Senescence marker p16INK4a expression in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Telomere attrition is associated with disability accumulation and brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). Downstream of telomere attrition is cellular senescence. We sought to determine differences in the cellular senescence marker p16INK4a expression between MS and healthy control participants and the association of p16INK4a expression with MS disability and treatment exposure. METHODS: Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for MS and healthy controls were recruited for a cross-sectional pilot study. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and p16INK4a expression levels were measured using qRT PCR. Spearman correlation coefficients and regression models were applied to compare expression levels to chronological age, assess case control differences, and determine associations with clinical outcome measures. RESULTS: Fifty-two participants with MS (67 % female, ages 25-70) and 38 healthy controls (66 % female, ages 23-65) were included. p16INK4a levels were not linearly correlated with chronological age in MS (rhos = -0.01, p = 0.94) or control participants (rhos = 0.02, p = 0.92). Higher median p16INK4a levels were observed in the >50-year age group for MS (0.25, IQR 0.14-0.35) vs. controls (0.12, IQR 0.05-0.15) and in this age group B cell depletion therapy was associated with lower expression levels. p16INK4a expression was not associated with any of the measured MS disability outcomes. DISCUSSION: Caution is needed with using p16INK4a expression level from PBMCs as an aging biomarker in MS participants, given lack of correlation with chronological age or large associations with clinical outcomes.

The Impact of Aging on Multiple Sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Age is one of the most important factors in determining MS phenotype. This review provides an overview of how age influences MS clinical characteristics, pathology, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: New methods for measuring aging have improved our understanding of the aging process in MS. New studies have characterized the molecular and cellular composition of chronic active or smoldering plaques in MS. These lesions are important contributors to disability progression in MS. These studies highlight the important role of immunosenescence and the innate immune system in sustaining chronic inflammation. Given these changes in immune function, several studies have assessed optimal treatment strategies in aging individuals with MS. MS phenotype is intimately linked with chronologic age and immunosenescence. While there are many unanswered questions, there has been much progress in understanding this relationship which may lead to more effective treatments for progressive disease.

Assessment of Upper Extremity Function in Multiple Sclerosis: Feasibility of a Digital Pinching Test.

BACKGROUND: The development of touchscreen-based assessments of upper extremity function could benefit people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by allowing convenient, quantitative assessment of their condition. The Pinching Test forms a part of the Floodlight smartphone app (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland) for people with MS and was designed to capture upper extremity function. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the Pinching Test as a tool for remotely assessing upper extremity function in people with MS. METHODS: Using data from the 24-week, prospective feasibility study investigating the Floodlight Proof-of-Concept app for remotely assessing MS, we examined 13 pinching, 11 inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based, and 13 fatigability features of the Pinching Test. We assessed the test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients [second model, first type; ICC(2,1)], age- and sex-adjusted cross-sectional Spearman rank correlation, and known-groups validity (data aggregation: median [all features], SD [fatigability features]). RESULTS: We evaluated data from 67 people with MS (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]: 2.4 [SD 1.4]) and 18 healthy controls. In this cohort of early MS, pinching features were reliable [ICC(2,1)=0.54-0.81]; correlated with standard clinical assessments, including the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) (|r|=0.26-0.54; 10/13 features), EDSS (|r|=0.25-0.36; 7/13 features), and the arm items of the 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) (|r|=0.31-0.52; 7/13 features); and differentiated people with MS-Normal from people with MS-Abnormal (area under the curve: 0.68-0.78; 8/13 features). IMU-based features showed similar test-retest reliability [ICC(2,1)=0.47-0.84] but showed little correlations with standard clinical assessments. In contrast, fatigability features (SD aggregation) correlated with 9HPT time (|r|=0.26-0.61; 10/13 features), EDSS (|r|=0.26-0.41; 8/13 features), and MSIS-29 arm items (|r|=0.32-0.46; 7/13 features). CONCLUSIONS: The Pinching Test provides a remote, objective, and granular assessment of upper extremity function in people with MS that can potentially complement standard clinical evaluation. Future studies will validate it in more advanced MS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02952911; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02952911.

