Alonso Ricardo1, Edgar Carnero Contentti2, Silva Berenice Anabel3, López Pablo Adrian2, Garcea Orlando3, Hamuy Fernando4, Rivera Víctor5, Gracia Fernando6, Rojas Juan Ignacio7. 1. Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple (CUEM), Hospital Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Urquiza número 609, CABA, C1221 ADC, Argentina; División Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, CABA. Electronic address: ricardoalonsohrm@gmail.com. 2. Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 3. Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple (CUEM), Hospital Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Urquiza número 609, CABA, C1221 ADC, Argentina. 4. Centro Nacional de Esclerosis Múltiple Hospital IMT, Paraguay-Departamento de Neurología de Diagnóstico Codas Thompson, Paraguay. 5. Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, United States. 6. Clínica de Esclerosis Múltiple, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Santo Tomas, Panamá, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Interamericana de Panamá. 7. Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires (CEMBA), CABA, Argentina.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 and its vertiginous spreading speed represents a unique challenge to neurologists managing multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The need for data on the impact of the virus on these patients grows rapidly. There is an urgent necessity of sharing information to enable evidence-based decision making on the clinical management. There are no data on what physicians are doing on clinical practice in Latin American countries. AIM: to investigate current management opinion of Latin American MS and/or NMOSD expert neurologists based on their experience and recommendations. METHODS: we developed a voluntary web-based survey based on hypothetical situations that these patients may encounter, while taking into account the potential risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: 60% of the experts had the possibility of monitoring their patients by telemedicine. Most neurologists postpone magnetic resonance. Laboratory blood tests delay is associated with the type of treatment. Platform therapies, dimethyl-fumarate and natalizumab are considered safe options to initiate in naive patients. CONCLUSION: decision-making about MS and NMOSD patients has become even more complex in order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Risks and benefits should be taken into consideration throughout the patient follow-up.
BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 and its vertiginous spreading speed represents a unique challenge to neurologists managing multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The need for data on the impact of the virus on these patients grows rapidly. There is an urgent necessity of sharing information to enable evidence-based decision making on the clinical management. There are no data on what physicians are doing on clinical practice in Latin American countries. AIM: to investigate current management opinion of Latin American MS and/or NMOSD expert neurologists based on their experience and recommendations. METHODS: we developed a voluntary web-based survey based on hypothetical situations that these patients may encounter, while taking into account the potential risk of developing severe COVID-19infection. RESULTS: 60% of the experts had the possibility of monitoring their patients by telemedicine. Most neurologists postpone magnetic resonance. Laboratory blood tests delay is associated with the type of treatment. Platform therapies, dimethyl-fumarate and natalizumab are considered safe options to initiate in naive patients. CONCLUSION: decision-making about MS and NMOSD patients has become even more complex in order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Risks and benefits should be taken into consideration throughout the patient follow-up.