COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis: challenges and lessons for patient care

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Luca Prosperini - , San Camillo Hospital (Author)
  • Georgina Arrambide - , Autonomous University of Barcelona (Author)
  • Elisabeth G. Celius - , University of Oslo (Author)
  • Delia Goletti - , IRCCS Istituto per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani - Roma (Author)
  • Joep Killestein - , Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) (Author)
  • Daphne Kos - , National Multiple Sclerosis Center, KU Leuven (Author)
  • Luigi Lavorgna - , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (Author)
  • Celine Louapre - , Sorbonne Université (Author)
  • Maria Pia Sormani - , University of Genoa (Author)
  • Dominika Stastna - , Charles University Prague (Author)
  • Tjalf Ziemssen - , Department of Neurology, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Massimiliano Di Filippo - , University of Perugia (Author)

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their healthcare providers have faced unique challenges related to the interaction between SARS-CoV-2, underlying neurological disease and the use of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). Key concerns arose, primarily related to the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 infection could trigger the initial demyelinating event or exacerbate disease activity. Another major concern was the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, especially for patients undergoing specific treatments that could weaken their antibody responses. In the post-infection phase, identifying long COVID in patients with MS has been complicated due to the large overlap between post-infection sequelae and MS symptoms. In addition, disruptions in health and rehabilitation services have made it difficult for MS patients to access care. This Series article explores current evidence on the interaction between MS and SARS-CoV-2, identifies the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the care of patients with MS, and discusses the significant adoption of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and new technology-based rehabilitation approaches. Based on lessons learned, recommendations and future directions are offered for managing patients with MS, rethinking healthcare systems and improving health outcomes in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number100979
JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe
Volume44
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-8799-8202/work/171553695

Keywords

Keywords

  • COVID-19, Multiple sclerosis, SARS-CoV-2