Neurológia pre prax 4/2021

MS and NMOSD during the pandemic COVID-19 – what have we already learnt?

When COVID-19 started to spread in 2019, concerns about its course among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) arose. It seems that the course of this infection in MS patients is similar to the general population as well as the basic risk factors. However, anti-CD20 therapy and recent glucocorticoid administration are associated with a more severe COVID-19 course. Contrarily, it seems that NMOSD patients are at higher risk of worse COVID-19 course and death, even though the COVID-19 reports are scarce. These findings have been already reflected in the preferential vaccination and administration of monoclonal antibodies as the prophylaxis of severe COVID-19 in these risk groups. The safety of vaccination among MS and NMOSD patients appears to be good, but questions remain about their efficacy, especially in patients treated with S1P modulators and anti-CD20.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, COVID-19, risk factors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccination