Clinical characteristics and dynamics of disability progression in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis in Latvians.

There is wide variation in the time from the onset to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and some controversy regarding the clinical characteristics of the courses (phenotypes) of MS. The present study aimed to characterize demographic and clinical factors that potentially influence long-term disability progression in the cohort of Latvian MS patients. A descriptive longitudinal incidence study was conducted using a cohort of 288 MS patients beginning in 2011 (disease duration from 1 to 51 years). Socio-demographic and clinical information from the first visit to 15/20 years was analysed in groups stratified by gender and visits at five-time points (the first visit; after a year or 2; after 5 ± 1 year; after 10 ± 2 years; after 15-20 years). Our study was dominated by patients from urban areas and non-smokers. The female/male ratio was 2.4:1; the distribution of clinical courses at the first visit was consistent with most European studies. The most common symptom at presentation in our study was optic manifestations, followed by sensory disturbances and motor deficits. In the Latvian study, gender was not a significant influencing factor on the rate of disease progression; however, patient age was statistically significantly associated with EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) value at the first visit. Early clinical features of MS are important in predicting the disability accumulation of patients. Despite the small differences regarding the first MS symptoms, the disability outcomes in the cohort of Latvian patients are similar to other regions of the world.

Fatigue and depression influence the prevalence of anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce information in Middle-Eastern Europe regarding the prevalence of anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and its association with different clinical-demographic factors. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety in Hungarian MS patients and to analyze associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 260 PwMS with the STAI-5 anxiety questionnaire. Fatigue (FIS), depression (BDI-II) and cognition (BICAMS) were also measured. Patients underwent standard neurological evaluations to evaluate Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and also measured the fine motor skills of the hand with the 9-hole peg test (9HPT), and the walking distance with the 25-foot walking test (T25FW). RESULTS: We identified 23.1% (N = 60) of the patients with anxiety (only state, trait or both forms concurrently). According to our two univariate, multivariable logistic regression analysis, fatigue and depression are strongly associated with both state and trait anxiety. In the absence of fatigue, the odds of trait anxiety are 82% lower (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06-0.53; p = 0.002), while in the case of pwMS without depression, the odds are reduced by 81% (OR: 0.19; CI95%= 0.07-0.51, p = 0.001). This association with fatigue (OR: 0.33; CI95%= 0.13-0.85, p = 0.021) and depression (OR: 0.14; CI95%=0.06-0.35; p < 0.001) can also be statistically verified on state anxiety. Importantly, a significant association with state anxiety was found in SPSM patients as well (OR: 34.94; CI95%=2.55-479.61; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety was strongly associated with fatigue, depression, and secondary progressive disease form. These results emphasize the burden of psychiatric morbidity in pwMS.

Differential Expression of PACAP/VIP Receptors in the Post-Mortem CNS White Matter of Multiple Sclerosis Donors.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are two neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory molecules of the central nervous system (CNS). Both bind to three G protein-coupled receptors, namely PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2, to elicit their beneficial effects in various CNS diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we assessed the expression and distribution of PACAP/VIP receptors in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of MS donors with a clinical history of either relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) or in aged-matched non-MS controls. Gene expression studies revealed MS-subtype specific changes in PACAP and VIP and in the receptors' levels in the NAWM, which were partly corroborated by immunohistochemical analyses. Most PAC1 immunoreactivity was restricted to myelin-producing cells, whereas VPAC1 reactivity was diffused within the neuropil and in axonal bundles, and VPAC2 in small vessel walls. Within and around lesioned areas, glial cells were the predominant populations showing reactivity for the different PACAP/VIP receptors, with distinctive patterns across MS subtypes. Together, these data identify the differential expression patterns of PACAP/VIP receptors among the different MS clinical entities. These results may offer opportunities for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches to treating MS and/or other demyelinating disorders.

