University Library
  • Login
A gateway to Melbourne's research publications
Minerva Access is the University's Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve, and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of the University of Melbourne for a global audience.
View Item 
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health
  • Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health - Research Publications
  • View Item
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health
  • Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health - Research Publications
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Evaluating the perspective of patients with MS and related conditions on their DMT in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in one MS centre in Australia

    Thumbnail
    Citations
    Altmetric
    Author
    Seery, N; Li, V; Nguyen, A-L; Roos, I; Buzzard, KA; Atvars, R; Taylor, N; Tunnell, K; Carey, J; Dwyer, C; ...
    Date
    2020-11-01
    Source Title
    Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
    Publisher
    ELSEVIER SCI LTD
    University of Melbourne Author/s
    Kalincik, Tomas; Kilpatrick, Trevor; Nguyen, Ai-Lan; Monif, Mastura; Nguyen, Ai-Lan; Roos, Izanne
    Affiliation
    Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health
    Physiology
    Medicine and Radiology
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Document Type
    Journal Article
    Citations
    Seery, N., Li, V., Nguyen, A. -L., Roos, I., Buzzard, K. A., Atvars, R., Taylor, N., Tunnell, K., Carey, J., Dwyer, C., Taylor, H. F. L., Baker, J., Marriott, M. P., Kilpatrick, T. J., Kalincik, T. & Monif, M. (2020). Evaluating the perspective of patients with MS and related conditions on their DMT in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in one MS centre in Australia. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS, 46, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2020.102516.
    Access Status
    Access this item via the Open Access location
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/254553
    DOI
    10.1016/j.msard.2020.102516
    Open Access URL
    https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC7493747?pdf=render
    Open Access at PMC
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7493747
    Abstract
    Objective: Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and on disease modifying therapies (DMTs) that can be immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory form a special group where risk of continuation of DMT needs to be taken into account with risk of contracting Covid-19. This concept can pose a degree of anxiety for patients as well as neurologists. We aimed to evaluate patient perspectives regarding the use of Natalizumab and anti-CD20 therapies (Rituximab and Ocrelizumab) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted via voluntary survey filled in by patients with MS and related disorders receiving their infusional treatment in one MS centre in Australia, exploring their concerns regarding their therapy, their therapy and COVID-19, precautions undertaken in response to the pandemic, and factors impacting their decision-making. Results: 170 patients completed the survey. Of patients on Natalizumab, the majority had either no or mild concern regarding their DMT and COVID-19, and of patients on B-cell depleting therapies, again, the majority had no or mild concern, though a slightly higher proportion had a moderate level of concern. Asked to delineate their concerns, an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 was more commonly conveyed than MS-specific factors or poor outcomes pertaining to COVID-19 if contracted, by patients in both groups. Conversely, being invited to specifically consider the possibility of contracting COVID-19 or experience a relapse of MS, almost half of the cohort rated both of equal of concern. More than half of the cohort were self-isolating more stringently than general government advice and government-related resources followed by information provided by patient's neurologist where the commonest means of information to guide decision making. Conclusions: Whilst a large proportion of patients had some concern regarding the impact of their DMT on COVID-19, whether on their risk of contracting COVID-19 or a theoretical risk for more severe disease, the overall level of concern in most cases was at most mild. Patients on B-cell depleting therapies were more inclined to express a higher level of concern. A similar concern was ascribed to a risk of a relapse or worsening MS symptoms compared to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Such attitudes may underscore a willingness of patients to continue their DMT where benefits outweigh risks during future phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Export Reference in RIS Format     

    Endnote

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format" and choose "open with... Endnote".

    Refworks

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format". Login to Refworks, go to References => Import References


    Collections
    • Minerva Elements Records [53102]
    • Medicine and Radiology - Research Publications [3320]
    • Physiology - Research Publications [390]
    • Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health - Research Publications [1300]
    Minerva AccessDepositing Your Work (for University of Melbourne Staff and Students)NewsFAQs

    BrowseCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects
    My AccountLoginRegister
    StatisticsMost Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors