Article
Clinical Neurology
Eva M. Strijbis, Eline Coerver, Jop Mostert, Zoe L. E. van Kempen, Joep Killestein, Jacynthe Comtois, Pavle Repovic, James D. Bowen, Gary Cutter, Marcus Koch
Summary: This study investigates the association between age and inflammatory disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using patient-level data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of natalizumab treatment. The results show that older age is associated with lower prevalence and degree of focal inflammatory disease activity in treated and untreated RRMS patients. These findings provide important insights for the design of RCTs and the decision-making process of immunomodulatory treatment in RRMS.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Harald Kropshofer, Dieter A. Haering, Ludwig Kappos, David Leppert, Jens Kuhle
Summary: The results of this study contradict with earlier large phase 3 studies, suggesting that high baseline serum neurofilament light chain levels are associated with increased risk of disability progression in MS. The authors hypothesize that this discrepancy may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of natalizumab, which suppresses inflammatory activity and renders sNfL unrelated to disability progression.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alyssa A. Toorop, Zoe Y. G. J. van Lierop, Liza M. Y. Gelissen, Elske Hoitsma, Esther M. P. E. Zeinstra, Luuk C. van Rooij, Caspar E. P. van Munster, Anke Vennegoor, Jop P. Mostert, Beatrijs H. A. Wokke, Nynke F. Kalkers, Erwin L. J. Hoogervorst, Jeroen J. J. van Eijk, Christiaan M. Roosendaal, Jolijn J. Kragt, Marijke Eurelings, Jessie van Genugten, Jessica Nielsen, Lgf Sinnige, Mark E. Kloosterziel, Edo P. J. Arnoldus, Gert W. van Dijk, Willem H. Bouvy, Mark H. J. Wessels, Lynn Boonkamp, Eva M. M. Strijbis, Bob W. van Oosten, Brigit A. De Jong, Birgit Lissenberg-Witte, Frederik Barkhof, Bastiaan Moraal, Charlotte E. Teunissen, Theo Rispens, Bernard M. J. Uitdehaag, Joep Killestein, Zoe L. E. van Kempen
Summary: Personalized extended interval dosing of natalizumab effectively controls disease activity in multiple sclerosis and can safely extend treatment intervals through therapeutic drug monitoring.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Martha Rocio Hernandez-Preciado, Jazmin Marquez-Pedroza, Nayeli Alejandra Sanchez-Rosales, Jose de Jesus Garcia-Rivera, Antonio Kobayashi-Gutierrez, Blanca Miriam Torres-Mendoza, Efrain Chavarria-Avila, Raul Alejandro Montano-Serrano, Fernando Cortes-Enriquez, Mario Alberto Mireles-Ramirez
Summary: This study evaluates the clinical files of RRMS patients and compares the effectiveness of rituximab with second-line treatments. The results show that rituximab has significant benefits in improving EDSS scores and reducing relapse rates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cavit Boz, Serkan Ozakbas, Murat Terzi, Rana Karabudak, Serhan Sevim, Recai Turkoglu, Aysun Soysal, Belgin Petek Balci, Husnu Efendi, Omer Faruk Turan, Nur Yuceyar, Mehmet Fatih Yetkin, Serap Zengin Karahan, Meltem Demirkiran, Sibel Guler, Kadriye Agan, Nefati Kiylioglu, Cavid Baba, Asli Tuncer, Mesrure Koseoglu
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of three drugs (fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab) in reducing disease activity in RRMS. The results showed that natalizumab and ocrelizumab had similar effects on relapse control, and both were better than fingolimod. The three therapies had similar effects on disability outcomes.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
S. Grahl, M. Bussas, B. Wiestler, P. Eichinger, C. Gaser, J. Kirschke, C. Zimmer, A. Berthele, B. Hemmer, M. Muehlau
Summary: This study compared the effects of Fingolimod and Natalizumab in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, finding that Fingolimod treatment led to more new white matter lesions but lower overall brain atrophy. The results support the notion that Fingolimod has stronger neuroprotective properties compared to Natalizumab.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Fabien Rollot, Justine Couturier, Romain Casey, Sandrine Wiertlewski, Marc Debouverie, Jean Pelletier, Jerome De Seze, Pierre Labauge, Aurelie Ruet, Eric Thouvenot, Jonathan Ciron, Eric Berger, Olivier Gout, Pierre Clavelou, Bruno Stankoff, Olivier Casez, Bertrand Bourre, Helene Zephir, Thibault Moreau, Christine Lebrun-Frenay, Elisabeth Maillart, Gilles Edan, Jean-Philippe Neau, Alexis Montcuquet, Philippe Cabre, Jean-Philippe Camdessanche, Gilles Defer, Haifa Ben Nasr, Aude Maurousset, Karolina Hankiewicz, Corinne Pottier, Emmanuelle Leray, Sandra Vukusic, David-Axel Laplaud
