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Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly symptomatic disease, with a wide range of disabilities affecting many bodily functions, even in younger persons with a short disease history. The availability of a cannabinoid oromucosal spray (Sativex) for the management of treatment-resistant MS spasticity has provided a new opportunity for many patients. Objective: Our study aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of Sativex in Italian patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity. The analysis was based on the real-world data of a large registry of Italian patients. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was conducted using data collected prospectively from an electronic registry of all patients who began to use Sativex for MS-resistant spasticity between January 2014 and February 2015 in 30 specialized MS units across Italy and were followed up for ≤ 6months. Data on drug consumption and spasticity/utility were used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Sativex, as compared with no intervention. No costs or spasticity/utility changes were assumed for no treatment intervention. The ICER was expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained, using the Italian NHS perspective and a 6-month time horizon. Results: Sativex effectiveness and consumption was estimated analyzing data of 1350 patients from the registry. These patients reported a mean (SD) utility increment of 0.087 (0.069) after 1month of treatment, 0.118 (0.073) after 3months’ treatment and 0.127 (0.080) after 6months’ treatment. The 6-month cost of treating the entire population with Sativex was €1,361,266, with a €1008 cost and 0.0284 QALYs gained per patient. The estimated ICER was €35,516 per QALY gained, with little variability around the central estimate of cost-effectiveness, as shown by the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. Conclusion: The use of Sativex could improve the quality of life of patients with a reasonable incremental cost resulting as a cost-effective option for patients with MS-resistant spasticity. These results could help clinicians and decision makers to develop improved management strategies for spasticity in patients with MS, optimizing the use of available resources.

The past decade has seen extraordinary increase in worldwide availability of and access to several large multiple sclerosis (MS) databases and registries. MS registries represent powerful tools to provide meaningful information on the burden, natural history, and long-term safety and effectiveness of treatments. Moreover, patients, physicians, industry, and policy makers have an active interest in real-world observational studies based on register data, as they have the potential to answer the questions that are most relevant to daily treatment decision-making. In 2014, the Italian MS Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian MS clinical centers, promoted and funded the creation of the Italian MS Register, a project in continuity with the existing Italian MS Database Network set up from 2001. Main objective of the Italian MS Register is to create an organized multicenter structure to collect data of all MS patients for better defining the disease epidemiology, improving quality of care, and promoting research projects in high-priority areas. The aim of this article is to present the current framework and network of the Italian MS register, including the methodology used to improve the quality of data collection and to facilitate the exchange of data and the collaboration among national and international groups. The past decade has seen extraordinary increase in worldwide availability of and access to several large multiple sclerosis (MS) databases and registries. MS registries represent powerful tools to provide meaningful information on the burden, natural history, and long-term safety and effectiveness of treatments. Moreover, patients, physicians, industry, and policy makers have an active interest in real-world observational studies based on register data, as they have the potential to answer the questions that are most relevant to daily treatment decision-making. In 2014, the Italian MS Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian MS clinical centers, promoted and funded the creation of the Italian MS Register, a project in continuity with the existing Italian MS Database Network set up from 2001. Main objective of the Italian MS Register is to create an organized multicenter structure to collect data of all MS patients for better defining the disease epidemiology, improving quality of care, and promoting research projects in high-priority areas. The aim of this article is to present the current framework and network of the Italian MS register, including the methodology used to improve the quality of data collection and to facilitate the exchange of data and the collaboration among national and international groups.

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) -1a on cognition over 5 years in mildly disabled patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).MethodsPatients aged 18-50 years with RRMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤4.0) who had completed the 3-year COGIMUS study underwent standardized magnetic resonance imaging, neurological examination, and neuropsychological testing at years 4 and 5. Predictors of cognitive impairment at year 5 were identified using multivariate analysis.ResultsOf 331 patients who completed the 3-year COGIMUS study, 265 participated in the 2-year extension study, 201 of whom (75.8%; sc IFN β-1a three times weekly: 44 µg, n = 108; 22 µg, n = 93) completed 5 years' follow-up. The proportion of patients with cognitive impairment in the study population overall remained stable between baseline (18.0%) and year 5 (22.6%). The proportion of patients with cognitive impairment also remained stable in both treatment groups between baseline and year 5, and between year 3 and year 5. However, a significantly higher proportion of men than women had cognitive impairment at year 5 (26.5% vs 14.4%, p = 0.046). Treatment with the 22 versus 44 µg dose was predictive of cognitive impairment at year 5 (hazard ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.97).ConclusionsThis study suggests that sc IFN β-1a dose-dependently stabilizes or delays cognitive impairment over a 5-year period in most patients with mild RRMS. Women seem to be more protected against developing cognitive impairment, which may indicate greater response to therapy or the inherently better prognosis associated with female sex in MS.

Although it is still debated whether chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development, many patients underwent endovascular treatment (ET) of CCSVI. The objective of the study is to evaluate the outcome and safety of ET in Italian MS patients. Italian MS centers that are part of the Italian MS Study Group were all invited to participate to this retrospective study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect detailed clinical data before and after the ET. Data from 462 patients were collected in 33 centers. ET consisted of balloon dilatation (93 % of cases) or stent application. The mean follow-up duration after ET was 31 weeks. Mean EDSS remained unchanged after ET (5.2 vs. 4.9), 144 relapses occurred in 98/462 cases (21 %), mainly in RR-MS patients. Fifteen severe adverse events were recorded in 3.2 % of cases. Given the risk of severe adverse events and the lack of objective beneficial effects, our findings confirm that at present ET should not be recommended to patients with MS.

Background Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the association between cognitive impairment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease measures in patients with relapsing–remitting (RR) MS is unclear. Objectives To study the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its relation with MRI disease measures in mildly disabled patients with RRMS. Methods Patients aged 18–50 years with RRMS (McDonald criteria) and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤4.0, who were enrolled in the Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (COGIMUS) study, underwent baseline standardized MRI complete neurological examination and neuropsychological testing. Results A total of 550 patients were enrolled, 327 of whom underwent MRI assessments. Cognitive impairment (impaired performance in ≥3 cognitive tests) was present in approximately 20% of all patients and in the subgroup who underwent MRI. T2 hyperintense and T1 hypointense lesion volumes were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment (defined as impaired performance on at least three tests of the Rao’s battery) than those without. EDSS score was also significantly higher in cognitively impaired than in cognitively preserved patients. Disease duration, depression, and years in formal education did not differ significantly between cognitively impaired and cognitively preserved patients. T2 lesion volume, performance intelligence quotient, and age were significant predictors of cognitive impairment in this population. Weak correlations were found between performance on individual cognitive tests and specific MRI measures, with T1 and T2 lesion volumes correlating with performance on most cognitive tests. Conclusions Cognitive impairment occurs in approximately one-fifth of mildly disabled patients with MS and is associated with specific MRI disease measures. Assessment of cognitive function at diagnosis could facilitate the identification of patients who may benefit from therapeutic intervention with disease-modifying therapies to prevent further lesion development.

Cladribine provides immunomodulation through selective targeting of lymphocyte subtypes. We report the results of a 96-week phase 3 trial of a short-course oral tablet therapy in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. We randomly assigned 1326 patients in an approximate 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of two cumulative doses of cladribine tablets (either 3.5 mg or 5.25 mg per kilogram of body weight) or matching placebo, given in two or four short courses for the first 48 weeks, then in two short courses starting at week 48 and week 52 (for a total of 8 to 20 days per year). The primary end point was the rate of relapse at 96 weeks. Among patients who received cladribine tablets (either 3.5 mg or 5.25 mg per kilogram), there was a significantly lower annualized rate of relapse than in the placebo group (0.14 and 0.15, respectively, vs. 0.33 ; P

Although it is debated whether chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development, many patients undergo endovascular treatment (ET) of CCSVI. A study is ongoing in Italy to evaluate the clinical outcome of ET. Severe adverse events (AEs) occurred in 15/462 subjects at a variable interval after ET: jugular thrombosis in seven patients, tetraventricular hydrocephalus, stroke, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, hypertension with tachicardia, or bleeding of bedsore in the remaining seven cases. One patient died because of myocardial infarction 10 weeks after ET. The risk of severe AEs related to ET for CCSVI must be carefully considered.

