Risk factors for multiple Sclerosis

D'hooge MB, Nagels G, Bissay V, De Keyser J .  Modifiable factors influencing relapses and disability in multiple sclerosis. Modifiable facors influencing  relapses and disability in multiple sclerosis.  Multiple Sclerosis 2010; 16: 773-785.

Review paper.
Strong evidence suggest relapses can be triggered by infections, the postpartum period and stressful life events.  Hormone fertility treatment may trigger relapses.

Disease progression may occur due to stressful life events,radiotherapy to the head, low levels of physical activity and low vitamin D levels.  Smoking affects disease progression clinically and by MRI.  TNF inhibitors induce exacerbation.  GCF colony stimulator factor for stem cells induces worsening in 4/10 patients. Add on statin to Betaseron may trigger relapses, larger trial is underway.

Vaccinations against influenza, tetanus and hepatitis B appear safe as are surgery, general and epidural anesthesia, and physical trauma. 

Associations with lower relapses include pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, sunlight and higher vitamin D exposure. 

Childbirth does not increase relapse rate.  Protective effect of ETOH remains to be confirmed. 

Re: [seMSc] Case - Gilenya

Please be aware of this paper:

 

Espinosa PS, Berger JR.  Delayed fingolimod associated asystole.  Multiple Sclerosis 2011; 17:1387-9.

 

A patient with MS developed asystole and sustatined bradycardia 21 hours after the first dose of fingolimod.  Patient was a 20 yo male with no prior treatment with DMT's, no personal or family history of cardiac disease.He had mild mental retardation and was taking risperidone.  He received IVMP and on day 4 began fingolimod.  The period of asystole lasted only seven seconds, was associated with brief LOC and convulsive like activity and was captured.  He remained bradycardic for two more days.  The f. was discontinued.  Authors suspect a synergistic response between fingolimod and risperidoneand possibly other psychotropic medication.

Early onset natalizumab related PML

Multiple Sclerosis 2011; 17: 1397-98 (letter)

 

23 year old with MS with EDSS of 5, failed GA, then azathioprine, then natalizumab.  After 6 doses he developed ataxia and was diagnosed with PML, confirmed by CSF. 

2 minute walk test in MS

Gijbels D, Eijnde BO, Feys P.  Comparison of the 2 and 6 minute walk test in multiple sclerosis.  Mulitple Sclerosis 17: 1269-72, 2011.

 

Authors state the shorter 2mwt is a practical alternative to the standard 6mwt in a disabled population.  40 subjects with MS, mean EDSS of 3.5, some walking with a cane, and analysis showed 2mwt was within 5 +/- 4 % of 6mwt.  Authors believe can substitute 2mwt for 6mwt based on results.

Components of Rao's brief repeatable battery of Neuropsychological tests

BRBNT

 selective reminding test

Spart- Spatial recall test

PASAT/SDMT

World List Generation

 

multiple forms used

 

also can be used with

Stroop

MADRS (depression scale)

FSS