Characterizing microglial gene expression in a model of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system in young adults. Chronic-relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (crEAE) in Biozzi ABH mice is an experimental model of MS. This crEAE model is characterized by an acute phase with severe neurological disability, followed by remission of disease, relapse of neurological disease and remission that eventually results in a chronic progressive phase that mimics the secondary progressive phase (SPEAE) of MS. In both MS and SPEAE, the role of microglia is poorly defined. We used a crEAE model to characterize microglia in the different phases of crEAE phases using morphometric and RNA sequencing analyses. At the initial, acute inflammation phase, microglia acquired a pro-inflammatory phenotype. At the remission phase, expression of standard immune activation genes was decreased while expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and tissue remodeling were increased. Chronic phase microglia partially regain inflammatory gene sets and increase expression of genes associated with proliferation. Together, the data presented here indicate that microglia obtain different features at different stages of crEAE and a particularly mixed phenotype in the chronic stage. Understanding the properties of microglia that are present at the chronic phase of EAE will help to understand the role of microglia in secondary progressive MS, to better aid the development of therapies for this phase of the disease.

Impact of clinical outcomes and imaging measures on health-related quality of life in secondary progressive MS.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes are often included as secondary outcomes in clinical trials in secondary progressive MS (SPMS), but little is known about the longitudinal association of HRQOL and clinical and imaging outcome measures in SPMS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of change in clinical and imaging outcomes with HRQOL in people with SPMS. METHODS: We used data from ASCEND, a large randomized controlled trial (n = 889), to investigate the association of significant worsening on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25FW), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and change in lesional and volumetric imaging outcomes with significant worsening on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) during 2 years of follow-up using logistic regression models. RESULTS: HRQOL measures were most associated with EDSS and T25FW, less so with NHPT and SDMT, and not associated with lesional and volumetric imaging outcomes. DISCUSSION: Worsening of the EDSS and T25FW was associated with two commonly used HRQOL measures. These outcomes therefore appear to be more patient relevant than either the NHPT or SDMT in the context of a 2-year clinical trial.

The MSIS-29 and SF-36 as outcomes in secondary progressive MS trials.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often used in clinical research, but little is known about their performance as longitudinal outcomes. METHODS: We used data from ASCEND, a large SPMS trial (n = 889), to investigate changes on the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36 v2) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: PROM scores changed little over the 2 years of follow-up. In contrast to physical disability measures, there was no consistent trend in PROM change: significant worsening occurred about as often as improvement. Using a 6-month confirmation reduced the number of both worsening and improvement events without altering their relative balance. There was no clear difference in worsening events in groups based on population characteristics, nor was there a noticeable effect using different thresholds for clinically significant change. CONCLUSION: We found little consistent change in MSIS-29 and SF-36 over 2 years of follow-up in people with SPMS. Our findings show a disconnect between disability worsening and PROM change in this population. Our findings raise caution about the use of these PROMs as primary outcome measures in SPMS trials and call for a critical reappraisal of the longitudinal use of these measures in SPMS trials.

Survey of diagnostic and treatment practices for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Europe. Part 2: Progressive MS, paediatric MS, pregnancy and general management.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The European Charcot Foundation supported the development of a set of surveys to understand current practice patterns for the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Europe. Part 2 of the report summarizes survey results related to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), pregnancy, paediatric MS and overall patient management. METHODS: A steering committee of MS neurologists developed case- and practice-based questions for two sequential surveys distributed to MS neurologists throughout Europe. RESULTS: Respondents generally favoured changing rather than stopping disease-modifying treatment (DMT) in patients transitioning from relapsing-remitting MS to SPMS, particularly with active disease. Respondents would not initiate DMT in patients with typical PPMS symptoms, although the presence of ≥1 spinal cord or brain gadolinium-enhancing lesion might affect that decision. For patients considering pregnancy, respondents were equally divided on whether to stop treatment before or after conception. Respondents strongly favoured starting DMT in paediatric MS with active disease; recommended treatments included interferon, glatiramer acetate and, in John Cunningham virus negative patients, natalizumab. Additional results regarding practice-based questions and management are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Results of part 2 of the survey of diagnostic and treatment practices for MS in Europe largely mirror results for part 1, with neurologists in general agreement about the treatment and management of SPMS, PPMS, pregnancy and paediatric MS as well as the general management of MS. However, there are also many areas of disagreement, indicating the need for evidence-based recommendations and/or guidelines.

