Open AccessManifestations and impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in neuroinflammatory diseases
Author(s) -
Levin Seth N.,
Venkatesh Shruthi,
Nelson Katie E.,
Li Yi,
Aguerre Ines,
Zhu Wen,
Masown Karman,
Rimmer Kathryn T.,
Diaconu Claudiu I.,
Onomichi Kaho B.,
Leavitt Victoria M.,
Levine Libby L.,
StraussFarber Rebecca,
Vargas Wendy S.,
Banwell Brenda,
BarOr Amit,
Berger Joseph R.,
Goodman Andrew D.,
Longbrake Erin E.,
Oh Jiwon,
WeinstockGuttman Bianca,
Thakur Kiran T.,
Edwards Keith R.,
Riley Claire S.,
Xia Zongqi,
De Jager Philip L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of clinical and translational neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.824
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2328-9503
DOI - 10.1002/acn3.51314
Subject(s) - medicine , covid-19 , pandemic , betacoronavirus , coronavirus infections , virology , pathology , disease , outbreak , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Objective To report initial results of a planned multicenter year‐long prospective study examining the risk and impact of COVID‐19 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 COVID‐19 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 COVID‐19 case prevalence, met the April 2020 CDC symptom criteria for suspected COVID‐19, but only 4% of all participants received testing given testing shortages. Among all participants, those with suspected COVID‐19 were younger, more racially diverse, and reported more depression and liver disease. PwNID had the same rate of suspected COVID‐19 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 COVID‐19 (OR adj = 1.45, 1.17–1.84). Interpretations Our study of real‐time, patient‐reported experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic complements physician‐reported MS case registries which capture an excess of severe cases. Overall, PwNID seem to have a risk of suspected COVID‐19 similar to the reference population.