Objective: Immunomodulatory drugs (IDs) (interferon beta (IFNβ) and glatiramer acetate (GA)) reduce relapse rate and disease progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) but extensive data are not available on the effectiveness and tolerability of these drugs in childhood or adolescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IFNβ and GA in MS patients treated before 16 years of age. Methods: A research group (Immunomodulatory Treatment of Early onset MS (ITEMS)) was promoted in Italy to collect a large series of patients affected by clinically definite and RRMS and treated with IDs before 16 years of age. Fifteen centres recognized subjects suitable for inclusion: 76 patients (52 females) were collected with a mean age at onset of 12.4 (SD 2.5) years, a mean disease duration of 18.6 (SD 14.7) and a relapse rate of 3.1 (SD 2.9). Results: Results were evaluated in 65 (45 females) subjects with a pretreatment and a treatment duration >3 months: 38 were treated with IFNβ-1a once weekly (Avonex), 18 with IFNβ three times weekly (16 with Rebif, 2 with Betaferon) and nine with GA (Copaxone). The mean pretreatment period was respectively 20, 18 and 9.2 months. The treatment duration lasted respectively 23.3, 40.7 and 33.3 months. The mean annualized relapse rate decreased dramatically during the treatment: from 2.4 to 0.4 in the Avonex group, from 3.2 to 0.8 in the Rebif-Betaferon group and from 2.8 to 0.25 in the GA group. The mean final EDSS scores were respectively (in brackets the initial scores): 1.3 (1.4), 1.6 (1.8) and 0.6 (1.1). In the whole group, the final score was unchanged or reduced in all subjects except eight. Clinical side effects were recorded in 41/65 subjects (mainly in subjects treated with IFNβ), abnormal laboratory findings were observed in 13/65 subjects: they were transient in most cases. IFNβ was stopped in six cases: in four because of inefficacy and in two cases because of side effects. Conclusions: Sixty-five clinically definite MS subjects were treated during childhood or adolescence with IDs. The treatment reduced the relapse rate and the progression of the disease in most cases. Side effects were common in subjects treated with IFNβ, but were well tolerated in most cases.

none 25 no Abstract OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and dose-dependency of mitoxantrone (MTX)-associated acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) in the network of Italian multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients treated with MTX in MS centers under the Italian national health care system between 1998 and 2008. Demographic, disease, treatment, and follow-up information were collected using hospital records. RESULTS: Data were available for 3,220 patients (63% women) from 40 Italian centers. Follow-up (mean ± SD) was 49 ± 29 months (range 12-140 months). We observed 30 cases of AML (incidence 0.93% [95% confidence interval 0.60%-1.26%]). The mean cumulative dose was higher in patients with AML (78 vs 65 mg/m(2), p = 0.028). The median interval from the start of therapy to AML diagnosis was longer than expected at 33 months (range 13-84 months); 8 patients (27%) developed AML 4 years or more after the first MTX infusion. The rate of mortality associated with AML was 37%. CONCLUSIONS: This higher than expected risk of AML and related mortality requires that treatment decisions must be made jointly between clinicians and patients who understand their prognosis, treatment options, and treatment-related risks. The now large exposed MS population must be monitored for hematologic abnormalities for at least 6 years from the end of therapy, to ensure the rapid actions needed for early diagnosis and treatment of AML. none Martinelli V; Cocco E; Capra R; Salemi G; Gallo P; Capobianco M; Pesci I; Ghezzi A; Pozzilli C; Lugaresi A; Bellantonio P; Amato MP; Grimaldi LM; Trojano M; Mancardi GL; Bergamaschi R; Gasperini C; Rodegher M; Straffi L; Ponzio M; Comi G; For The Italian Mitoxantrone Group; De Luca G; Di Tommaso V; Farina D Martinelli V; Cocco E; Capra R; Salemi G; Gallo P; Capobianco M; Pesci I; Ghezzi A; Pozzilli C; Lugaresi A; Bellantonio P; Amato MP; Grimaldi LM; Trojano M; Mancardi GL; Bergamaschi R; Gasperini C; Rodegher M; Straffi L; Ponzio M; Comi G; For The Italian Mitoxantrone Group; De Luca G; Di Tommaso V; Farina D

Background: There are a few and conflicting results from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to the influence of gender in response to currently used disease modifying drugs in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Observational studies may be especially valuable for answering effectiveness questions in subgroups not studied in RCTs. Objective: To conduct a post-marketing analysis aimed to evaluate the gender effect on Interferon beta (IFN beta) treatment response in a cohort of relapsing (RR) MS patients. Methods: A cohort of 2570 IFN beta-treated RRMS was prospectively followed for Lip to 7 years in 15 Italian MS Centers. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess gender differences for risk of reaching 1st relapse and risk of progression by I point on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. Gender effects were also explored by a propensity score (PS) matching algorithm, and a tree-growing technique. Results: The multivariate Cox Regression analyses showed that male patients had a significant (p = 0.0097) lower risk for 1st relapse and a trend (p = 0.0897) for a higher risk to reach I point EDSS progression than females. The PS matched multivariate Cox Regression confirmed these results. The RECPAM analysis showed that male sex conferred a significant reduction in the risk for 1st relapse (HR = 0.86; 95% Cl = 0.76-0.98; p = 0.0226) in the subgroup with a low pre-treatment number of bouts, and a significant increase in the risk for I point EDSS progression (HR = 1.33; 95% Cl: 1.00-1.76; p

Objective: The aim of the study was to perform a third cognitive assessment in our pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) patient cohort and determine predictors of the individual cognitive outcome. Methods: After 4.7 ± 0.7 years from baseline evaluation, 48 of 63 patients in the original cohort were reassessed on an extensive neuropsychological battery and compared with 46 healthy controls. Two alternate versions of the tests were used at different assessment points. Cognitive impairment was defined as the failure of ≥3 tests; individual change in the cognitive impairment index was measured. Results: At year 5, 38% of the subjects with MS fulfilled our criterion for impairment. Between years 2 and 5, regarding individual cognitive impairment index change, 66.7% of the patients improved. However, comparing baseline and 5-year testing (when the same versions of the tests were used), cognitive impairment index deterioration was observed in 56% of the patients, improvement in 25%, and stability in 18.8%. A deteriorating performance was related to male sex, younger age and age at MS onset, and lower education. None of these variables, however, was retained in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Cognitive outcome in pediatric-onset MS can be heterogeneous. Progression of cognitive problems in a few subjects and potential for compensation and improvement in others call for systematic cognitive screening in this population and development of effective treatment strategies.

Background Improved prognosis in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing immunosuppressive treatment with mitoxantrone (MITO) has led to an increased interest in the effect of such treatments on fertility. FErtility and Mitoxantrone In MS (FEMIMS) is a collaborative retrospective study aimed at evaluating the impact of MITO treatment on fertility in women with MS. Methods Occurrence of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) was evaluated in 189 women with MS treated with MITO before the age of 45. An “ad hoc” questionnaire, paying particular attention to onset of CIA either during or post-MITO treatment, was administered to each patient. The probability of CIA was calculated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis taking into account age at exposure, cumulative dose, and use of estroprogestinic (EP) drugs during treatment. Results Forty-eight (26%) patients presented CIA following MITO. The probability of CIA was increased by 2%/mg/m2 of cumulative dose and by 18% for each year of age, whereas it was reduced by administration of EP during treatment. Conclusions MITO treatment may affect reproductive capacity in women with MS. Patients of childbearing age should be properly counseled before MITO treatment and EP therapy should be administered to reduce the risk of CIA.

Relapsing Devic's neuromyelitis optica (DNO) may be clinically undistinguishable from multiple sclerosis (MS), thus the differential diagnosis relies mainly on neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. We studied CSF samples from 44 patients with DNO submitted to at least one lumbar puncture. Pleocytosis, IgG synthesis and blood brain barrier damage were the most frequent abnormalities, pleocytosis being very suggestive of DNO in patients fulfilling clinical and MRI diagnostic criteria. Pleocytosis > or =50 cells/mm3 is more frequent in the active phases of the disease. Oligoclonal bands (OBs) should be re-considered within the diagnostic criteria of DNO for possible variations in time: at variance with MS they may also disappear. Thus, more than one CSF examination should be done in the presence of suspected DNO, preferably in different disease phases. Although uncommon, OBs do not exclude DNO if optic nerve and spinal cord are the only sites of white matter damage, provided that cerebral MRI is normal at onset and during follow up.

