Background Choosing a safe disease modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. This case series study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and the course of Covid-19 infection in MS/NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab. Methods In this study, we designed a web-based questionnaire. Baseline information such as patient- reported walking disability, total number of Rituximab infusions received, delayed injections, occurrence of any relapse, and the use of corticosteroids during the pandemic were collected. Also, information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic such as adherence to self-isolation, any recent exposure to an infected individual and the presence of suggestive symptoms were collected. In case of positive test results, patients were grouped into 2 categories; mild to moderate and seriously ill and outcomes were evaluated as favorable (improved/ discharged) and unfavorable (expired). Results Two hundred fifty-eight patients with Multiple Sclerosis were enrolled in this study, 9 of the subjects (3.4%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19, five of which required hospitalizations (55.5%), two patients required ICU admission (22.2%) and 2 two patients died (22.2%). None of these patients ever mentioned using corticosteroids during the pandemic. In comparison to MS patients who were not receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT), our study indicated a higher incidence of Covid-19 infection, higher ratio of serious illness and a higher fatality ratio. Conclusions Rituximab seems not to be safe enough during the pandemic.

Background and Aims: Health injustice is defined as "unnecessary, preventable, unjustified and unfair health differences." One of the most important scientific sources on the prevention and management of urolithiasis are Cochrane reviews in this field. Given that the first step in eliminating health injustice is to identify the causes, the aim of the present study was to evaluate equity considerations in Cochrane reviews and the included primary studies on urinary stones.Methods: Cochrane reviews on kidney stones and ureteral stones were searched through the Cochrane Library. The included clinical trials in each of the reviews published after 2000 were also collected. Two different researchers reviewed all the included Cochrane reviews and primary studies. The researchers reviewed each PROGRESS criteria independently

We report two cases of previously healthy young men with COVID-19 infection who developed acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion followed by secondary events concerning for a further thromboembolic event. We hypothesize that the hypercoagulable state related to COVID-19 exacerbated the underlying hereditary thrombophilia due to MTHFR-gene mutation.

Background: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) is the gold standard therapy for ischemic stroke patients within the appropriate time interval. In addition to its undoubtedly benefits, recognizing its possible adverse effects is of utmost importance. This study aims to investigate the possible correlation between rTPA administration and the risk of post-stroke epilepsy. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we enrolled subjects identified to have an ischemic stroke event without prior history of epilepsy based on their medical records. Then, followed them retrospectively regarding any subsequent seizure or epilepsy syndromes. Results: rTPA therapy showed no correlations with seizures during the first week after stroke or with the epilepsy syndromes. Positive history of prior ischemic stroke, cortical localization of stroke, cardio embolic source of the stroke, and positive hemorrhagic complication were predictors of post-stroke seizure during the first week following the stroke event. Higher final Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and cortical localization of stroke were predictors of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). Conclusion rTPA is a safe therapeutic measure for patients with ischemic stroke with no concerns of subsequent development of post-stroke seizure or epilepsy.

Here, we report two cases of previously healthy young men with COVID‐19 infection who developed acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion followed by secondary events concerning for a further thromboembolic event. We hypothesize that the hypercoagulable state related to COVID‐19 exacerbated the underlying hereditary thrombophilia.