miR-24-3p and miR-484 are potential biomarkers for neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, neurodegenerative chronic disorder. Circulating diagnostic biomarkers for MS have remained elusive, and those proposed so far have limited sensitivity and specificity to MS. Plasma-circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have advantageous biochemical and physiological attributes that can be utilized in clinical testing and disease monitoring. MS miRNA expression microarray datasets analysis resulted in four candidate miRNAs that were assessed for their expression in a separate MS case-control study. Only miR-24-3p was downregulated in all MS patients compared to healthy controls. MiR-484 was significantly upregulated in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients compared to healthy controls. Mir-146-5p and miR-484 were significantly downregulated in secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) compared to RRMS. MiR-484 downregulation was associated with worsening disability and increased lipocalin-2 levels. Mir-342-3p and miR-24-3p downregulation were associated with increased semaphorin-3A levels in MS and RRMS patients. In conclusion, mir-24-3p downregulation is diagnostic of MS, and mir-484 upregulation and downregulation are potential biomarkers for RRMS and SPMS conversion, respectively. The differential expression of miR-146a-3p in MS subtypes suggests its potential as an SPMS transition biomarker. The association of downregulated mir-24-3p and mir-484 with increased neurodegeneration biomarkers suggests they play a role in MS pathogenesis and neurodegeneration.

Multi-omics profiling reveals peripheral blood biomarkers of multiple sclerosis: implications for diagnosis and stratification.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by demyelination in the central nervous system, is exceptionally uncommon in China, and remains poorly understood in terms of its peripheral blood manifestations. Methods: We conducted a cohort study comprising 39 MS patients and 40 normal controls (NC). High-dimensional mass cytometry, protein arrays, and targeted metabolomics were utilized to profile immune subsets, proteins, and metabolites in blood. Differences in multi-omics signatures were scrutinized across varying MS subtypes. Results: Immune profiling demonstrated an elevation in various B cell subsets and monocytes, alongside a reduction in dendritic cells among MS patients. Proteomic data revealed a downregulation in neurotrophic and tissue repair proteins. Metabolomic assessment showed a noted decrease in anti-inflammatory molecules and sphingolipids. Integrated analysis identified distinct molecular patterns distinguishing MS from controls. Additionally, multi-omics differences among different MS subtypes were uncovered. Notably, hippuric acid levels was consistently lower in MS subgroups with greater disease severity. Conclusion: This study represents the pioneering exploration of multi-omics in Chinese MS patients, presenting a comprehensive view of the peripheral blood changes in MS. Our study underscores the robust capability of multi-omics assessments in identifying peripheral blood biomarkers that delineate the varied clinical presentation, and facilitates future development of biomarkers and targeted therapeutic interventions in MS.

An overview on disease modifying and symptomatic drug treatments for multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and degenerative autoimmune condition, resulting frequently in a disabling condition. Significant improvements of long-term prognosis have been recently achieved with an early and more aggressive use of disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Addressing the complexity of managing its progressive forms remains a significant challenge. AREAS COVERED: This review provides an update on DMTs for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and progressive MS and their efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action, emphasizing the critical role of biomarkers in optimizing treatment decisions. Moreover, some key information on drugs used to manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, spasticity and urinary problems will be provided. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases covering the period from January 2000 to January 2024. EXPERT OPINION: Major advances have been achieved in the treatment of RRMS. Treatment should start immediately as soon as the neurologist is confident with the diagnosis and its choice should be based on the prognostic profile and on the patient's propensity to accept drug-related risks. The therapeutic landscape for progressive MS is quite disappointing and necessitates further innovation. Personalized medicine, leveraging biomarker insights, holds promise for refining treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Ferroptosis induces detrimental effects in chronic EAE and its implications for progressive MS.

