Hassan II UHC of Fez
Neurology

Author Of 2 Presentations

Disease Modifying Therapies – Risk Management Poster Presentation

P0298 - Azathioprine as a disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis.  Experience of department of Neurology: HASSAN II UHC of Fez; Morocco (ID 1012)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0298
Presentation Topic
Disease Modifying Therapies – Risk Management

Abstract

Background

The therapeutic arsenal in the disease-modifying therapy of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), especially in its relapsing-remitting form, is becoming richer, particulary with new oral medications. In many countries, azathioprine is still used as a first-line treatment for MS, mainly for its low cost, but also for its tolerance and its effectiveness.

Objectives

Report the experience of the neurology department of the University Hospital in Fez in the management of multiple sclerosis by the use of Azathioprine as first line disease-modifying therapy.

Methods

Retrospective study collecting 78 patients followed in the neurology department of Hassan II UHC of Fez for MS and who were treated with Azathioprine, from 2010 until May 2020.

Results

Since 2010, a total of 78 MS patients followed in the Neurology department have been receiving Azathioprine as a disease-modifying therapy. The average age of the patients was 44 years, predominantly female. 83% of patients had relapsing-remitting MS while 17% had a progressive form. The duration of treatment varies between 1and 10 years. The mean EDSS at starting Azathioprine was 3.5. Hematological complications was noted in 14 %, such as lymphopenia in 7 cases, neutropenia in 2 cases, and pancytopenia in 2 cases. Only one patient, after 3 years of treatment with azathioprine, developed a serious adverse event "Macrophage activation syndrome". One patient presented with a moderate disturbance of the hepatic balance and another presented banal digestive disorders. Only 3 cases changed their disease-modifying therapy because of the side effects. The progress of patients taking Azathioprine was marked by clinical and radiological stability in 76%, while 14% developed relapses and 10% progressed. Therapeutic escalation was towards Rituximab for 9 patients and cyclophosphamide for 1 case.

Conclusions

Azathioprine is an appropriate treatment for MS, and a good alternative in low-income countries. But its use requires vigilance to avoid complications including the long-term risk of malignancy.

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Comorbidities Poster Presentation

P0490 - Restless leg syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis (ID 1017)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0490
Presentation Topic
Comorbidities

Abstract

Background

BACKGROUND :

Restless legs syndrome is considered to be a sensorimotor neurological disorder, manifested by unpleasant sensations in the legs that compelling the patient to move, its prevalence differs from one population to another, but remains frequent and whose repercussions on quality of life and sleep are very important.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been reported more commonly in certain neurodegenerative diseases. Our study is focused on patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objectives

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the frequency and characteristics of RLS in a population with MS, and get an idea of ​​the impact on sleep quality in patients with MS.

Methods

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of 80 patients suffering from MS and followed at CHU HASSAN II in Fez, which aims to define the prevalence of RLS in these patients, as well as having an idea on its impact on the quality of sleep of our patients. Our study was based on a questionnaire specially designed for it, including the RLS diagnostic criteria (IRLSSCG), as well as 2 international scales: severity scale (IRLSSCG) and the Epworth scale.

Results

RESULTATS

Eighty patients were included in the study. The sex ratio was approximately 2/1. The diagnostic criteria for RLS were found in 27 patients (33.75%). No statistical link was found with age, sex and seniority of MS, but a higher proportion of RLS was found in patients with remitting MS. A complete blood count was requested in all our patients who present RLS clinically, objectifying anemia with iron deficiency in 3 patients. A good improvement after treatement was noticed.

Conclusions

CONSLUSION

We suggest that RLS should be sought in MS patients with the goal of improving their quality of life. Recognition of this syndrome may lead to consideration of a specific therapy.

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