Background Few studies have systematically addressed the role of epidural analgesia and caesarean delivery in predicting the post-partum disease activity in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of epidural analgesia (EA) and caesarean delivery (CD) on the risk of post-partum relapses and disability in women with MS. Methods In the context of an Italian prospective study on the safety of immunomodulators in pregnancy, we included pregnancies occurred between 2002 and 2008 in women with MS regularly followed-up in 21 Italian MS centers. Data were gathered through a standardized, semi-structured interview, dealing with pregnancy outcomes, breastfeeding, type of delivery (vaginal or caesarean) and EA. The risk of post-partum relapses and disability progression (1 point on the Expanded Disability Status Sclae, EDSS, point, confirmed after six months) was assessed through a logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results We collected data on 423 pregnancies in 415 women. Among these, 349 pregnancies resulted in full term deliveries, with a post-partum follow-up of at least one year (mean follow-up period 5.5±3.1 years). One hundred and fifty-five patients (44.4%) underwent CD and 65 (18.5%) EA. In the multivariate analysis neither CD, nor EA were associated with a higher risk of post-partum relapses. Post-partum relapses were related to a higher EDSS score at conception (OR=1.42; 95% CI 1.11-1.82; p=0.005), a higher number of relapses in the year before pregnancy (OR=1.62; 95% CI 1.15-2.29; p=0.006) and during pregnancy (OR=3.07; 95% CI 1.40-6.72; p=0.005). Likewise, CD and EA were not associated with disability progression on the EDSS after delivery. The only significant predictor of disability progression was the occurrence of relapses in the year after delivery (disability progression in the year after delivery: OR= 4.00; 95% CI 2.0-8.2; p Conclusions Our findings, show no correlation between EA, CD and postpartum relapses and disability. Therefore these procedures can safely be applied in MS patients. On the other hand, post-partum relapses are significantly associated with increased disability, which calls for the need of preventive therapies after delivery.

International audience; Objectives: The long-term impact of interferon-beta-1b (IFN) might be improved by short-term immunosuppression with mitoxantrone (MITOX) in aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (ARMS) patients. Methods: In this 3-year clinical and MRI study, 109 ARMS patients (two or more relapses in the previous 12 months and one or more gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing MRI lesion) were randomised into two groups: 54 patients received MITOX monthly (12 mg/m2; maximum 20 mg) combined with 1 g of methylprednisolone (MP) for 6 months followed by IFN for the last 27 months, and 55 patients received IFN for 3 years combined with 1 g of MP monthly for the first 6 months. The primary endpoint was the time to worsen by at least one Expanded Disability Status Scale point confirmed at 3 months. Results: The time to worsen by at least one Expanded Disability Status Scale point confirmed at 3 months was delayed by 18 months in the MITOX group compared with the IFN group (p

In a 12-month phase 3 study in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), TRANSFORMS, fingolimod showed greater efficacy on relapse rates and MRI outcomes compared with interferon beta-1a. We had two aims in our extension: to compare year 2 with year 1 in the switched patients to assess the effect of a change from interferon beta-1a to fingolimod, and to compare over 24 months the treatment groups as originally randomised to assess the effect of delaying the start of treatment with fingolimod. METHODS: Patients randomly assigned to receive 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg daily oral fingolimod in the core study continued with the same treatment in our extension; patients who originally received 30 μg weekly intramuscular interferon beta-1a were randomly reassigned (1:1) to receive either 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg fingolimod. The initial randomisation and dose of fingolimod assigned for the extension remained masked to the patients and investigators. As in the core study, re-randomisation was done centrally in blocks of six and stratified according to site. Our efficacy endpoints were annualised relapse rate (ARR), disability progression, and MRI outcomes. Our within-group analyses were based on the intention-to-treat and safety populations that entered our extension study. Our between-group analyses were based on the intention-to-treat and safety populations from the core study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00340834. FINDINGS: 1027 patients entered our extension and received the study drug, and 882 completed 24 months of treatment. Patients receiving continuous fingolimod showed persistent benefits in ARR (0.5 mg fingolimod [n=356], 0.12 [95% CI 0.08-0.17] in months 0-12 vs 0.11 [0.08-0.16] in months 13-24; 1.25 mg fingolimod [n=330], 0.15 [0.10-0.21] vs 0.11 [0.08-0.16]; however, in patients who initially received interferon beta-1a, ARR was lower after switching to fingolimod compared with the previous 12 months (interferon beta-1a to 0.5 mg fingolimod [n=167], 0.31 [95% CI 0.22-0.43] in months 0-12 vs 0.22 [0.15-0.31], in months 13-24 p=0.049; interferon beta-1a to 1.25 mg fingolimod [n=174], 0.29 [0.20-0.40] vs 0.18 [0.12-0.27], p=0.024). After switching to fingolimod, numbers of new or newly enlarging T2 and gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing T1 lesions were significantly reduced compared with the previous 12 months of interferon beta-1a therapy (p

In adult-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) cases, major depression, fatigue and psychological distress are common, whereas there is little information on these issues in children with the disease. The aim of this study was to assess psychosocial disorders in an Italian cohort of children and adolescent with MS. We evaluated 56 patients through self-assessment scales of depression (Children Depression Inventory) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), a psychiatric interview [Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL)] and an interview on school and everyday activities. Significant fatigue was found in 11 patients (20%). Twelve of the 39 patients who underwent the K-SADS-PL received a formal diagnosis of an affective disorder. Moreover, MS affected school activities in 28% of cases, daily living activities in 41% and social relationships in 28%. Our study confirms the critical role of psychosocial difficulties in children and adolescents with MS and provides a few cues to clinical management.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the Betaferon Efficacy Yielding Outcomes of a New Dose (BEYOND) trial was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 250 microg or 500 microg interferon beta-1b with glatiramer acetate for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Between November, 2003, and June, 2005, 2447 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were screened and 2244 patients were enrolled in this prospective, multicentre, randomised trial. Patients were randomly assigned 2:2:1 by block randomisation with regional stratification to receive one of two doses of interferon beta-1b (250 microg or 500 microg) subcutaneously every other day or 20 mg glatiramer acetate subcutaneously every day. The primary outcome was relapse risk, defined as new or recurrent neurological symptoms separated by at least 30 days from the preceding event and that lasted at least 24 h. Secondary outcomes were progression on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and change in T1-hypointense lesion volume. Clinical outcomes were assessed quarterly for 2.0-3.5 years; MRI was done at screening and annually thereafter. Analysis was by per protocol. This study is registered, number NCT00099502. FINDINGS: We found no differences in relapse risk, EDSS progression, T1-hypointense lesion volume, or normalised brain volume among treatment groups. Flu-like symptoms were more common in patients treated with interferon beta-1b (p

To assess the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on cognitive and psychosocial functioning in childhood and juvenile cases.We used an extensive neuropsychological battery assessing IQ, memory, attention/concentration, executive functions, and language. Fatigue and depression were also measured. An interview on school and daily living activities was obtained from the parents. Performance of cases was compared with that of demographically matched healthy controls.Sixty-three patients and 57 healthy controls were assessed. Five patients (8%) exhibited a particularly low IQ (70). Criteria for cognitive impairment (failure on at least three tests) were fulfilled in 19 patients (31%), whereas 32 patients (53%) failed at least two tests. Beyond deficits in memory, complex attention, and executive functions, the profile of deficits was characterized by involvement of linguistic abilities. In the regression analysis, the only significant predictor of cognitive impairment was an IQ score lower than 90 (odds ratio [OR] 18.2, 95% CI 4.6-71.7, p0.001). Considering the IQ score as a dependent variable, the only significant predictor was represented by younger age at onset (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9, p = 0.009). Depressive symptoms were reported by 6% of the cases, and fatigue was reported by 73% of the cases. MS negatively affected school and everyday activities in 56% of the subjects.In childhood and juvenile cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with cognitive impairment and low IQ scores, the latter related to younger age at onset. These aspects are of critical importance in helping children and adolescents with MS to manage their difficulties and psychosocial challenges.

