Author Of 3 Presentations
P0556 - Characterization of multiple sclerosis lesions with distinct clinical correlates through diffusion MRI properties (ID 845)
Abstract
Background
Background: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging can reveal quantitative information about the tissue changes in multiple sclerosis. The recently developed multi-compartment spherical mean technique can map different microscopic properties based only on local diffusion signals, and it may provide specific information on the underlying microstructural modifications that arise in multiple sclerosis.
Objectives
Objective: Given that the lesions in multiple sclerosis may reflect different degrees of damage, we hypothesized that quantitative diffusion maps may help characterize the severity of lesions “in vivo” and correlate these to an individual’s clinical profile.
Methods
Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 59 MS patients (62% female, mean age 44.7 years), for whom demographic and disease information was obtained, and who underwent a comprehensive physical and cognitive evaluation. MRI protocol included conventional sequences to define focal lesions and multi-shell diffusion imaging. Quantitative diffusion properties were used to discriminate distinct types of lesions through a k-means clustering algorithm, and the number and volume of those lesions were correlated with parameters of the disease.
Results
Results: The combination of microscopic and macroscopic diffusion properties differentiated two types of lesions, with a prediction strength of 0.931. The type B lesions had larger diffusion changes compared to the type A lesions, irrespective of their location (P <0.001). The number and volume of type B lesions was related to the severity of disease evolution, clinical disability and cognitive decline (P =0.004, Bonferroni correction). Specifically, more and larger type B lesions were correlated with a worse Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score, cerebellar function and cognitive performance, and a greater need for high-efficacy treatments.
Conclusions
Conclusions: The severity of damage within focal lesions have the potential to permit more specific understanding of the mechanisms that drive disease evolution.
P0805 - Dynamics of cognitive decline along the disease course in multiple sclerosis (ID 897)
Abstract
Background
Cognitive decline is frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The cognitive trajectory is not well understood and a global overview throughout the disease course needs to be elucidated. Besides, predictors of future cognitive decline are still needed.
Objectives
We aim to (a) assess the temporal dynamics of cognitive function through disease course, and (b) explore different clinical and MRI predictors of cognitive decline in a large cohort of patients with MS.
Methods
Longitudinal study with 212 MS patients who performed a total of 605 neurological, cognitive and MRI examinations at different times of the disease [examinations per patient: 3 (IQR:2-3); baseline age: 40.2 (IQR:34.5-47.6) years; baseline disease duration: 8.2 (IQR:2.3-13.9) years]. A z-score for global cognition (z-BRB) and for each cognitive domain was obtained from the Rao's Battery, and a 3D-structural MRI was acquired to calculate regional gray matter (GM) volumes. We modelled the dynamics of cognition throughout the MS course using age at MS onset, education and sex adjusted mixed-effects linear spline models with knots at 5 and 15 years. An age and sex adjusted multivariate regression model was performed to determine which factors at the first examination best predict cognitive performance at last follow-up in the entire sample.
Results
In the first 5 years of MS, we detected an increase in z-BRB (β=0.050, p=0.004) and z-attention (β=0.048, p=0.013), followed by a decline in z-BRB (β=-0.029, p=0.005) and z-verbal memory (β=-0.049, p=0.001) between the 5-15 years of the disease. During the 15-30 years of MS course, the cognitive decline was maintained, but also involved z-attention (β=-0.035, p=0.012). Lower education, higher EDSS and volumetric changes at right parahippocampus, left parsorbitalis, left superior, left middle and right inferior temporal, and right superior parietal areas at the first examination were associated with worse z-BRB at the last follow-up (adjR2=0.48, β=-0.652–0.863, p=<0.001–0.024).
Conclusions
In MS, cognition deteriorates after the first 5 years of the disease, with a steady decline over the next 25 years. The verbal memory is affected earlier and more markedly, followed by involvement of attention and information processing speed. Moreover, education, clinical disability and GM volume at baseline are associated with future cognitive outcomes.
P0820 - Phase II trial of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis: preliminary results (ID 847)
Abstract
Background
Around 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present a decline in cognitive behavior that impacts negatively on their autonomy, social and working skills. The benefits of cognitive rehabilitation on cognition and brain plasticity are not well understood due to methodological limitations of most studies, such the use of an inappropriate control group or the small number of patients included.
Objectives
To study the efficacy on attention, processing speed and working memory of a cognitive training program in patients with MS.
Methods
Multi-center, phase II, double-blind and randomized clinical trial to a treatment group (upward intensity training) or control group (low intensity static training). Patients were assessed using Rao's battery before and after 12 weeks of online training with the Guttmann, NeuroPersonalTrainer® (GNPT). The main objective was to demonstrate an improvement in attention and working memory tests (Pasat Auditory Serial Addition Test, PASAT, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT) in the treatment group.
Results
The recruitment is still active. In an interim analysis on May 2020, 61 patients had been evaluated, of whom 35 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 23 had completed the follow-up period (age 48.8±7.4, disease duration 19.2±9.3 years). Ten patients had been assigned to the treatment group and 13 to the control group. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in z-scores of attention and working memory tests (z-score=-1.68±0.90 at baseline and -1.26±1.05 at follow up) compared to the control group (-1.78±0.63 at baseline and -1.45±1.06 at follow up), p corrected=0.003, and a trend for verbal memory (treatment group z-score -2.19±1.14 and -1.61±1.68 and sham group z-score -1.38±1.32 and -1.34±1.5 at baseline and follow up respectively, corrected p=0.074). There were no significant changes in other cognitive domains (verbal, visual, and fluency memory).
Conclusions
This preliminary analysis shows that intensive rehabilitation focused on attention, information processing speed and working memory can improve these cognitive functions.