Survival Analysis of Immunotherapy Effects on Relapse Rate in Pediatric and Adult Autoimmune Encephalitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prior observational studies for autoimmune encephalitis (AE) have mostly focused on outcomes after acute immunotherapies with better outcomes associated with earlier immunotherapy use. However, the impact of long-term immunotherapy and its association with clinical relapse is not well known. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients meeting published clinical criteria for AE evaluated at UC San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital from January 2007 to November 2021. Survival analysis and Cox multivariable regression models were used to evaluate relapse risk using rituximab exposure as a time-dependent variable. Pooled and age-stratified analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 204 pediatric and 380 adult participants were screened of which 30 pediatric and 75 adult participants were included. The most common antibody subtype in both cohorts was anti-NMDA receptor (76% in pediatric, 34% in adult). Relapses occurred in 31% of pediatric antibody-positive, 40% of adult antibody-positive, and 20% of adult antibody-negative cases. Times to first relapse (TTFR) were 10.6 ± 7.4 months (pediatric antibody-positive), 13.1 ± 24.5 months (adult antibody-positive), and 6.9 ± 3.8 months (adult antibody-negative). Rituximab was the most common second-line immunotherapy used. Combining pediatric and adult data, rituximab use was associated with a 71% lower hazard for time to first relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.85) and 51% lower hazard for recurring relapses (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.9-1.26). The HR for TTFR with rituximab use in children was 0.30 (95% CI 0.05-1.69), 0.29 (95% CI 0.07-1.29) in adults, 0.32 in non-NMDA antibody-positive encephalitis (95% CI 0.07-1.39), and 0.42 (95% CI 0.07-2.67) for anti-NMDAR. DISCUSSION: Relapses are common in pediatric and adult patients with AE, although less frequently in anti-NMDARE. Using a rigorous survival model, we demonstrate a substantial benefit of rituximab use for reducing relapse rates in AE, especially for the adult population. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that rituximab is associated with a lower hazard to relapse in patients with AE.

A 28-Year-Old Woman With Left-Sided Weakness and Atypical MRI Lesions: From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings.

A 28-year-old woman presented with subacute relapsing left-sided weakness. MRI demonstrated both enhancing C3-C6 and nonenhancing T2-T4 lesions. Initial provisional diagnosis was inflammatory/autoimmune. Her left-sided weakness progressed despite immunosuppressive therapies. We reassessed our original suspected diagnosis because of an atypical clinicoradiologic course, leading to biopsy and a definitive diagnosis.

Longitudinal analysis and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection are frequently reported. These include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and insomnia. The longitudinal evolution of this neuropsychiatric burden is poorly understood and clinical guidelines concerning treatment are lacking. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the longitudinal evolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) syndrome and examine symptom treatment at a single center. METHODS: Consecutive participants experiencing persistent neurologic symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection were recruited from October 2020 to July 2022. Data collected included COVID-19 infection history, neurological exam and review of systems, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and self-reported surveys concerning neuropsychiatric symptoms and treatment. Data were collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 106 participants (mean age 48.6, females 67%) were included in the study. At 1-year follow-up, 72.5% of participants reported at least one neuropsychiatric symptom. Over half (52.5%) of participants reported persistent fatigue. At baseline, 38.8% of all participants had met the established MoCA cut-off score of < 26 for mild cognitive impairment; this decreased to 20.0% at 1 year. COVID-19 infection severity was associated with neuro-PASC symptoms (including fatigue and anxiety) at 1 year. Overall, 29% of participants started at least one new medication for COVID-19-associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. Of the participants who started new medications, fatigue was the most common indication (44.8%) followed by insomnia (27.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychiatric symptoms related to neuro-PASC improve over time but can persist for over a year post-recovery. Most treatment modalities targeted neuro-PASC fatigue.

The NHANES Biological Age Index demonstrates accelerated aging in MS patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronological age is associated with disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Biological age may give more precise estimates of aging pathways associations with MS severity. Both normal aging and accelerated aging from MS may negatively impact disease course. Multi-marker indices of aging, such as the NHANES biological age index (BAI), may be more robust than single biomarkers in capturing biological age and are strongly associated with mortality risk and aging-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether the NHANES BAI, utilizing readily available measures in the clinic, captures accelerating aging and correlates with disability in MS participants. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional case-control pilot study. Consecutive patients who met the 2017 McDonald's Criteria for MS were recruited from May 2020 to May 2022 along with age-similar healthy controls. BAI components included blood pressure, FEV1, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, blood-urea nitrogen, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, CMV IgG, and hemoglobin A1c. The index was calculated using the Klemara and Doubal method. Spearman correlation and multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association between BAI and MS clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 51 MS (68.6% female) and 38 control (68.4% female) participants were recruited. BAI correlated with chronological age (CA) in MS (r2=0.90,p<0.0001) and control participants (r2 =0.87,p<0.0001). The mean BAI was 1.4 years older than CA in MS participants (range +15 to -10.5 years) and 2.2 years younger in control participants (range +11.2 to -14.1 years). In unadjusted Spearman analyses, BAI correlated with the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW, rhos=0.31, p = 0.045) and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT rhos = 0.35, p = 0.018). In a multivariable regression model, a 5-year older BAI was associated with a 1.2-point lower score on SDMT (95%CI -2.2 to -0.25, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: MS participants were biologically older than their own chronological age and age-similar controls. In this modest-sized pilot sample, there was strongest correlation for MS outcome measures between BAI and the SDMT. These results support further study of the BAI as a marker of biological age variability in MS.