The ITEM study group was organised in Italy to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of interferon-beta (IFNbeta) and glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated before 16 years of age. Eighty-six patients (58 females) were included in our database: as subjects with pre- and treatment duration3 months were excluded, the data of 81 subjects were analysed: 51 were treated with IFNbeta-1a 6 million once weekly (Avonex), 19 with IFNbeta three times weekly (16 with Rebif, 3 with Betaferon) and 11 with GA (Copaxone). The mean age at onset was 12.4 (SD 2.4) years and the mean pre-treatment duration was 19.7 (SD 25.5) months. After a treatment duration of 36.1 (SD 24.2) months, the mean annualised relapse rate decreased from 2.8 (SD 2.6) to 0.5 (SD 0.7). The EDSS score remained unchanged (basal=1.4, final=1,4). Clinical side effects were recorded in 46 subjects of the IFNB group, transient in 35 (flu-like syndrome in 24, headache in 12, myalgia in 10, injection reaction in 5, fever in 3) and persistent in 11 (headache in 5, fever in 4, flu-like syndrome in 3, myalgia in 3, injection reaction in 1). In the GA-treated group, side effects were recorded in 3 cases: injection reaction in 2 and transient chest pain in 1. Abnormal laboratory findings (mainly reduction of WBC) were observed in 24 subjects (transient in 22). Nine subjects treated with Avonex discontinued the treatment: 7 shifted to Rebif, 2 stopped the therapy. Four subjects treated with INFbeta three times weekly shifted to other medications and 2 increased the dose. Four subjects treated with GA discontinued the treatment: 3 shifted to other medications and 1 stopped GA because of injection reaction. On the whole, 3 cases stopped the treatment definitively. To conclude 81, clinically definite MS subjects were treated during childhood or adolescence with immunomodulatory drugs. The treatment was generally well tolerated. It reduced the relapse rate and the progression of the disease in most cases.

Background: The precise relationships among quality of life, depression, fatigue and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and poorly understood. Objective: To assess the effects of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on quality of life, depression and fatigue over 3 years in the COGIMUS study, and to examine the relationship between these outcomes and baseline cognitive status. Methods: COGIMUS was an observational 3-year trial assessing cognitive function in 459 patients with relapsing–remitting MS treated with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a. Results: In total, 331 patients completed the study (168 received interferon beta-1a, 44 µg subcutaneously three times weekly, and 163 received interferon beta-1a, 22 µg subcutaneously three times weekly). Mean MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) composite scores did not change over time. There were no significant differences between groups in MSQoL-54 composite scores when patients were grouped by treatment dose and baseline cognitive status. Mean (standard deviation) Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased from 6.8 (4.9) at baseline to 5.8 (5.9) at year 3. Mean total Fatigue Impact Scale scores were low ( Conclusion: Quality of life, depression and fatigue remained largely stable over 3 years; no effects of treatment dose or baseline cognitive status were found.

BACKGROUND: Most of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients undergo disease modifying drug (DMD) therapy at childbearing age. The objective of this prospective, collaborative study, was to assess outcomes of pregnancies fathered by MS patients undergoing DMD. METHODS: Structured interviews on pregnancies fathered by MS patients gathered in the Italian Pregnancy Dataset were collected; pregnancies were divided according to father exposure or unexposure to DMD at time of procreation. Treatment were compared with multivariable logistic and linear models. RESULTS: Seventy-eight pregnancies fathered by MS patients were tracked. Forty-five patients were taking DMD at time of conception (39 beta-interferons, 6 glatiramer acetate), while 33 pregnancies were unexposed to DMD. Seventy-five pregnancies ended in live-births, 44 in the exposed and 31 in the unexposed group. No significant differences between the two groups were found in the risk of spontaneous abortion or malformations (p > 0.454), mean gestational age (p = 0.513), frequency of cesarean delivery (p = 0.644), birth weight (p = 0.821) and birth length (p = 0.649). In comparison with data of the Italian general population, the proportion of spontaneous abortion and caesarean delivery in exposed pregnancies fell within the estimates, while the proportion of pre-term delivery in the exposed group was higher than expected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate no association between paternal DMD exposure at time of conception and risk of spontaneous abortion, adverse fetal outcomes and congenital malformations. Further studies clarifying the role of DMD fathers intake prior and during pregnancy are desirable, to supply guidelines for clinical practice.

At the end of 2006, a pharmacovigilance program on natalizumab was settled by the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, and on January 2007, multiple sclerosis patients poorly responding to the immunomodulating therapies or with an aggressive clinical form of disease from onset initiated to be registered and to receive the medication. On February 2010, almost 3,000 cases have been treated with natalizumab. The drop-out rate is 10%. Almost 800 cases received cycles of natalizumab for more than 18 months. One case of PML was reported and other adverse events are similar to those described in phase III studies. The majority of cases remained stable, while in 25% of cases, an improvement of disability was documented.

OBJECTIVE: Recent findings support greater efficacy of early vs. delayed interferon beta (IFNbeta) treatment in patients with a first clinical event suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early IFNbeta treatment in definite relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and to assess the optimal time to initiate IFNbeta treatment with regard to the greatest benefits on disability progression. METHODS: A cohort of 2,570 IFNbeta-treated RRMS patients was prospectively followed for up to 7 years in 15 Italian MS Centers. A Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for propensity score (PS) quintiles was used to assess differences between groups of patients with early vs. delayed IFNbeta treatment on risk of reaching a 1-point progression in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and the EDSS 4.0 and 6.0 milestones. A set of PS-adjusted Cox hazards regression models were calculated according to different times of treatment initiation (within 1 year up to within 5 years from disease onset). A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of findings. RESULTS: The lowest hazard ratios (HRs) for the three PS quintiles-adjusted models were obtained by a cutoff of treatment initiation within 1 year from disease onset. Early treatment significantly reduced the risk of reaching a 1-point progression in EDSS score (HR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.48-0.85; p < 0.002), and the EDSS 4.0 milestone (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.36-0.90; p = 0.015). Sensitivity analysis showed the bound of significance for unmeasured confounders. INTERPRETATION: Greater benefits on disability progression may be obtained by an early IFNbeta treatment in RRMS.

Background and purpose Receiving clear, complete and up-to-date information and having a satisfying relationship with the health professional (HP) are of primary importance for MS patients. Healthcare organization plays a key role in promoting an effective relationship and communication between patients and HPs. The present study aims to explore which care organization and service characteristics provided by Italian MS centres best predict patients’ satisfaction with healthcare. Methods Eighty-one centres and 707 patients (502 women, mean age 40.5 years, SD 10.2; mean education 12.2 years, SD 3.6; time since diagnosis 5.9 years, SD 1.5) were included in the analysis. The care organization and service provided by each centre were evaluated in comparison with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on management of MS. Patients’ satisfaction with care was measured using the patient self-assessed questionnaire ‘Comunicazione medico-paziente nella Sclerosi Multipla, revised’ section 2 (COSM-R section 2). Results The clinical characteristics of patients significantly affected their satisfaction. A multivariate regression model showed that higher patients’ satisfaction (COSM-R score) was inversely associated with hospital size (number of patients under care) (β = −0.21, 95% confidence interval −0.35; −0.07) and directly associated with psychological interventions (β = 2.44, 95% confidence interval 0.29; 4.59). Conclusions Multiple sclerosis patients from larger hospitals are less satisfied with the information received and the relationship with HPs. Building an individualized relationship between patients and HPs and tailoring the communication of information improve patients’ satisfaction. Such a goal is probably less likely to be accomplished in larger centres with many incoming patients. Moreover, when the centres also provide structured psychological interventions, the patients are more satisfied.

