1 research outputs found
Manifestations and impact of the COVIDâ19 pandemic in neuroinflammatory diseases
Abstract Objective To report initial results of a planned multicenter yearâlong prospective study examining the risk and impact of COVIDâ19 among persons with neuroinflammatory disorders (NID), particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In April 2020, we deployed online questionnaires to individuals in their home environment to assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of suspected COVIDâ19 in persons with NID (PwNID) and change in their neurological care. Results Our cohort included 1115 participants (630 NID, 98% MS; 485 reference) as of 30 April 2020. 202 (18%) participants, residing in areas with high COVIDâ19 case prevalence, met the April 2020 CDC symptom criteria for suspected COVIDâ19, but only 4% of all participants received testing given testing shortages. Among all participants, those with suspected COVIDâ19 were younger, more racially diverse, and reported more depression and liver disease. PwNID had the same rate of suspected COVIDâ19 as the reference group. Early changes in disease management included telemedicine visits in 21% and treatment changes in 9% of PwNID. After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing neurological disability was associated with a greater likelihood of suspected COVIDâ19 (ORadj = 1.45, 1.17â1.84). Interpretations Our study of realâtime, patientâreported experience during the COVIDâ19 pandemic complements physicianâreported MS case registries which capture an excess of severe cases. Overall, PwNID seem to have a risk of suspected COVIDâ19 similar to the reference population