Ferroptosis is a form of lipid peroxidation-mediated cell death and damage triggered by excess iron and insufficiency in the glutathione antioxidant pathway. Oxidative stress is thought to play a crucial role in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which iron deposition occurs. In this study we assessed if ferroptosis plays a role in a chronic form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CH-EAE), a mouse model used to study MS. Changes were detected in the mRNA levels of several ferroptosis genes in CH-EAE but not in relapsing-remitting EAE. At the protein level, expression of iron importers is increased in the earlier stages of CH-EAE (onset and peak). While expression of hemoxygenase-1, which mobilizes iron from heme, likely from phagocytosed material, is increased in macrophages at the peak and progressive stages. Excess iron in cells is stored safely in ferritin, which increases with disease progression. Harmful, redox active iron is released from ferritin when shuttled to autophagosomes by 'nuclear receptor coactivator 4' (NCOA4). NCOA4 expression increases at the peak and progressive stages of CH-EAE and accompanied by increase in redox active ferrous iron. These changes occur in parallel with reduction in the antioxidant pathway (system xCT, glutathione peroxidase 4 and glutathione), and accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. Mice treated with a ferroptosis inhibitor for 2 weeks starting at the peak of CH-EAE paralysis, show significant improvements in function and pathology. Autopsy samples of tissue sections of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) showed NCOA4 expression in macrophages and oligodendrocytes along the rim of mixed active/inactive lesions, where ferritin+ and iron containing cells are located. Cells expressing NCOA4 express less ferritin, suggesting ferritin degradation and release of redox active iron, as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation. These data suggest that ferroptosis is likely to contribute to pathogenesis in CH-EAE and SPMS.

Diagnosing 'transition' to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS): A step-by-step approach for clinicians.

Upon the approval of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for patients with active secondary progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (SPMS), there became an emerging need to prospectively predict and diagnose patients transitioning from the relapsing-remitting to the secondary progressive phase of MS. Whilst several research articles handle the challenges for diagnosing this stage of the disease, a clear step-by-step diagnostic approach remains elusive. This review aims at providing a step-by-step diagnostic approach to patients within 'transitioning' MS based on the currently available research findings and to summarize the gaps in the diagnostic approach and the recommendations for future research in this area of practice.

Cognitive Impairment in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Effect of Disease Duration, Age, and Progressive Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and affect patients at all stages of the disease, regardless of phenotype. AIMS: This literature review focuses the cognitive deficits observed in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). It is mainly based on studies that compared the frequency and main characteristics of cognitive deficits in SPMS with other phenotypes. METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out using the PubMed database with the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, secondary-progressive, cognition. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were initially selected that were published in English, reporting the neuropsychological data of a sample of at least 30 patients with SPMS, comparing them with patients with other phenotypes. Studies suggest that there is an association between the duration of the disease and the frequency and extent of the cognitive disorders. Studies also showed that the SP form is associated with an increased frequency of cognitive impairment and with an increased severity as compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Compared to RRMS, progressive forms of MS are associated with more severe impairment in certain cognitive areas, such as episodic verbal memory, information processing speed, working memory, or verbal fluency. Two studies showed that cognitive performances decline overtime in SPMS. CONCLUSION: Cognitive disorders are more frequent and more severe in the SP form than in relapsing course of MS. The profile of cognitive impairment encountered in the SP form also appears to be different from those found in the other phenotypes.

Oligoclonal M bands and cervical spinal cord lesions predict early secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To determine baseline cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables at the onset of a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) that predict evolution to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Methods: 276 CIS patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years were studied. Baseline presence of oligoclonal IgG and IgM bands (OCGB and OCMB respectively); number of brain T2 lesions (B-T2L), brain gadolinium enhancement lesions (brain-GEL), cervical spinal cord T2 lesions (cSC-T2L); and fulfillment of 2017 McDonald criteria among other variables were collected. Results: 14 patients ended up with a non-MS condition. 138/276 CIS patients fulfilled 2017 McDonald criteria. Mean age was 32.4 years, 185 female. 227 received treatment, 95 as CIS. After a mean follow-up of 12 years, 36 patients developed SPMS. Conversion to SPMS was associated with OCGB (p = 0.02), OCMB (p = 0.0001); ≥ 9 B-T2L (p = 0.03), brain-GEL (p = 0.03), and cSC-T2L (p = 0.03). However, after adjusting for sex, age, BT2L, brain-GEL, SC-T2, and OCMB status, only OCMB (HR 4.4, 1.9-10.6) and cSC-T2L (HR 2.2, 1.0-6.2) suggested an independent association with risk of conversion to SPMS. Patients with both risk factors had a HR of 6.12 (2.8-12.9). Discussion: OCMB and SC-T2 lesions are potential independent predictors of conversion to SPMS.

