Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Author Of 1 Presentation

Disease Modifying Therapies – Risk Management Poster Presentation

LB1167 - Reported Covid19 symptoms in patients on oral Disease Modifying Treatmentss (DMTs) at a single centre (ID 1493)

Presentation Number
LB1167
Presentation Topic
Disease Modifying Therapies – Risk Management

Abstract

Background

There is concern amongst the MS community regarding increased risk of COVID-19 infection in patients on Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). Guidance from the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) recommends to continue most oral DMTs during the pandemic.

Objectives

To identify number of patients on oral DMTs in a single centre who reported COVID-19 symptoms. To identify how this compares to national infection rate, whether there was a link to lymphocyte counts prior to infection and how many patients stopped or interrupted treatment.

Methods

Patients on oral DMTs (dimethyl fumarate (DMF), teriflunomide (TF) & fingolimod (FING)) were identified through a local database. The pharmacy team called these patients to advise on DMT monitoringduring the pandemic. Patients were also asked if they had experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 infection, had been tested, or had stopped treatment . Recent lymphocyte counts were obtained.

Results

501 patients on oral DMTs were identified (14 on TF, 169 on FING, 318 on DMF). 50% of these were contacted. (DMF=174, FING=71, TF=10). The average age of those on treatment was 45, average EDSS 2.2, and average time on DMT 3.7 years. Of those asked 90% (229) reported that they had not exprienced COVID-19 symptoms. 10% (26) reported that they had experienced COVID-19 symptoms (3 on TF, 8 on FING, 15 on DMF). According to a recent study by the UK Office of National statistics, of those individuals providing blood samples in the UK, 7% tested positive for antibodies to COVID-19. Of those who reported symptoms the last recorded lymphocyte counts were all within accepted ranges, with a mean of 1.2 (TF 2.0, DMF 1.5, FING 0.4). One patient taking DMF died due to COVID-19. Further data will be presented on the average lymphocyte counts in those who did not report symptoms, number of patients who went on to be tested for COVID-19 and the number who stopped or interrupted treatment.

Conclusions

Results present real world data on COVID-19 infection in patients on oral DMTs for MS and how these relate to lymphocyte count and infections rates in general population.

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