Relapsing Encephalomyelitis After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination: From the National MS Society Case Conference Proceedings.

Prior case studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its vaccines may unmask CNS neuroinflammatory conditions. We present a case of relapsing steroid-responsive encephalomyelitis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. We also characterize the frequency of CNS neuroinflammatory events reported in the literature after both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

Gene-environment interactions increase the risk of paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis associated with household chemical exposures.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported an association between household chemical exposures and an increased risk of paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Using a case-control paediatric multiple sclerosis study, gene-environment interaction between exposure to household chemicals and genotypes for risk of paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis was estimated.Genetic risk factors of interest included the two major HLA multiple sclerosis risk factors, the presence of DRB1*15 and the absence of A*02, and multiple sclerosis risk variants within the metabolic pathways of common household toxic chemicals, including IL-6 (rs2069852), BCL-2 (rs2187163) and NFKB1 (rs7665090). RESULTS: 490 paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis cases and 716 controls were included in the analyses. Exposures to insect repellent for ticks or mosquitos (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.04, p=0.019), weed control products (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.07, p<0.001) and plant/tree insect or disease control products (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.49, p<0.001) were associated with increased odds of paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. There was significant additive interaction between exposure to weed control products and NFKB1 SNP GG (attributable proportions (AP) 0.48, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.87), and exposure to plant or disease control products and absence of HLA-A*02 (AP 0.56; 95% CI 0.03 to 1.08). There was a multiplicative interaction between exposure to weed control products and NFKB1 SNP GG genotype (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.30) but not for other exposures and risk variants. No interactions were found with IL-6 and BCL-2 SNP GG genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of gene-environment interactions with household toxins supports their possible causal role in paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.

Rare and low-frequency coding genetic variants contribute to pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Rare genetic variants are emerging as important contributors to the heritability of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether rare variants also contribute to pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To test whether genes harboring rare variants associated with adult-onset MS risk (PRF1, PRKRA, NLRP8, and HDAC7) and 52 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are associated with POMS. METHODS: We analyzed DNA samples from 330 POMS cases and 306 controls from the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers and Kaiser Permanente Northern California for which Illumina ExomeChip genotypes were available. Using the gene-based method "SKAT-O," we tested the association between candidate genes and POMS risk. RESULTS: After correction for multiple comparisons, one adult-onset MS gene (PRF1, p = 2.70 × 10-3) and two MHC genes (BRD2, p = 5.89 × 10-5 and AGER, p = 7.96 × 10-5) were significantly associated with POMS. Results suggest these are independent of HLA-DRB1*1501. CONCLUSION: Findings support a role for rare coding variants in POMS susceptibility. In particular, rare minor alleles within PRF1 were more common among individuals with POMS compared to controls while the opposite was true for rare variants within significant MHC genes, BRD2 and AGER. These genes would not have been identified by common variant studies, emphasizing the merits of investigating rare genetic variation in complex diseases.

Diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease: International MOGAD Panel proposed criteria.

Serum antibodies directed against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are found in patients with acquired CNS demyelinating syndromes that are distinct from multiple sclerosis and aquaporin-4-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Based on an extensive literature review and a structured consensus process, we propose diagnostic criteria for MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) in which the presence of MOG-IgG is a core criterion. According to our proposed criteria, MOGAD is typically associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, or transverse myelitis, and is less commonly associated with cerebral cortical encephalitis, brainstem presentations, or cerebellar presentations. MOGAD can present as either a monophasic or relapsing disease course, and MOG-IgG cell-based assays are important for diagnostic accuracy. Diagnoses such as multiple sclerosis need to be excluded, but not all patients with multiple sclerosis should undergo screening for MOG-IgG. These proposed diagnostic criteria require validation but have the potential to improve identification of individuals with MOGAD, which is essential to define long-term clinical outcomes, refine inclusion criteria for clinical trials, and identify predictors of a relapsing versus a monophasic disease course.

Ageing and multiple sclerosis.