Prescribing of disease modifying agents in older adults with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The use of disease-modifying agents (DMAs) to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in older adults is debated as the disease activity decreases with aging. However, limited data exist regarding prescribing patterns of DMAs among older adults with MS. OBJECTIVE: To examine prescribing patterns of DMAs and the factors associated with DMA prescribing practices among older adults with MS using electronic medical records (EMR) data. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX, a federated EMR network from the US, data from 2016 to 2019. The study included older adults (≥60 years) with MS diagnosis and at least one prescription record during the study period. Patients with DMA prescriptions were identified and further classified into injectable, oral, or infusion users based on their last DMA prescription. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the factors associated with prescribing of DMAs. A multinomial logistic regression model was also used to determine the factors associated with prescribing a particular dosage form of DMA. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 12,922 older adults with MS, with 2,455 (18.99%) receiving DMA prescriptions. The commonly prescribed DMAs were injectables (10.46%), followed by orals (6.06%) and infusions (2.40%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that older adults between 60- to 64 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]= 2.38) and 65-69 years (aOR=1.60) had higher odds of receiving DMA compared to older adults of 70 years and above. African Americans (aOR=1.71) had higher odds of receiving DMA prescriptions compared to Caucasians. The presence of symptoms (pain, fatigue, speech, walking difficulty) and use of symptomatic medication (anti-fatigue medication, bladder dysfunction medication, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and relapse medication) increased the odds of being prescribed DMAs. Multinomial logistic regression found that patients 60-64 years of age had higher odds of being prescribed infusion (aOR, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] =2.06, 1.35-3.15) and oral (65-69 years: aOR=1.60, 1.24-2.07) over injectable DMAs compared to the older adults aged 70 years and above.Older males (aOR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.23-2.30) were associated with increased odds of being prescribed infusion DMA over injectable DMA compared to females. The presence of comorbidities such as coagulopathy and peripheral vascular disorders decreased the odds of being prescribed oral DMA over injectable DMA. Patients with cerebellar symptoms had an increased likelihood of being prescribed with an infusion DMA over injectable DMA. Patients using drugs for treating relapses had higher odds of being prescribed an infusion DMA over an injectable DMA. In terms of healthcare utilization, older adults with outpatient visits had higher odds of being prescribed an infusion DMA over an injectable DMA, while older adults with inpatient visits had lower odds of being prescribed an infusion DMA over an injectable DMA. CONCLUSION: Nearly one in five older adults with MS are prescribed DMAs, with a majority receiving injectable DMAs. Several demographic and clinical factors were associated with DMA prescribing . This study fills the data gap regarding the utilization of DMAs in older adults with MS.

