD) sejam constantemente monitorados, quanto a atualização do seu calendário vacinal, especialmente, no início ou antes da mudança do tratamento com uma droga modificadora de doença (DMD). É importante também salientar que as vacinas são seguras e os médicos devem estimular o seu uso em todos os pacientes. Evidentemente, deve ser dada especial atenção às vacinas com vírus vivos atenuados. Por fim, é importante que os médicos verifiquem qual DMD o paciente está em uso e quando foi feita a sua última dose, pois cada fármaco pode interagir de forma diferente com a indução da resposta imune.

Clinical Features of COVID-19 on Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features and disease outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). METHODS: The Neuroimmunology Brazilian Study Group has set up the report of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV2) cases in patients with NMOSD (pwNMOSD) using a designed web-based case report form. All neuroimmunology outpatient centers and individual neurologists were invited to register their patients across the country. Data collected between March 19 and July 25, 2020, were uploaded at the REDONE.br platform. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) NMOSD diagnosis according to the 2015 International Panel Criteria and (2) confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or serology) or clinical suspicion of COVID-19, diagnosed according to Center for Disease Control / Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CDC/CSTE) case definition. Demographic and NMOSD-related clinical data, comorbidities, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), COVID-19 clinical features, and severity were described. RESULTS: Among the 2,061 pwNMOSD followed up by Brazilian neurologists involved on the registry of COVID-19 in pwNMOSD at the REDONE.br platform, 34 patients (29 women) aged 37 years (range 8-77), with disease onset at 31 years (range 4-69) and disease duration of 6 years (range 0.2-20.5), developed COVID-19 (18 confirmed and 16 probable cases). Most patients exhibited mild disease, being treated at home (77%); 4 patients required admission at intensive care units (severe cases); and 1 patient died. Five of 34 (15%) presented neurologic manifestations (relapse or pseudoexacerbation) during or after SARS-CoV2 infection. DISCUSSION: Most NMOSD patients with COVID-19 presented mild disease forms. However, pwNMOSD had much higher odds of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission comparing with the general Brazilian population. The frequency of death was not clearly different. NMOSD disability, DMT type, and comorbidities were not associated with COVID-19 outcome. SARS-CoV2 infection was demonstrated as a risk factor for NMOSD relapses. Collaborative studies using shared NMOSD data are needed to suitably define factors related to COVID-19 severity and neurologic manifestations.

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.

Late Onset of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. NMOSD starting after the age of 50 years is considered a "late onset" (LO-NMOSD) and seems to be particularly aggressive. The objective of this paper is to present a series of 37 Brazilian patients with LO-NMOSD. METHODS: Retrospective data collection from medical records of patients with LO-NMOSD seen at 14 Brazilian specialized units. RESULTS: The ratio of women to men in the sample was 4.3 to 1. The patients were followed up for a median period of 4 years. Sex, age at disease onset, and ethnic background were not associated with the number of relapses or disability outcomes. Extensive longitudinal myelitis affected 86% of patients, while optic neuritis affected 70%, and brainstem syndromes were present in only 16% of these patients. Six patients are currently using some type of support for walking or are wheelchair-bound. Three have died. Therapeutic options for NMOSD were particularly complicated for these elderly patients, since medications for controlling NMOSD are, in essence, immunosuppressive. Long-term use of corticosteroids can be an issue when the patients have high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia (conditions often seen in elderly individuals). CONCLUSION: This series of LO-NMOSD cases highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for these patients.

Seroconversion of JCV antibodies is strongly associated to natalizumab therapy.

