Can coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) trigger exacerbation of multiple sclerosis? A retrospective study

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.

Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in Poland

“…Etemadifar et al did not show an evident increase of relapse incidence in individuals with MS after SARS-CoV-2 infection [39]. However, Barzegar et al based on their research conclude that COVID-19 infection can be a trigger exacerbation of MS [40]. Due to a small relapse rate in our cohort, we do not draw any conclusions based on our findings.…”

COVID-19 susceptibility and outcomes among patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Neurological worsening was reported by 15.4% of infected NMOSD patients ( Boaventura et al, 2020 ; Mantero et al, 2020 ). Recent evidence suggests that COVID-19 may trigger exacerbation of MS ( Barzegar et al, 2021d ; Garjani et al, 2021 ). However, due to short follow-up and absence of control group, it could not be possible to determine the probable association between COVID-19 and risk of relapse in NMOSD patients.…”

Demyelinating Disease of the Central Nervous System Concurrent With COVID-19

“…The diagnosis of the first patient may be ADEM but the possibility of the first presentation of MS should also be kept in mind. In the other cases, the presence of recurrence suggests the possibility of MS. Also, an increased frequency of relapses due to CoVID-19 in MS patients is rarely reported [ 16 ].…”