Possible Markers of Venous Sinus Pressure Elevation in Multiple Sclerosis: Correlations with Gender and Disease Progression.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, multiple sclerosis (MS) was found to be associated with an increase in intracranial arterial pulsation volume and a reduction in venous sinus compliance, affecting pulsation dampening. There was a suggestion that the reduction in compliance of the sagittal sinus in MS was caused by an increase in venous pressure, secondary to transverse sinus stenosis. Some differences were noted depending on the gender of the patients, however, the original study was relatively underpowered for further sub-classification. The purpose of the current study is to enroll a larger number of patients to allow sub-classification on gender and disease type to further evaluate the markers of possible venous pressure alteration. METHODS: 103 patients with MS were prospectively recruited from an MS clinic and compared to 50 matched non-MS patients. Using 3DT1 post contrast images, the sagittal sinus cross-sectional area was measured. The narrowest portion of the transverse sinuses was located and the cross sectional areas and wetted circumferences were measured to calculate the minimum hydraulic and effective diameters. The jugular bulb heights were measured. Voxel wise brain morphometry was performed to evaluate atrophy. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods and was assessed using α≤0.05. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the MS patients' sagittal sinuses were 23% larger in cross-section (p<0.0001), the transverse sinuses had an average effective stenosis of 39% by area (p<0.0001) and there was a 62% increase in jugular bulb height (p=0.0001). The MS patients showed a reduction in normalized grey matter volume of 2.8% (p= 0.0001). Males with MS showed worse outcomes compared to females, with an increased EDSS and grey matter loss and had a 23% larger sagittal sinus area (p=0.02), 22% higher jugular bulb height (p=0.03) but a lower transverse sinus stenosis percentage (19% vs 48%, p<0.0001). Progressive forms of MS also had worse outcomes and had a 19% larger sagittal sinus area (p=0.04) compared to relapsing remitting MS. CONCLUSION: In this larger cohort, worse outcomes in both males and progressive forms of MS were associated with larger sagittal sinuses. The possible cause of the altered sinus pressure in females was narrower transverse sinuses. In males, higher jugular bulbs may be associated with increased venous sinus pressure.

Multiple Sclerosis: Microglia, Monocytes, and Macrophage-Mediated Demyelination.

This study examined the roles of microglia and monocytes in myelin destruction in patients with early multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty-two cases were studied; the clinical duration was <9 weeks in 10 cases. Twenty myeloid cell subtypes or categories were identified including 2 cell types not known previously to occur in demyelinating diseases. Commencing myelin breakdown in plaques and in perivascular and subpial tissues occurred in the immediate presence of infiltrating monocytes and was effected by a homogeneous population of IgG-positive Fc receptor-bearing early phagocytes interacting with abnormal myelin. Oligodendrocyte apoptosis was observed in intact myelinated tissue bordering areas of active demyelination. Capillaries in the cerebral cortex plugged by large numbers of monocytes were common in acute cases of MS and in a patient with a neuromyelitis optica variant and extreme systemic recruitment of monocytes. In an MS patient with progressive disease, microglial nodules centered on MHC-II-positive capillaries plugged by monocytes were present in the cerebral cortex. This constitutes a new gray matter lesion in MS.

Clinical and MRI efficacy of sc IFN ß-1a tiw in patients with relapsing MS appearing to transition to secondary progressive MS: post hoc analyses of PRISMS and SPECTRIMS.

This study evaluated efficacy of subcutaneous (sc) interferon beta-1a (IFN ß-1a) 44 µg 3 × weekly (tiw) in patients appearing to transition from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). The PRISMS study included 560 patients with RRMS (EDSS 0-5.0; ≥ 2 relapses in previous 2 years), and the SPECTRIMS study included 618 patients with SPMS (EDSS 3.0-6.5 and ≥ 1-point increase in previous 2 years [≥ 0.5 point if 6.0-6.5]) randomly assigned to sc IFN ß-1a 44 or 22 µg or placebo for 2-3 years, respectively. These post hoc analyses examined five subgroups of MS patients with EDSS 4.0-6.0: PRISMS (n = 59), PRISMS/SPECTRIMS (n = 335), PRISMS/SPECTRIMS with baseline disease activity (n = 195; patients with either ≥ 1 relapse within 2 years before baseline or ≥ 1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion at baseline), PRISMS/SPECTRIMS without baseline disease activity (n = 140), and PRISMS/SPECTRIMS with disease activity during the study (n = 202). In the PRISMS and PRISMS/SPECTRIMS subgroups, sc IFN ß-1a delayed disability progression, although no significant effect was observed in PRISMS/SPECTRIMS subgroups with activity at baseline or activity during the study (regardless of baseline activity). In the PRISMS/SPECTRIMS subgroup, over year 1 (0-1) and 2 (0-2), sc IFN ß-1a 44 µg tiw significantly reduced annualized relapse rate (p ≤ 0.001), and relapse risk (p < 0.05) versus placebo. Similar results were seen for the PRISMS/SPECTRIMS with baseline disease activity subgroup. Subcutaneous IFN ß-1a reduced T2 burden of disease and active T2 lesions in the PRISMS/SPECTRIMS subgroups overall, with and without baseline activity. In conclusion, these post hoc analyses indicate that effects of sc IFN ß-1a 44 µg tiw on clinical/MRI endpoints are preserved in a patient subgroup appearing to transition between RRMS and SPMS.