ObjectiveTo assess the risk of disease reactivation during pregnancy after natalizumab suspension in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsData of all pregnancies occurring between 2009 and 2015 in patients with MS treated with natalizumab and referring to 19 participating sites were collected and compared with those of pregnancies in untreated patients and patients treated with injectable immunomodulatory agents through a 2-factor repeated measures analysis. Predictors of disease activity were assessed through stepwise multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 92 pregnancies were tracked in 83 women receiving natalizumab. Among these pregnancies, 74 in 70 women resulted in live births, with a postpartum follow-up of at least 1 year, and were compared with 350 previously published pregnancies. Relapse rate during and after pregnancy was higher in women treated with natalizumab (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, longer natalizumab washout period was the only predictor of relapse occurrence during pregnancy (p = 0.001). Relapses in the postpartum year were related to relapses during pregnancy (p = 0.019) and early reintroduction of disease-modifying drugs (DMD; p = 0.021). Disability progression occurred in 16.2% of patients and was reduced by early reintroduction of DMD (p = 0.024).ConclusionsTaken as a whole, our findings indicate that the combination of avoiding natalizumab washout and the early resumption of DMD after delivery could be the best option in the perspective of maternal risk. This approach must take into account possible fetal risks that need to be discussed with the mother and require further investigation.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that in women with MS, the risk of relapses during pregnancy is higher in those who had been using natalizumab as compared to those who had been using interferon-β or no treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the effect of plasma exchange (PLEX; yes = PLEX+ , no = PLEX- ) and steroids administration timing (prophylactically [proST] or therapeutically [therST]) on the longitudinal clinical course of patients with natalizumab-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and full-blown immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS). METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 42 Italian patients with PML were analyzed. Patient's data are available until 12 months after PML diagnosis. PLEX and steroids treatment as time-dependent covariates were entered in: (1) a Cox model to investigate their impact on full-blown PML-IRIS latency; (2) an analysis of variance ANOVA to investigate their impact on IRIS duration; and (3) a linear mixed model to assess their impact on the longitudinal clinical course (measured by means of Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]). RESULTS: Treatment with PLEX was not associated to PML-IRIS latency (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; p = 0.92), but once IRIS emerged, its duration was significantly longer in patients who underwent PLEX (101 vs 54 days in PLEX+ and PLEX- patients; p = 0.028). Receiving proST versus therST was not associated to IRIS latency (HR = 0.67; p = 0.39) or duration (p = 0.95). Patients who underwent proST had a significantly higher EDSS increase during PML (0.09 EDSS points per month; p = 0.04) as compared to those who had therST. INTERPRETATION: This study highlights that: (1) caution on the use of PLEX should be considered as the current data do not support a beneficial effect of PLEX and (2) caution on the early use of steroids is suggested because their prophylactic use to prevent full-blown PML-IRIS seems to negatively impact on the longitudinal disability course.

Objectives: The aim was to analyse risk of relapse phenotype recurrence in multiple sclerosis and to characterise the effect of demographic and clinical features on this phenotype. Methods: Information about relapses was collected using MSBase, an international observational registry. Associations between relapse phenotypes and history of similar relapses or patient characteristics were tested with multivariable logistic regression models. Tendency of relapse phenotypes to recur sequentially was assessed with principal component analysis. Results: Among 14,969 eligible patients (89,949 patient-years), 49,279 phenotypically characterised relapses were recorded. Visual and brainstem relapses occurred more frequently in early disease and in younger patients. Sensory relapses were more frequent in early or non-progressive disease. Pyramidal, sphincter and cerebellar relapses were more common in older patients and in progressive disease. Women presented more often with sensory or visual symptoms. Men were more prone to pyramidal, brainstem and cerebellar relapses. Importantly, relapse phenotype was predicted by the phenotypes of previous relapses. (OR = 1.8–5, p = 10-14). Sensory, visual and brainstem relapses showed better recovery than other relapse phenotypes. Relapse severity increased and the ability to recover decreased with age or more advanced disease. Conclusion: Relapse phenotype was associated with demographic and clinical characteristics, with phenotypic recurrence significantly more common than expected by chance.

Introduction Immunosuppressive agents (ISA) have been used in multiple sclerosis (MS) for decades, frequently as off label licensed therapies. Given the new MS treatment landscape, what place do ISA have in combating MS? Methods We conducted a retrospective multicentre study to investigate the frequency of ISA prescription in 17 Italian MS centres, and to describe the clinical factors related to ISA use. Results Out of 6,447 MS patients, 2,034 (31.6%) were treated with ISA, with Azathioprine being the most frequently used ISA overall. MS patients treated with ISA alone were more frequently affected by the progressive course (both primary and secondary) of the disease (RRR 5.82, 95% CI 4.14–8.16, p

Lugaresi, Alessandra/0000-0003-2902-5589; Horakova, Dana/0000-0003-1915-0036; amato, Maria Pia/0000-0003-3325-3760; Havrdova, Eva Kubala/0000-0002-9543-4359; Slee, Mark/0000-0003-4323-2453; Jokubaitis, Vilija G./0000-0002-3942-4340; Oreja-Guevara, Celia/0000-0002-9221-5716; Petersen, Thor/0000-0001-5633-2600; pucci, eugenio/0000-0001-7606-7330; , Carolyn/0000-0001-6971-8203; van Pesch, Vincent/0000-0003-2885-9004; Butzkueven, Helmut/0000-0003-3940-8727; Trojano, Maria/0000-0002-6329-8946; Young, Carolyn/0000-0003-1745-7720; Kalincik, Tomas/0000-0003-3778-1376; Kister, Ilya/0000-0003-3549-949X WOS: 000372890900008 PubMed: 26199347 Objective: We aimed to analyse the effect of the introduction of fingolimod, the first oral disease-modifying therapy, on treatment utilisation and persistence in an international cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: MSBASIS, a prospective, observational sub-study of the MSBase registry, collects demographic, clinical and paraclinical data on patients followed from MS onset (n=4718). We conducted a multivariable conditional risk set survival analysis to identify predictors of treatment discontinuation, and to assess if the introduction of fingolimod has altered treatment persistence. Results: A total of 2640 patients commenced immunomodulatory therapy. Following the introduction of fingolimod, patients were more likely to discontinue all other treatments (hazard ratio 1.64, p

This study jointly examined illness beliefs held by persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and caregivers in relation to well-being. A group of 68 PwMS and their caregivers completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, Psychological Well-being Scales, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule. Findings revealed that PwMS’ well-being was primarily predicted by their own illness beliefs, and that also caregivers’ well-being was primarily predicted by their own beliefs. Across the two groups, well-being was positively associated with their belief that they understood the disease, and inversely associated with their representations of negative emotions. In addition, among PwMS, well-being was inversely associated with the number of symptoms they specifically attributed to their illness, while among caregivers, well-being was positively associated with beliefs that treatment could control the disease. Based on the study findings, psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral strategies are suggested to promote well-being among PwMS and caregivers.

Objectives: We assessed global and regional hippocampal volume abnormalities in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their correlations with clinical, neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging metrics. Methods: From 53 pediatric MS patients and 18 healthy controls, global hippocampal volume was computed using a manual tracing procedure. Regional hippocampal volume modifications were assessed using a radial mapping analysis. MS patients with abnormal performance in three or more tests of a neuropsychological battery for children were classified as cognitively impaired. Results: Global hippocampal volume was reduced in MS patients compared with controls, but did not correlate with clinical, neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging measures. Compared to controls, MS patients experienced bilateral radial atrophy of the cornu ammonis, subiculum and dentate gyrus subfields as well as radial hypertrophy of the dentate gyrus subfield. Regional hippocampal volume modifications correlated with brain T2 lesion volume as well as attention and language abilities. Global hippocampal volume did not differ between cognitively impaired ( n=12) and cognitively preserved MS patients. Compared to cognitively preserved, cognitively impaired MS patients had atrophy of the subiculum and dentate gyrus subfields of the right hippocampus. Conclusions: Hippocampal subregions have different vulnerability to damage in pediatric MS. Regional rather than global hippocampal involvement contributes to global cognitive impairment as well as to deficits of selected cognitive tests.