The factor that is most relevant and strongly associated with the clinical course of multiple sclerosis is chronological age. Very young patients exclusively have relapsing remitting disease, whereas those with later onset disease face a more rapid development of permanent disability. For people with progressive multiple sclerosis, the poor response to current disease modifying therapies might be related to ageing in the immune system and CNS. Ageing is also associated with increased risks of side-effects caused by some multiple sclerosis therapies. Both somatic and reproductive ageing processes might contribute to development of progressive multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of ageing in immune and neural cell function in patients with multiple sclerosis might be key to halting non-relapse-related progression. The growing literature on potential therapies that target senescent cells and ageing processes might provide effective strategies for remyelination and neuroprotection.

Preliminary validity of the Draw a Shape Test for upper extremity assessment in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the smartphone sensor-based Draw a Shape Test - a part of the Floodlight Proof-of-Concept app for remotely assessing multiple sclerosis-related upper extremity impairment by tracing six different shapes. METHODS: People with multiple sclerosis, classified functionally normal/abnormal via their Nine-Hole Peg Test time, and healthy controls participated in a 24-week, nonrandomized study. Spatial (trace accuracy), temporal (mean and variability in linear, angular, and radial drawing velocities, and dwell time ratio), and spatiotemporal features (trace celerity) were cross-sectionally analyzed for correlation with standard clinical and brain magnetic resonance imaging (normalized brain volume and total lesion volume) disease burden measures, and for capacity to differentiate people with multiple sclerosis from healthy controls. RESULTS: Data from 69 people with multiple sclerosis and 18 healthy controls were analyzed. Trace accuracy (all shapes), linear velocity variability (circle, figure-of-8, spiral shapes), and radial velocity variability (spiral shape) had a mostly fair/moderate-to-good correlation (|r| = 0.14-0.66) with all disease burden measures. Trace celerity also had mostly fair/moderate-to-good correlation (|r| = 0.18-0.41) with Nine-Hole Peg Test performance, cerebellar functional system score, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, partial correlation analysis related these results to motor impairment. People with multiple sclerosis showed greater drawing velocity variability, though slower mean velocity, than healthy controls. Linear velocity (spiral shape) and angular velocity (circle shape) potentially differentiate functionally normal people with multiple sclerosis from healthy controls. INTERPRETATION: The Draw a Shape Test objectively assesses upper extremity impairment and correlates with all disease burden measures, thus aiding multiple sclerosis-related upper extremity impairment characterization.

MOG Antibody-Associated Disease and Thymic Hyperplasia: From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently described CNS inflammatory disorder that may manifest with optic neuritis, myelitis, seizures, and/or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. While MOG-specific antibodies in patients with MOGAD are IgG1, a T-cell-dependent antibody isotype, immunologic mechanisms of this disease are not fully understood. Thymic hyperplasia can be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. In this report we describe a case of MOGAD associated with thymic hyperplasia in a young adult.

Therapeutic Response in Pediatric Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune condition, which can lead to significant disability, and up to 3%-5% of the cases have a pediatric onset. There are limited studies to guide physicians in disease-modifying treatment (DMT) choices for children with NMOSD. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated children with NMOSD cases followed at 12 clinics in the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers. Cases were classified as aquaporin-4 antibody positive (AQP4+) and double seronegative (DS) when negative for AQP4+ and for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody. The effect of initial DMTs including rituximab, mycophenolate, azathioprine, and IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) on the annualized relapse rate (ARR) was assessed by negative binomial regression. Time to disability progression (EDSS score increase ≥1.0 point) was modeled with a Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 91 children with NMOSD were identified: 77 AQP4+ and 14 DS (85.7% females; 43.2% White and 46.6% African American). Eighty-one patients were started on a DMT, and 10 were treatment naive at the time of the analysis. The ARR calculated in all serogroups was 0.25 (95% CI 0.13-0.49) for rituximab, 0.33 (95% CI 0.19-0.58) for mycophenolate, 0.40 (95% CI 0.13-1.24) for azathioprine, and 0.54 (95% CI 0.28-1.04) for IVIg. The ARR in the AQP4+ subgroup was 0.28 (95% CI 0.14-0.55) for rituximab, 0.39 (95% CI 0.21-0.70) for mycophenolate, 0.41 (95% CI 0.13-1.29) for azathioprine, and 0.54 (95% CI 0.23-1.26) for IVIg. The ARR in the treatment-naive group was 0.97 (95% CI 0.58-1.60) in all serogroups and 0.91 (95% CI 0.53-1.56) in the AQP4+ subgroup. None of the initial DMT had a statistically significant effect on EDSS progression. DISCUSSION: The use of DMTs, particularly rituximab, is associated with a lowered annualized relapse rate in children with NMOSD AQP4+. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that use of disease-modifying treatments is associated with a lowered annualized relapse rate in children with NMOSD AQP4+.