MRI biomarkers of disease progression and conversion to secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional imaging measures remain a key clinical tool for the diagnosis multiple sclerosis (MS) and monitoring of patients. However, most measures used in the clinic show unsatisfactory performance in predicting disease progression and conversion to secondary progressive MS. AREAS COVERED: Sophisticated imaging techniques have facilitated the identification of imaging biomarkers associated with disease progression, such as global and regional brain volume measures, and with conversion to secondary progressive MS, such as leptomeningeal contrast enhancement and chronic inflammation. The relevance of emerging imaging approaches partially overcoming intrinsic limitations of traditional techniques is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Imaging biomarkers capable of detecting tissue damage early on in the disease, with the potential to be applied in multicenter trials and at an individual level in clinical settings, are strongly needed. Several measures have been proposed, which exploit advanced imaging acquisitions and/or incorporate sophisticated post-processing, can quantify irreversible tissue damage. The progressively wider use of high-strength field MRI and the development of more advanced imaging techniques will help capture the missing pieces of the MS puzzle. The ability to more reliably identify those at risk for disability progression will allow for earlier intervention with the aim to favorably alter the disease course.

Clinical Characteristics and Disability Progression of Early- and Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Compared to Adult-Onset Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Compared to the adult onset of multiple sclerosis (AOMS), both early-onset (EOMS) and late-onset (LOMS) are much less frequent, but are often under- or misdiagnosed. The aims of the present study were: 1. To compare demographic and clinical features of individuals with EOMS, AOMS and LOMS, and 2. To identify predictors for disability progression from relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). METHOD: Data were taken from the Isfahan Hakim MS database. Cases were classified as EOMS (MS onset 18 years), LOMS (MS onset >50 years) and AOMS (MS >18 and 50 years). Patients' demographic and clinical (initial symptoms; course of disease; disease patterns from MRI; disease progress) information were gathered and assessed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regressions were conducted to determine differences between the three groups in the time lapse in conversion from relapsing remitting MS to secondary progressive MS. RESULTS: A total of 2627 MS cases were assessed; of these 127 were EOMS, 84 LOMS and 2416 AOMS. The mean age of those with EOMS was 14.5 years; key symptoms were visual impairments, brain stem dysfunction, sensory disturbances and motor dysfunctions. On average, 24.6 years after disease onset, 14.2% with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) were diagnosed with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). The key predictor variable was a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at disease onset. Compared to individuals with AOMS and LOMS, those with EOMS more often had one or two relapses in the first two years, and more often gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions. For individuals with AOMS, mean age was 29.4 years; key symptoms were sensory disturbances, motor dysfunctions and visual impairments. On average, 20.5 years after disease onset, 15.6% with RRMS progressed to SPMS. The key predictors at disease onset were: a higher EDSS score, younger age, a shorter inter-attack interval and spinal lesions. Compared to individuals with EOMS and LOMS, individuals with AOMS more often had either no or three and more relapses in the first two years. For individuals with LOMS, mean age was 53.8 years; key symptoms were motor dysfunctions, sensory disturbances and visual impairments. On average, 14 years after disease onset, 25.3% with RRMS switched to an SPMS. The key predictors at disease onset were: occurrence of spinal lesions and spinal gadolinium-enhancement. Compared to individuals with EOMS and AOMS, individuals with LOMS more often had no relapses in the first two years, and higher EDSS scores at disease onset and at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Among a large sample of MS sufferers, cases with early onset and late onset are observable. Individuals with early, adult and late onset MS each display distinct features which should be taken in consideration in their treatment.