Objectives: We investigated resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the cerebellar dentate nuclei in paediatric MS patients and its correlations with clinical, neuropsychological and structural MRI measures. Methods: RSFC analysis was performed using a seed-region correlation approach and SPM8 from 48 paediatric MS patients and 27 matched healthy controls. Results: In both groups, dentate nuclei RSFC was significantly correlated with RSFC of several cerebellar and extra-cerebellar brain regions. Compared with healthy controls, paediatric MS patients had reduced RSFC between the right dentate nuclei and the bilateral caudate nuclei and left thalamus as well as increased RSFC between the right dentate nuclei and the left precentral and postcentral gyri. Cognitively impaired patients showed a reduced RSFC between the dentate nuclei and bilateral regions located in the parietal, frontal and temporal lobes. Decreased RSFC was correlated with longer disease duration and higher T2 lesion volumes, whereas increased RSFC correlated with shorter disease duration, lower T2 lesion volume and a better motor performance. Conclusions: Modifications of cerebellar RSFC occur in paediatric MS and are influenced by the duration of the disease and brain focal lesions. Decreased RSFC may reflect early maladaptive plasticity contributing to cognitive impairment.

none 34 no studio multicentrico The comparative effectiveness of fingolimod versus interferon beta/glatiramer acetate was assessed in a multicentre, observational, prospectively acquired cohort study including 613 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis discontinuing natalizumab in the Italian iMedWeb registry. First, after natalizumab suspension, the relapse risk during the untreated wash-out period and during the course of switch therapies was estimated through Poisson regression analyses in separated models. During the wash-out period an increased risk of relapses was found in patients with a higher number of relapses before natalizumab treatment (incidence rate ratio = 1.31, P = 0.0014) and in patients discontinuing natalizumab due to lack of efficacy (incidence rate ratio = 2.33, P = 0.0288), patient's choice (incidence rate ratio = 2.18, P = 0.0064) and adverse events (incidence rate ratio = 2.09, P = 0.0084). The strongest independent factors influencing the relapse risk after the start of switch therapies were a wash-out duration longer than 3 months (incidence rate ratio = 1.78, P < 0.0001), the number of relapses experienced during and before natalizumab treatment (incidence rate ratio = 1.61, P < 0.0001; incidence rate ratio = 1.13, P = 0.0118, respectively) and the presence of comorbidities (incidence rate ratio = 1.4, P = 0.0097). Switching to fingolimod was associated with a 64% reduction of the adjusted-risk for relapse in comparison with switching to interferon beta/glatiramer acetate (incidence rate ratio = 0.36, P < 0.0001). Secondly, patients who switched to fingolimod or to interferon beta/glatiramer acetate were propensity score-matched on a 1-to-1 basis at the switching date. In the propensity score-matched sample a Poisson model showed a significant lower incidence of relapses in patients treated with fingolimod in comparison with those treated with interferon beta/glatiramer acetate (incidence rate ratio = 0.52, P = 0.0003) during a 12-month follow-up. The cumulative probability of a first relapse after the treatment switch was significantly lower in patients receiving fingolimod than in those receiving interferon beta/glatiramer acetate (P = 0.028). The robustness of this result was also confirmed by sensitivity analyses in subgroups with different wash-out durations (less or more than 3 months). Time to 3-month confirmed disability progression was not significantly different between the two groups (Hazard ratio = 0.58; P = 0.1931). Our results indicate a superiority of fingolimod in comparison to interferon beta/glatiramer acetate in controlling disease reactivation after natalizumab discontinuation in the real life setting. none Iaffaldano, Pietro; Lucisano, Giuseppe; Pozzilli, Carlo; Brescia Morra, Vincenzo; Ghezzi, Angelo; Millefiorini, Enrico; Patti, Francesco; Lugaresi, Alessandra; Zimatore, Giovanni Bosco; Marrosu, Maria Giovanna; Amato, Maria Pia; Bertolotto, Antonio; Bergamaschi, Roberto; Granella, Franco; Coniglio, Gabriella; Tedeschi, Gioacchino; Sola, Patrizia; Lus, Giacomo; Ferrò, Maria Teresa; Iuliano, Gerardo; Corea, Francesco; Protti, Alessandra; Cavalla, Paola; Guareschi, Angelica; Rodegher, Mariaemma; Paolicelli, Damiano; Tortorella, Carla; Lepore, Vito; Prosperini, Luca; Saccà, Francesco; Baroncini, Damiano; Comi, Giancarlo; Trojano, Maria; Italian iMed-Web database Iaffaldano, Pietro; Lucisano, Giuseppe; Pozzilli, Carlo; Brescia Morra, Vincenzo; Ghezzi, Angelo; Millefiorini, Enrico; Patti, Francesco; Lugaresi, Alessandra; Zimatore, Giovanni Bosco; Marrosu, Maria Giovanna; Amato, Maria Pia; Bertolotto, Antonio; Bergamaschi, Roberto; Granella, Franco; Coniglio, Gabriella; Tedeschi, Gioacchino; Sola, Patrizia; Lus, Giacomo; Ferrò, Maria Teresa; Iuliano, Gerardo; Corea, Francesco; Protti, Alessandra; Cavalla, Paola; Guareschi, Angelica; Rodegher, Mariaemma; Paolicelli, Damiano; Tortorella, Carla; Lepore, Vito; Prosperini, Luca; Saccà, Francesco; Baroncini, Damiano; Comi, Giancarlo; Trojano, Maria; Italian iMed-Web database

Objective: To assess in multiple sclerosis (MS) the effect of intense immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (AHSCT) vs mitoxantrone (MTX) on disease activity measured by MRI. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, phase II, randomized trial including patients with secondary progressive or relapsing-remitting MS, with a documented increase in the last year on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, in spite of conventional therapy, and presence of one or more gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) areas. Patients were randomized to receive intense immunosuppression (mobilization with cyclophosphamide and filgrastim, conditioning with carmustine, cytosine-arabinoside, etoposide, melphalan, and anti-thymocyte globulin) followed by AHSCT or MTX 20 mg every month for 6 months. The primary endpoint was the cumulative number of new T2 lesions in the 4 years following randomization. Secondary endpoints were the cumulative number of Gd+ lesions, relapse rate, and disability progression. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Twenty-one patients were randomized and 17 had postbaseline evaluable MRI scans. Results: AHSCT reduced by 79% the number of new T2 lesions as compared to MTX (rate ratio 0.21, p = 0.00016). It also reduced Gd+ lesions as well as the annualized relapse rate. No difference was found in the progression of disability. Conclusion: Intense immunosuppression followed by AHSCT is significantly superior to MTX in reducing MRI activity in severe cases of MS. These results strongly support further phase III studies with primary clinical endpoints. The study was registered as EUDRACT No. 2007-000064-24.

We investigated the contribution of cortical lesions to cognitive impairment in 41 paediatric MS patients. Thirteen (32%) paediatric MS patients were considered as cognitively impaired. T2-hyperintense and T1-hypointense white matter lesion volumes did not differ between cognitively impaired and cognitively preserved MS patients. Cortical lesions number, cortical lesions volume and grey matter volume did not differ between cognitively impaired and cognitively preserved patients, whereas white matter volume was significantly lower in cognitively impaired versus cognitively preserved MS patients ( p=0.01). Contrary to adult MS, cortical lesions do not seem to contribute to cognitive impairment in paediatric MS patients, which is likely driven by white matter damage.

Objective: We combined structural and functional MRI to better understand the mechanisms responsible for cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Brain dual-echo, diffusion tensor, 3D T1-weighted, and resting-state (RS) fMRI scans were acquired from 35 consecutive pediatric patients with MS and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Patients with abnormalities in ≥2 neuropsychological tests were classified as cognitively impaired. The regional distribution of white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) damage was assessed using voxel-wise analyses. Default mode network (DMN) RS functional connectivity (FC) was also measured. Results: Sixteen patients (45%) were classified as cognitively impaired. Compared to cognitively preserved (CP) patients, cognitively impaired patients with MS had higher occurrence of T2 lesions as well as more severe damage to the WM and GM, as measured by atrophy and diffusivity abnormalities, in the posterior regions of the parietal lobes close to the midline (precuneus, posterior cingulum, and corpus callosum). Compared to the other study groups, they also showed reduced RS FC of the precuneus, whereas CP patients experienced an increased RS FC of the anterior cingulate cortex. A multivariable model identified diffusivity abnormalities of the cingulum and corpus callosum and RS FC of the precuneus as the covariates more strongly associated with cognitive impairment (C-index = 0.99). Conclusions: In pediatric patients with MS, cognitive dysfunction is associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the posterior core regions of the DMN. WM structural abnormalities co-occurring at this level are likely to be the substrate of such modifications.