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of NTZ and anti-CD20 as a switch for FNG in highly active RRMS patients in France. The results showed no difference between the two treatments regarding the first occurrence of relapse, EDSS worsening, and MRI activity. However, there was a higher risk of treatment discontinuation with NTZ compared to anti-CD20.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mehdi Rezaee, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat, Maryam Poursadeghfard, Armin Radgoudarzi, Khosro Keshavarz
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rituximab compared to natalizumab in RRMS patients in southern Iran in 2020. The results showed that rituximab had lower treatment costs, higher effectiveness, and lower relapse rates compared to natalizumab. Therefore, rituximab can be considered a more cost-effective option for RRMS patients.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Massimo Filippi, Luigi Grimaldi, Antonella Conte, Rocco Totaro, Maria Rosaria Valente, Simona Malucchi, Franco Granella, Cinzia Cordioli, Vincenzo Brescia Morra, Chiara Zanetta, Daria Perini, Laura Santoni, EASIER Study Working Grp
Summary: The EASIER study investigates the consumption of healthcare resources and associated costs of natalizumab administration. The study finds that adopting the subcutaneous route can significantly reduce patient and healthcare professional time and costs.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jai Perumal, Roumen Balabanov, Ray Su, Roger Chang, Laura Balcer, Steven Galetta, Denise I. Campagnolo, Robin Avila, Lily Lee, Danette Rutledge, Robert J. Fox
Summary: The STRIVE study demonstrates that natalizumab treatment is effective in reducing disease activity in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, with good long-term safety and efficacy. Baseline factors such as age and brain MRI abnormalities can predict whether patients will achieve no evidence of disease activity status.
ADVANCES IN THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emanuele D'Amico, Aurora Zanghi, Nunziatina Laura Parrinello, Alessandra Romano, Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo, Clara Grazia Chisari, Simona Toscano, Francesco Di Raimondo, Mario Zappia, Francesco Patti
Summary: This study characterized the immune cell phenotypes of patients recently diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who had not received disease-modifying therapies. The results revealed differences in myeloid, B, and T cells between these patients and healthy controls.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pablo Rodriguez de Vera Gomez, Mariola Mendez Muros, Alberto Torres Cuadro, Francisco Javier Toyos Saenz de Miera, Rocio Lopez Ruiz, Raquel Guerrero Vazquez, Juan Jesus Garcia Gonzalez, Antonio Manuel Garrido Hermosilla, Tomas Martin Hernandez
Summary: This study describes the clinical and biochemical characteristics of GD-ALZ and the clinical course of GO-ALZ cases in patients treated with Alemtuzumab for RRMS. GD-ALZ was observed in 32.6% of the cases, mainly affecting women with an average age of 41.9 years. Having first-degree relatives with hypothyroidism was identified as a risk factor. GO-ALZ was diagnosed in 13.6% of the cases, with 3 cases requiring anti-IL-6 treatment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria Trojano, Lluis Ramio-Torrenta, Luigi M. E. Grimaldi, Catherine Lubetzki, Sven Schippling, Karleyton C. Evans, Zheng Ren, Kumar Kandadi Muralidharan, Stephanie Licata, Arie R. Gafson
Summary: The study aimed to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of natalizumab administered via various regimens in RRMS patients. The results showed that natalizumab 300 mg subcutaneous Q4W was comparable to 300 mg intravenous Q4W dosing with respect to efficacy, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and safety.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Zhizheng Zhuo, Yongmei Li, Yunyun Duan, Guanmei Cao, Fenglian Zheng, Jinli Ding, Decai Tian, Xinli Wang, Jinhui Wang, Xinghu Zhang, Kuncheng Li, Fuqing Zhou, Muhua Huang, Yuxin Li, Haiqing Li, Chun Zeng, Ningnannan Zhang, Jie Sun, Chunshui Yu, Xuemei Han, Sven Haller, Frederik Barkhof, Fudong Shi, Yaou Liu
