Can Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Trigger Exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis? a Retrospective Study Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Does COVID-19 flare MS? A small retrospective study saw higher relapse risk in the post-infection at-risk period vs prior years. #MultipleSclerosis #COVID19

Barzegar M^{1, 2} ; Vaheb S^{2, 3} ; Mirmosayyeb O^{1, 2} ; Afsharisafavi A^{2, 4} ; Nehzat N² ; Shaygannejad V^{1, 2}
Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Published:2021

Abstract

The effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been unknown. In this retrospective study of 41 relapsing-remitting MS patients, number of relapses in pre-defined at risk-period (ARP) was compared with the previous two years. During the previous two years, a total of 32 attacks was reported, which 5 (15.6%) were during the at-risk period. After adjusting for age and sex, there was an increased risk of attack during ARP compared to the previous two years (RR: 2.566, 95%CI: 1.075-6.124, P=0.034). Our preliminary study suggested that COVID-19 can trigger exacerbation of MS. © 2021