Neural correlates of digital measures shown by structural MRI: a post-hoc analysis of a smartphone-based remote assessment feasibility study in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to evaluate remote monitoring via smartphone sensor-based tests in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This analysis aimed to explore regional neural correlates of digital measures derived from these tests. METHODS: In a 24-week, non-randomized, interventional, feasibility study (NCT02952911), sensor-based tests on the Floodlight Proof-of-Concept app were used to assess cognition (smartphone-based electronic Symbol Digit Modalities Test), upper extremity function (Draw a Shape Test, Pinching Test), and gait and balance (Static Balance Test, Two-Minute Walk Test, U-Turn Test). In this post-hoc analysis, digital measures and standard clinical measures (e.g., Nine-Hole Peg Test [9HPT]) were correlated against regional structural magnetic resonance imaging outcomes. Seventy-six PwMS aged 18-55 years with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0.0-5.5 were enrolled from two different sites (USA and Spain). Sixty-two PwMS were included in this analysis. RESULTS: Worse performance on digital and clinical measures was associated with smaller regional brain volumes and larger ventricular volumes. Whereas digital and clinical measures had many neural correlates in common (e.g., putamen, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, lateral occipital cortex), some were observed only for digital measures. For example, Draw a Shape Test and Pinching Test measures, but not 9HPT score, correlated with volume of the hippocampus (r = 0.37 [drawing accuracy over time on the Draw a Shape Test]/ - 0.45 [touching asynchrony on the Pinching Test]), thalamus (r = 0.38/ - 0.41), and pons (r = 0.35/ - 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple neural correlates were identified for the digital measures in a cohort of people with early MS. Digital measures showed associations with brain regions that clinical measures were unable to demonstrate, thus providing potential novel information on functional ability compared with standard clinical assessments.

N-Acetyl Cysteine as a Neuroprotective Agent in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (NACPMS) trial: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled add-on phase 2 trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) experience relentless disability worsening. Current approved therapies have very modest effects on disability progression and purely focus on immunomodulation. While some inflammatory processes exist in non-active PMS, other biological processes such as neuronal injury from oxidative stress are likely more critical. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) directly scavenges free radicals and restores neuronal glutathione, a major endogenous antioxidant. Our group has recently evaluated the safety of high dose NAC in a pilot trial in PMS with no tolerability concerns. We aim now to assess the safety, tolerability, and effect of NAC on progression of several MRI, clinical and biological markers in PMS patients. METHODS: The NACPMS trial is a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled add-on phase 2 trial. Ninety-eight PMS patients with EDSS 3.0-7.0 and aged 40-70 years will be randomized to NAC 1200 mg TID or matching placebo (1:1) as an add-on to the standard of care stratified by site and disease type during a 15-month intervention period. It is hypothesized that a reduction in oxidative stress injury will lessen brain atrophy estimated by MRI. The primary outcome analysis will compare the percent change over 12 months (Month 15 vs Month 3) between treatment and control arms using multivariable linear regression adjusted by age, sex, and disease duration. ETHICS: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of California, San Francisco (IRB21-34143), and an Investigational New Drug approval was obtained from the FDA (IND127184). TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05122559.

Longitudinal evaluation of neurologic-post acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the initial features and evolution of neurologic Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (neuro-PASC) in patients with and without prior neurologic disease. METHODS: Participants with neurologic symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from October 9, 2020 to October 11, 2021. Clinical data included a SARS-CoV-2 infection history, neurologic review of systems, neurologic exam, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and symptom-based self-reported surveys at baseline (conducted after acute infection) and 6-month follow-up assessments. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants (69% female, mean age 50 years, 29% with prior neurologic disease such as multiple sclerosis) were enrolled, of which 27 had completed the 6-month follow-up visit in this ongoing study. SARS-CoV-2 infection severity was largely described as mild (39.3%) or moderate (42.9%). At baseline, following acute infection, the most common neurologic symptoms were fatigue (89.3%) and headaches (80.4%). At the 6-month follow-up, memory impairment (68.8%) and decreased concentration (61.5%) were the most prevalent, though on average all symptoms showed a reduction in reported severity score at the follow-up. Complete symptom resolution was reported in 33.3% of participants by 6 months. From baseline to 6 months, average MoCA scores improved overall though 26.3% of participants' scores decreased. A syndrome consisting of tremor, ataxia, and cognitive dysfunction (PASC-TAC) was observed in 7.1% of patients. INTERPRETATION: Early in the neuro-PASC syndrome, fatigue and headache are the most commonly reported symptoms. At 6 months, memory impairment and decreased concentration were most prominent. Only one-third of participants had completed resolution of neuro-PASC at 6 months, although persistent symptoms trended toward improvement at follow-up.