Summary: Three MRI subtypes of RRMS were identified with distinct clinical and imaging features and different prognoses. The subtypes showed variations in cognitive impairment and conversion rate to SPMS.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Jamroz-Wisniewska, Radoslaw Zajdel, Agnieszka Slowik, Monika Marona, Marcin Wnuk, Monika Adamczyk-Sowa, Bozena Adamczyk, Anetta Lasek-Bal, Przemyslaw Puz, Arkadiusz Steposz, Ewa Krzystanek, Maja Patalong-Ogiewa, Anna Pokryszko-Dragan, Slawomir Budrewicz, Dorota Koziarska, Anna Karbicka, Slawomir Wawrzyniak, Waldemar Fryze, Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk, Konrad Rejdak
Summary: The study found that the NEDA-3 rate after the first year of therapy was higher for natalizumab compared to fingolimod. Patients with lower MRS on platform therapy had better outcomes when switching to second-line therapy. Early switching to second-line therapy may lead to better results for patients treated with natalizumab or fingolimod.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sven-Erik Soenksen, Sven Kuehn, Mathias Basner, Darius Gerlach, Fabian Hoffmann, Christian Muehl, Jens Tank, Hans-Juergen Noble, Katja Akguen, Tjalf Ziemssen, Jens Jordan, Ulrich Limper
Summary: This pilot study found that exposure to severe hypoxia in healthy individuals caused reversible changes in brain morphology without affecting cognitive function or brain injury markers. These findings may contribute to future translational studies on the therapeutic potential of hypoxia in neurodegenerative diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Tjalf Ziemssen, Virender Bhan, Jeremy Chataway, Tanuja Chitnis, Bruce Anthony Campbell Cree, Eva Kubala Havrdova, Ludwig Kappos, Pierre Labauge, Aaron Miller, Jin Nakahara, Celia Oreja-Guevara, Jacqueline Palace, Barry Singer, Maria Trojano, Ashwini Patil, Benedict Rauser, Thomas Hach
Summary: There are many challenges in accurately diagnosing and managing SPMS due to the lack of definitive criteria for the transition from RRMS to SPMS. This review discusses the diagnostic criteria/definition and the heterogeneity of SPMS patient populations, and emphasizes the importance of early identification through prospective/retrospective tools to improve outcomes with approved treatments. Effective interventions require ongoing patient-clinician dialogue within a multidisciplinary team.
NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Colin M. Dayan, Beatriz Lecumberri, Ilaria Muller, Sashiananthan Ganesananthan, Samuel F. Hunter, Krzysztof W. Selmaj, Hans-Peter Hartung, Eva K. Havrdova, Christopher C. LaGanke, Tjalf Ziemssen, Bart Van Wijmeersch, Sven G. Meuth, David H. Margolin, Elizabeth M. Poole, Darren P. Baker, Peter A. Senior
Summary: This study aimed to describe the endocrine and multiple sclerosis outcomes over 6 years for alemtuzumab-treated relapsing multiple sclerosis patients. The results showed that the common adverse event of this treatment was autoimmune thyroid events, but it did not affect the disease course.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL-EXPERIMENTAL TRANSLATIONAL AND CLINICAL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tammy Jiang, Tjalf Ziemssen, Sibyl Wray, Changyu Shen, Karin Soderbarg, James B. Lewin, Ivan Bozin, Mark S. Freedman
Summary: This study compared the differences between Diroximel fumarate (DRF) and ponesimod (PON) as well as DRF and teriflunomide (TERI) in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes. The study found that there was no strong evidence of differences between DRF and PON in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, but DRF showed improved efficacy compared to TERI.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marco Ghiani, Evi Zhuleku, Anja Dillenseger, Ulf Maywald, Andreas Fuchs, Thomas Wilke, Tjalf Ziemssen
Summary: This study introduces a novel database that links administrative claims and medical records, allowing for a complete capture of patient profiles. Currently including 500 patients, this database has the potential to enhance the quality and scope of real-world studies in multiple sclerosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tjalf Ziemssen, Eugen Schlegel, Marie Groth, Benjamin Ettle, Tobias Bopp
Summary: Booster vaccinations increase neutralizing antibody titers in ofatumumab-treated patients. A booster is recommended in ofatumumab-treated patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Gessner, Heidi Stoelzer-Hutsch, Katrin Trentzsch, Dirk Schriefer, Tjalf Ziemssen