Previous infection with John Cunningham virus (JCV) increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing treatment with natalizumab. Patients who test negative for JCV antibodies must be assessed every six months due to the risk of seroconversion. Data from the United States of America, Portugal, Holland, France, United Kingdom and Sweden have shown a strong correlation between the use of natalizumab and JCV seroconversion. The authors present now data on patients from Brazil, as there are no data from Latin American countries published on this subject yet. A group of 86 patients with MS with negative results for antibodies against JCV were included in this analyses with at least two JCV antibodies testing. Twenty-five patients (29% of the total group) did not use natalizumab at any time, while the remaining 71% used natalizumab for a median period of 800 days (equivalent to 28 monthly infusions). Seroconversion was observed in 19 patients (22.1%). There was no association of seroconversion with gender, age, previous pulses of corticosteroid or specific MS-modifying drugs. The use of natalizumab was strongly associated to seroconversion (p < 0.0001). The present results confirm the influence of natalizumab therapy on JCV antibodies in several countries and continents.

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.

Interferon-γ Is Associated with Cerebral Atrophy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine profile and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. METHODS: Consecutive SLE patients followed at the rheumatology unit were enrolled into this study. Neurologically asymptomatic controls were matched for age and sex and recruited during myelography. SLE patients were assessed for disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index; SLEDAI) and cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index; SDI). All subjects underwent MRI scans and blood and CSF withdrawal. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin were measured by nephelometry and link indexes were calculated according to the literature. Interleukin (IL)-12 p40/p70, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We included 20 SLE patients (18 women, mean age 30.2 ± 9.2 years, range 19-45) with CNS manifestations. Increased IL-12 p40/p70, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 CSF levels were observed in SLE patients. Mild pleocytosis was observed in 8 (66%) SLE patients and intrathecal production of IgG was observed in 2 (10%) SLE patients. Three (15%) SLE patients had demyelinating lesions, 5 (25%) patients had cerebral atrophy, and 12 (60%) patients had ischemic lesions on MRI. We observed that the cerebral lesion count was associated with CNS manifestations and SDI scores. We observed a significant cerebral volume reduction in SLE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, a direct correlation between cerebral volume reduction and CSF IFN-γ levels was observed (r = 0.5, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IL-12 p40/p70, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 CSF levels were increased in SLE patients with CNS manifestations, but only IFN-γ was associated with a cerebral volume reduction in SLE, suggesting an immunological basis for global atrophy in SLE.

No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South.

Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South / Não foi observada correlação entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e a incapacidade em pacientes com esclerose múltipla entre as latitudes Sul 18° e 30°

ABSTRACT Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Vitamina D assumiu um papel central na pesquisa e tratamento da esclerose múltipla (EM). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis séricos de vitamina D de pacientes com EM e controles que residem em uma área tropical. Métodos: Foram analisados dados de 535 pacientes com EM e 350 indivíduos controle em 14 cidades próximas ao Trópico de Capricórnio. Resultados: O valor médio da determinação de 25-OH vitamina D foi 26,07 ± 10,27 ng/mL para controles e 28,03 ± 12,19 ng/mL para pacientes com EM. Não houve correlação entre os níveis de vitamina D e o grau de incapacidade ao longo da duração da doença. Conclusão: Pelo menos na região que cerca o Trópico de Capricórnio, os níveis séricos de vitamina D estão entre valores de 20 a 30 ng/mL tanto para controles quanto para 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.

Alternatives for reducing relapse rate when switching from natalizumab to fingolimod in multiple sclerosis.

Natalizumab is a therapeutic option for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and is particularly efficacious for patients with highly active disease. A long washout period has been recommended between withdrawal of natalizumab and start of fingolimod (another option for treating MS). This long washout period has been associated with a significant increase in MS activity. In the present study, a group of 96 patients who were switched from natalizumab to fingolimod had short washout periods between drugs, or monthly corticosteroid pulse therapy if longer washout periods were recommended. This therapeutic approach led to the lowest reported relapse rate so far, among patients with MS switching from natalizumab to fingolimod (8.3%). No complications from short withdrawal were observed in this group of patients.

Etiology-based classification of brain white matter hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging.

