Multiple sclerosis
Researchers followed almost 4,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK between 17 March to 24 April 2020, which was early in the virus outbreak.
Over this time, six per cent of the group (237 people) reported having self-diagnosed Covid-19, among whom 23 per cent had a diagnosis from a health professional based on their symptoms and 15 per cent had it confirmed by testing. Of these, three went to hospital, and no deaths were reported. The researchers compared this data to more than 1,200 siblings of the participants who didn't have MS, of whom six per cent had a reported diagnosis of Covid 19. They concluded that the risk of contracting the virus was similar for people with MS and those without.
A new online activity has been launched to help explain the relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and coronavirus to children.
The activity, designed by Digesting Science and aimed at families with six- to 12-year-olds, takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and covers the immune system and how white blood cells fight infections like coronavirus and whether treating MS makes you more vulnerable to coronavirus. Those wanting to try the activity will need some props, including pasta, paper or card, scissors, drinking glasses, a bowl, a blindfold, a pen and some tape. Digesting Science recently hosted a series of online events for young people with MS covering the disease and issues around Covid-19, emotion, diet and lifestyle, and cognitive changes in school.
A particular combination of bacteria in the gut could worsen symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), research suggests.
Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan have found that two specific gut bacteria enhance the activity of immune cells that attack the body's own brain and spinal cord. MS is characterised by the immune system attacking the myelin that covers the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord in a process called demyelination. This process affects how the communication between neurons and with muscles, which causes the symptoms associated with the disease.
A round up of the latest developments in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research.
"It’s not the cards you’re dealt that matters, it’s how you play them that counts.” For Jessie Ace, this is a mantra that inspires her every day. It has helped her overcome her career dreams and confidence being shattered by her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, and underpins the positivity that now enables her to inspire so many others with chronic illness around the world.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted fampridine (Fampyra) for MS patients. The medicine, produced by Biogen Inc, is available to people scoring 4-7 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Scotland is the second UK nation to offer this treatment on the NHS following a decision in Wales to make fampridine available on the NHS for adults with MS.
Around half of all people with MS have difficulties at some time with aspects of thinking such as memory, concentration or problem solving, known as cognitive problems. In this study, (Lincoln, Bradshaw, Constantinescu et al, 2020) a programme designed to improve cognitive skills (CRAMMS) was tested in a large clinical trial. A total of 449 people were recruited from five MS centres in England. Just over half were assigned to the cognitive rehabilitation programme (CR group) and the remaining 204 received standard advice on how to manage cognitive difficulties from an MS nurse or occupational therapist (SA group).
Miles for MS is the MS Trust’s accessible distance challenge which takes place throughout May. Participants set their own distance challenge to complete over the course of the month, track their distance and collect sponsorship as they go. In a recent survey, the MS Trust asked some of its 2019 Miles for MS participants what they gained from taking part in the event. Most (91 per cent) of those who took part in the survey said they “intend to exercise more as a result of taking part in Miles for MS”.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) has become the first treatment for primary proressive MS to be approved in Scotland – following its approval in England last year. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has given the green light for the drug to be prescribed by the NHS for people with early inflammatory primary progressive MS. As reported by the MS Trust, this includes patients with:
- Symptoms of primary progressive MS for less than 15 years and
- An ability to walk at least 20 metres, with or without walking aids and
- Evidence of MS inflammatory activity on MRI scans.
Siponimod, a tablet taken once daily to treat secondary progressive MS (SPMS), is currently under investigation by NICE to assess whether it should be available via an NHS prescription in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland will carry out separate appraisals. National charity the MS Trust plans to make a compelling case to NICE in favour of the drug being available on the NHS – and needs input from people with MS and those who work with MS patients.
