SARS-CoV-2 pandemic implied a prolonged lockdown phase, which may have deep consequences for mental and physical health. The effects may be particularly severe for people with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the self-reported possible consequences on MS patients of lockdown phase during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
At the end of lockdown phase we performed a telephonic interview on MS patients of our clinic. All patients underwent neurological tele-consult during lockdown phase. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient. Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, worsening of anxiety, depression, fatigue, spasticity, changes in physical activity, weight, and change in eating habits were investigated.
Ninety-five patients were enrolled in the study (F 71,3%), with a mean age of 50,3±10,8 years. Median disease duration was 163 months (0-459) and median EDSS at last in-person visit was 2 (0-8,5). Median PDDS was 2 (2-8). The distribution of patients according to disease form was the following: RR 77,7%, SP 13,8%, PP 8,5%. Twenty-two patients reported symptoms suggestive of possible SARS-CoV-2 infection (11,7% fever, 7% cough, 6,4% sore throat, 11,7% cold, 1,1% dyspnoea, 1,1% hyposmia). An increase in spasticity was reported by 18,1% of patients. Fatigue, anxiety and depression were increased in 27,7%, 37,2% and 35,1% of patients, respectively. Fifty-five patients reported worries for SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with 43,6% of patients believing that the infection could have a particular impact on them compared to general population. The reported aspects on which pandemic and lockdown had a particular impact were: restrictions of personal freedom (27,7%), social retirement (22,3%), work-relate issues (19,1%), reduction of physical activity (7,4%), worries for relatives’ health (6,4%). Forty-six patients had an increase in weight (median increase 2kg, range 1-8), 63,8% reduced their physical activity and 35,1% of them increased the food intake.
Compared to pre-lockdown phase, a high percentage of MS patients report an increase in anxiety, depression, fatigue and spasticity, reduced exercise and increased weight. These aspects could impact particularly on MS patients with high disability.