Brain white matter lesions found upon magnetic resonance imaging are often observed in psychiatric or neurological patients. Individuals with these lesions present a more significant cognitive impairment when compared with individuals without them. We propose a computerized method to distinguish tissue containing white matter lesions of different etiologies (e.g., demyelinating or ischemic) using texture-based classifiers. Texture attributes were extracted from manually selected regions of interest and used to train and test supervised classifiers. Experiments were conducted to evaluate texture attribute discrimination and classifiers' performances. The most discriminating texture attributes were obtained from the gray-level histogram and from the co-occurrence matrix. The best classifier was the support vector machine, which achieved an accuracy of 87.9% in distinguishing lesions with different etiologies and an accuracy of 99.29% in distinguishing normal white matter from white matter lesions.

Postpartum Treatment With Immunoglobulin Does Not Prevent Relapses of Multiple Sclerosis in the Mother.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological, immune-mediated disease that can worsen in the postpartum period. There is no consensus on the use of immunoglobulin for prevention of disease relapses after delivery. We have shown that the controversial beneficial effect of immunoglobulin given immediately after birth could not be observed in patients with MS.

Nearly one-half of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis using natalizumab are DNA-JC virus positive.

OBJECTIVE: Natalizumab is a new and efficient treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) during the use of this drug has created the need for better comprehension of JC virus (JCV) infection. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of JCV-DNA in Brazilian patients using natalizumab. METHOD: Qualitative detection of the JCV in the serum was performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In a group of 168 patients with MS who were undergoing treatment with natalizumab, JCV-DNA was detectable in 86 (51.2%) patients. DISCUSSION: Data on JCV-DNA in Brazil add to the worldwide assessment of the prevalence of the JCV in MS patients requiring treatment with natalizumab.

Nearly one-half of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis using natalizumab are DNA-JC virus positive / Cerca de metade dos pacientes brasileiros recebendo natalizumabe para tratamento de esclerose multipla tem DNA-JC virus positivo

Objective Natalizumab is a new and efficient treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) during the use of this drug has created the need for better comprehension of JC virus (JCV) infection. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of JCV-DNA in Brazilian patients using natalizumab. Method Qualitative detection of the JCV in the serum was performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results In a group of 168 patients with MS who were undergoing treatment with natalizumab, JCV-DNA was detectable in 86 (51.2%) patients. Discussion Data on JCV-DNA in Brazil add to the worldwide assessment of the prevalence of the JCV in MS patients requiring treatment with natalizumab. .

Objetivo Natalizumabe é um tratamento novo e eficaz para esclerose múltipla (EM). O risco constatado de desenvolver leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressiva (LEMP) durante o uso desta droga criou a necessidade de melhor estudar a infecção pelo vírus JC (JCV). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de DNA-JCV em paciente brasileiros usando natalizumabe. Método Detecção qualitativa de JCV no soro foi realizada através de reação em cadeia por polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Resultados DNA-JCV foi detectado em 86 pacientes (51,2%) de um grupo de 168 pessoas com EM recebendo tratamento com natalizumabe,). Discussão Dados do DNA-JCV no Brasil complementam as avaliações mundiais sobre a prevalência de JCV em pacientes com EM que necessitam tratamento natalizumabe. .

Natalizumab adverse events are rare in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and the profile of adverse events (AE) of natalizumab in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Data collection from neurologists attending to patients with MS at specialized units in Brazil. RESULTS: Data from 103 patients attending the infusion centers of 16 MS units in 9 Brazilian states were included in the study. The total number of infusions was 1,042. Seventy-nine patients (76.7%) did not present any AE. Twenty-four patients (23.3%) presented only mild AE. There were three major AE, including two deaths. These three occurrences, although not necessarily being drug-related, must be taken into consideration. CONCLUSION: The profile of AEs for natalizumab shows that 97% of patients have none or only mild AE. However, still due to safety worries, the use of this medication should be restricted to MS units under the care of specialized neurologists.