Active motor functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a strictly lateralized pattern of activations and a preserved functional connectivity (FC) within the motor system when compared to age-matched healthy controls. However, it is still not clear whether a preserved FC in pediatric MS is present only in the motor system, or involves other relevant functional system. Resting-state (RS) fMRI is a valuable tool for an unbiased investigation of FC abnormalities of multiple networks. This study explored abnormalities of RS FC within and between large-scale neuronal networks from 44 pediatric MS patients and 27 controls and their correlation with clinical, neuropsychological, and conventional MRI measures. Compared to controls, pediatric MS patients had a decreased FC of several regions of the sensorimotor, secondary visual, default-mode (DMN), executive control, and bilateral working memory (WMN) networks. They also experienced an increased FC in the right medial frontal gyrus of the attention network, which was correlated with T2 lesion volume. Cognitively impaired patients had decreased RS FC of the right precuneus of the left WMN. An increased FC between the sensorimotor network and the DMN, and between the L WMN and the attention network as well as a decreased FC between L WMN and the DMN were also found. A distributed pattern of FC abnormalities within large-scale neuronal networks occurs in pediatric MS patients, contributes to their cognitive status, and is partially driven by focal white matter lesions. Internetwork connectivity is relatively preserved in these patients. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4180–4192, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Several studies have shown that pregnancy reduces multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, which increase in the early postpartum period. Postpartum relapse risk has been predicted by pre-pregnancy disease activity in some studies. Objective: To re-examine effect of pregnancy on relapses using the large international MSBase Registry, examining predictors of early postpartum relapse. Methods: An observational case–control study was performed including pregnancies post-MS onset. Annualised relapse rate (ARR) and median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were compared for the 24 months pre-conception, pregnancy and 24 months postpartum periods. Clustered logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of early postpartum relapses. Results: The study included 893 pregnancies in 674 females with MS. ARR (standard error) pre-pregnancy was 0.32 (0.02), which fell to 0.13 (0.03) in the third trimester and rose to 0.61 (0.06) in the first three months postpartum. Median EDSS remained unchanged. Pre-conception ARR and disease-modifying treatment (DMT) predicted early postpartum relapse in a multivariable model. Conclusion: Results confirm a favourable effect on relapses as pregnancy proceeds, and an early postpartum peak. Pre-conception DMT exposure and low ARR were independently protective against postpartum relapse. This novel finding could provide clinicians with a strategy to minimise postpartum relapse risk in women with MS planning pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies assessing seasonal variation of relapse onset in multiple sclerosis have had conflicting results. Small relapse numbers, differing diagnostic criteria, and single region studies limit the generalizability of prior results. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a temporal variation in onset of relapses in both hemispheres and to determine whether seasonal peak relapse probability varies with latitude.METHODS: The international MSBase Registry was utilized to analyze seasonal relapse onset distribution by hemisphere and latitudinal location. All analyses were weighted for the patient number contributed by each center. A sine regression model was used to model relapse onset and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) seasonality. Linear regression was used to investigate associations of latitude and lag between UVR trough and subsequent relapse peak.RESULTS: A total of 32,762 relapses from 9,811 patients across 30 countries were analyzed. Relapse onset followed an annual cyclical sinusoidal pattern with peaks in early spring and troughs in autumn in both hemispheres. Every 10° of latitude away from the equator was associated with a mean decrease in UVR trough to subsequent relapse peak lag of 28.5 days (95% confidence interval = 3.29-53.71, p = 0.028).INTERPRETATION: We demonstrate for the first time that there is a latitude-dependent relationship between seasonal UVR trough and relapse onset probability peak independent of location-specific UVR levels, with more distal latitude associated with shorter gaps. We confirm prior meta-analyses showing a strong seasonal relapse onset probability variation in the northern hemisphere, and extend this observation to the southern hemisphere. Ann Neurol 2014;76:880-890.

OBJECTIVE: To assess relapses, disability progression and the role of disease modifying drugs (DMDs) in the year after delivery in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We prospectively followed-up pregnancies occurring between 2002 and 2008 in women with MS, recruited from 21 Italian MS centres. The risk of relapses and disability progression in the year after delivery was assessed using time-dependent Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: 350 out of 423 pregnancies were assessed (pregnancies not resulting in live birth and with a postpartum follow-up period shorter than 1 year were excluded from the analysis). 148 patients (42.3%) had at least one relapse in the year after delivery. An Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at conception ≥2.0 (HR=1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0; p=0.046) and a higher number of relapses before (HR=1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8; p

BACKGROUND: In patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) fingolimod prevents disease relapses and delays disability progression. First dose administration of fingolimod is associated with a transient, dose-dependent decrease in heart rate (HR) in the 6 hours after drug intake.The aim of the study is to to assess safety and tolerability of the first dose of fingolimod in a cohort of Italian patients with RRMS without alternative therapeutic options. METHODS: Open-label, single arm, multicentre study. After the first dose of fingolimod, patients were observed for 6 hours and had their vital signs monitored hourly. Extended on-site monitoring was provided when required. RESULTS: Of the 906 patients enrolled in the study, most (95.2%) did not experience any adverse event (AE) following fingolimod administration. Cardiovascular AEs occurred in 18 patients and included bradycardia (1.3%), first-and second-degree atrioventricular block (0.1% and 0.2%), palpitations (0.1%), sinus arrhythmia (0.1%) and ventricular premature beats (0.1%). All events were self-limiting and did not require any intervention. Extended monitoring was required in 34 patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results, in a population who better resembled real-world clinical practice in terms of concomitant diseases and medications, are consistent with previous clinical trials and confirmed that the first dose administration of fingolimod is generally safe and well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2011-000770-60.

Article history:Received 2 September 2013Received in revised form 21 October 2013Accepted 12 November 2013Available online xxxxKeywords:Multiple sclerosisQuality of lifeDepressionWell-beingPatientsCaregiversHealth professionals Background: Studies on emotional distress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) broadened the traditionalbio-medical focus in MS research, but little attention was paid to general well-being indicators.Objective:Toinvestigateforthefirsttimebothill-beingandwell-beingdimensionsinpersonswithMS(PwMSs),caregivers and health professionals, in relation to both health and life in general.Methods: A multi-center study assessed participants' depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), HRQOL (ShortForm-36),psychologicalwell-being(PsychologicalWell-BeingScales),optimalexperience(FlowQuestionnaire),lifesatisfaction(SatisfactionwithLifeScale),hedonicbalance(PositiveAffectandNegativeAffectSchedule).De-mographic and clinical information was also gathered.Results: Overall, 71 PwMSs, 71 caregivers and 26 professionals were enrolled (N = 168). Compared to healthypopulations,PwMSsreportedhigherdepression,lowerHRQOLandlowergeneralwell-being;caregiverspresent-ed higher depression and lower general well-being; professionals reported the best ill- and well-being profiles.However,aftercontrollingfordemographicdifferencesinageandeducation,hierarchicalregressionshighlightedthat, though PwMSs reported higher depression and lower HRQOL than caregivers and professionals, their gen-eral well-being substantially leveled off.Conclusions:Well-beingcoexistswithill-being.Itcancounterbalancethenegativeeffectsofdiseaseorcaregiving,and its measurement could complement and support medical intervention.© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more frequently born in spring when compared to autumn. Fluctuation of UV-light has been hypothesized to drive this phenomenon. AIM: To assess the correlation between fluctuation of sunlight and birth season in persons with MS. METHODS: For this record-linkage study, we collected from the international MSBase and the Italian MS iMed-web databases the dates of birth of 11,415 patients with MS from 36 centres from 15 countries worldwide and compared these to dates of live-births from national registries. From all participating sites, we collected data on UV-light fluctuation and assessed its correlation with seasonal fluctuation in MS births. RESULTS: Compared with the reference cohort, an increased proportion of persons with MS were born in spring and a decreased proportion in autumn (odds ratio (OR) to be born in spring versus autumn = 1.158, chi(2) = 36.347, P < 0.001). There was no significantly increased fluctuation of MS births with increased quartile of ambient UV-light fluctuation (Ptrend = 0.086). CONCLUSION: Seasonal fluctuation of MS births as found in this worldwide cohort of patients with MS did not correlate with variation in seasonal fluctuation of UV-light. Most likely, it results from a complex interplay between fluctuation of sunlight, behavioural factors, other environmental factors and (epi)genetic factors.

Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; OBJECTIVES To compare treatment persistence between two dosages of interferon β-1a in a large observational multiple sclerosis registry and assess disease outcomes of first line MS treatment at these dosages using propensity scoring to adjust for baseline imbalance in disease characteristics. METHODS Treatment discontinuations were evaluated in all patients within the MSBase registry who commenced interferon β-1a SC thrice weekly (n = 4678). Furthermore, we assessed 2-year clinical outcomes in 1220 patients treated with interferon β-1a in either dosage (22 µg or 44 µg) as their first disease modifying agent, matched on propensity score calculated from pre-treatment demographic and clinical variables. A subgroup analysis was performed on 456 matched patients who also had baseline MRI variables recorded. RESULTS Overall, 4054 treatment discontinuations were recorded in 3059 patients. The patients receiving the lower interferon dosage were more likely to discontinue treatment than those with the higher dosage (25% vs. 20% annual probability of discontinuation, respectively). This was seen in discontinuations with reasons recorded as "lack of efficacy" (3.3% vs. 1.7%), "scheduled stop" (2.2% vs. 1.3%) or without the reason recorded (16.7% vs. 13.3% annual discontinuation rate, 22 µg vs. 44 µg dosage, respectively). Propensity score was determined by treating centre and disability (score without MRI parameters) or centre, sex and number of contrast-enhancing lesions (score including MRI parameters). No differences in clinical outcomes at two years (relapse rate, time relapse-free and disability) were observed between the matched patients treated with either of the interferon dosages. CONCLUSIONS Treatment discontinuations were more common in interferon β-1a 22 µg SC thrice weekly. However, 2-year clinical outcomes did not differ between patients receiving the different dosages, thus replicating in a registry dataset derived from "real-world" database the results of the pivotal randomised trial. Propensity score matching effectively minimised baseline covariate imbalance between two directly compared sub-populations from a large observational registry. This study was funded by MSBase Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation. The MSBase Foundation receives financial support from Merck Serono, Biogen Idec, Novartis Pharma, Bayer Schering and Sanofi Aventis. The study was also funded by Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia and MSAngels. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Yes

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a chronic course. Dysphagia represents one of the current challenges in clinical practice for the management of MS patients. Dysphagia starts to appear in mildly impaired MS subjects (EDSS 2-3) and becomes increasingly common in the most severely disabled subjects (EDSS 8-9). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of patient-reported dysphagia in MS patients with a multicenter study using the recently developed DYMUS (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis) questionnaire. DESIGN: Data were collected in a multi-centre, cross-sectional study using a face-to-face structured questionnaire for clinical characteristics and the DYMUS questionnaire. RESULTS: 1875 patients were interviewed. The current study has shown a correlation between patient-reported dysphagia and EDSS and disease course but not with age, gender and disease duration. Questionnaires were divided into "patient-reported dysphagia-yes" (587, 31.3%) and "patient-reported dysphagia-no" (1288, 68.7%). Compared with the patient-reported dysphagia-no group, patients in patient-reported dysphagia-yes group had higher EDSS score (mean EDSS 4.6 vs. 2.8; p

Background Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS). In clinical trials, MRI has been found to detect treatment effects with greater sensitivity than clinical measures; however, clinical and MRI outcomes tend to correlate poorly. Methods In this observational study, patients (n = 550; 18-50 years; relapsing-remitting MS [Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤4.0]) receiving interferon (IFN) β-1a therapy (44 or 22 µg subcutaneously [sc] three times weekly [tiw]) underwent standardized MRI, neuropsychological and quality-of-life (QoL) assessments over 3 years. In this post hoc analysis, MRI outcomes and correlations between MRI parameters and clinical and functional outcomes were analysed. Results MRI data over 3 years were available for 164 patients. T2 lesion and T1 gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesion volumes, but not black hole (BH) volumes, decreased significantly from baseline to Year 3 (P < 0.0001). Percentage decreases (baseline to Year 3) were greater with the 44 μg dose than with the 22 μg dose for T2 lesion volume (-10.2% vs -4.5%, P = 0.025) and T1 BH volumes (-7.8% vs +10.3%, P = 0.002). A decrease in T2 lesion volume over 3 years predicted stable QoL over the same time period. Treatment with IFN β-1a, 44 μg sc tiw, predicted an absence of cognitive impairment at Year 3. Conclusion Subcutaneous IFN β-1a significantly decreased MRI measures of disease, with a significant benefit shown for the 44 µg over the 22 µg dose; higher-dose treatment also predicted better cognitive outcomes over 3 years.

Background The identification of biomarkers able to improve the differential diagnosis between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is challenging because of a different prognosis and response to treatment. Growing evidence indicates that brain and CSF N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentration is a useful marker for characterising different phases of axonal pathology in demyelinating diseases, and preliminary studies suggest that increased serum NAA levels may be a telltale sign of acute neuronal damage or defective NAA metabolism in oligodendrocytes. Objective To evaluate whether serum and CSF NAA concentration differs in patients with MS and NMO. Design Observational, multicentre, prospective, cross sectional study. Methods Serum samples were collected from 48 relapsingeremitting MS, 32 NMO and 76 age matched healthy controls. Coeval CSF samples were available for all MS and for 8/32 NMO patients. NAA was measured in serum and CSF by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results MS patients showed higher serum and CSF NAA levels than NMO patients, and higher serum NAA levels than healthy controls (p

BackgroundAlbeit several studies pointed out the pivotal role that CD4+T cells have in Multiple Sclerosis, the CD8+ T cells involvement in the pathology is still in its early phases of investigation. Proteasome degradation is the key step in the production of MHC class I-restricted epitopes and therefore its activity could be an important element in the activation and regulation of autoreactive CD8+ T cells in Multiple Sclerosis.Methodology/principal findingsImmunoproteasomes and PA28-alphabeta regulator are present in MS affected brain area and accumulated in plaques. They are expressed in cell types supposed to be involved in MS development such as neurons, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, macrophages/macroglia and lymphocytes. Furthermore, in a genetic study on 1262 Italian MS cases and 845 controls we observed that HLA-A*02+ female subjects carrying the immunoproteasome LMP2 codon 60HH variant have a reduced risk to develop MS. Accordingly, immunoproteasomes carrying the LMP2 60H allele produce in vitro a lower amount of the HLA-A*0201 restricted immunodominant epitope MBP(111-119).Conclusion/significanceThe immunoproteasome LMP2 60HH variant reduces the risk to develop MS amongst Italian HLA-A*02+ females. We propose that such an effect is mediated by the altered proteasome-dependent production of a specific MBP epitope presented on the MHC class I. Our observations thereby support the hypothesis of an involvement of immunoproteasome in the MS pathogenesis.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of subcutaneous (sc) interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) on cognition in mildly disabled patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients aged 18—50 years with RRMS (McDonald criteria; Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤4.0) were assigned IFNβ therapy at the physician’s discretion and underwent standardized magnetic resonance imaging, neurological examination and neuropsychological testing at the baseline and regular intervals for up to three years. This analysis included 459 patients who received sc IFNβ-1a (44 mcg: n = 236; 22 mcg: n = 223; three-year follow up was available for 318 patients). The hazard ratio for cognitive impairment over three years (44 mcg versus 22 mcg) was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.480—0.972), suggesting a 32% lower risk with the higher dose treatment. At year 3, the proportion of patients who were cognitively impaired increased slightly from 23.5% at the baseline to 24.8% in the IFNβ-1a 22 mcg treatment group, but remained stable at 15.2% in the IFNβ-1a 44 mcg treatment group. The proportion of patients with cognitive impairment at year 3 was significantly higher in the 22 mcg group than in the 44 mcg group (P = 0.03), although a trend was also seen at the baseline (P = 0.058). Multivariate logistic regression (corrected for baseline cognitive deficits) indicated that treatment with the higher dose of IFNβ-1a was predictive of lower cognitive impairment at three years (odds ratio: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.26—0.99) compared with the lower dose of IFNβ-1a. These findings suggest that sc IFNβ-1a may have dose-dependent cognitive benefits in mildly disabled patients with RRMS, and may support early initiation of high-dose IFNβ-1a treatment.