Summary: In the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), there are currently no sensitive assessments to evaluate complex motor functions. The countermovement jump (CMJ) has been investigated as a reliable assessment for lower extremity motor function in healthy subjects. This study aimed to determine if CMJ could identify motor deficits in individuals with MS below the clinical threshold. The results showed that individuals with MS demonstrated significantly decreased CMJ performance compared to healthy controls, indicating that CMJ could detect motor deficits in MS patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Undine Proschmann, Puya Shalchi Amirkhiz, Pauline Andres, Rocco Haase, Hernan Inojosa, Tjalf Ziemssen, Katja Akgun
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of various pre-analytic conditions on immune cell counts and draw conclusions for clinical implications. The results suggest that storage temperature significantly affects immune cell counts, while tourniquet application duration, body position, and aspiration speed during blood draws do not have significant impacts. Pre-analytic conditions should be carefully considered when interpreting laboratory values of immune cell subpopulations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Undine Proschmann, Magdalena Mueller-Enz, Christina Woopen, Georges Katoul Al Rahbani, Rocco Haase, Anja Dillenseger, Marie Dunsche, Yassin Atta, Tjalf Ziemssen, Katja Akguen
Summary: The study found differential effects of selective versus unselective S1PRMs on the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with patients on selective S1PRMs exhibiting lower antibody levels and diminished T-cell response.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tjalf Ziemssen, Marie Groth, Veronika Eva Winkelmann, Tobias Bopp
Summary: This study examines the effect of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in patients receiving siponimod treatment. The results demonstrate favorable antibody and T-cell responses in patients at six months and after the booster dose.
Article
Immunology
Christina Woopen, Marie Dunsche, Georges Katoul Al Rahbani, Anja Dillenseger, Yassin Atta, Rocco Haase, Catarina Raposo, Rosetta Pedotti, Tjalf Ziemssen, Katja Akgun
Summary: The objective of this study was to compare cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination between multiple sclerosis (pwMS) patients on B-cell depleting treatment (BCDT) and those without immunotherapy. The results showed that BCDT patients had lower humoral responses but higher cellular responses. The immune responses decreased over time after primary vaccination and increased again after booster vaccination. Untreated and B-cell-depleted pwMS patients had higher antibody titers after booster vaccination. COVID-19 infection led to a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2-specific responses. A third vaccination for BCDT patients is recommended, and assessing T-cell responses may be helpful in evaluating the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Hernan Inojosa, Stephen Gilbert, Jakob Nikolas Kather, Undine Proschmann, Katja Akgun, Tjalf Ziemssen
NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Leone Malan, Roelof van Wyk, Roland von Kanel, Tjalf Ziemssen, Walthard Vilser, Peter M. Nilsson, Martin Magnusson, Amra Jujic, Daniel W. Mak, Faans Steyn, Nico T. Malan
Summary: The brain is the key organ that orchestrates the stress response which translates to the retina. The retina is an extension of the brain and retinal symptoms in subjects with neurodegenerative diseases substantiated the eye as a window to the brain. The retina is used in this study to determine whether chronic stress reflects neurodegenerative signs indicative of neurodegenerative conditions.
STRESS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Steffeni Mountford, Maria Kahn, Preetha Balakrishnan, Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen, Markus Eberl, Benjamin Friedrich, Natalie Joschko, Tjalf Ziemssen
Summary: BRISA is a digital app designed to help MS patients monitor their disease by tracking symptoms. Simplified versions of questionnaires can provide comparable information regarding individual symptom presentations. However, traditional questionnaires are still needed for a more objective assessment.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alasdair J. Coles, Anat Achiron, Anthony Traboulsee, Barry A. Singer, Carlo Pozzilli, Celia Oreja-Guevara, Gavin Giovannoni, Giancarlo Comi, Mark S. Freedman, Tjalf Ziemssen, Debora Shiota, Andreea M. Rawlings, Alana T. Wong, Magdalena Chirieac, Xavier Montalban
Summary: The safety risks associated with alemtuzumab treatment decreased over time, and the clinical benefits were maintained for 11-13 years, with most patients not requiring additional courses.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
(2023)
