Author Of 1 Presentation
LB1244 - Manifestations and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Neuroinflammatory Diseases (ID 2130)
Abstract
Background
We have limited understanding of the risks and impact of COVID-19 in neuroinflammatory diseases (NID) of the central nervous system, particularly among patients receiving disease modifying therapies (DMTs).
Objectives
To report initial results of a planned multi-center year-long prospective study examining the risk and impact of COVID-19 among persons with NID.
Methods
In April 2020, we deployed online questionnaires to individuals in their home environment to assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of COVID-19 symptoms in persons with and without NID.
Results
Our cohort included 1,115 participants (630 NID, 98% MS; 485 reference) as of April 30, 2020. 202 (18%) participants, residing in areas with high COVID-19 case prevalence, met the April 2020 CDC symptom criteria for suspected COVID-19, but only 4% of all participants received testing given testing shortages. Among all participants, those with suspected COVID-19 were younger, more racially diverse, and reported more depression and liver disease. Persons with NID had the same rate of suspected COVID-19 as the reference group. Early changes in disease management included telemedicine visits in 21% and treatment changes in 9% of persons with NID. After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing neurological disability was associated with a greater likelihood of suspected COVID-19 (ORadj=1.45, 1.17-1.84).
Conclusions
Our study of real-time, patient-reported experience during the COVID-19 pandemic complements physician-reported MS case registries that capture an excess of severe cases. Overall, persons with NID seem to have a risk of suspected COVID-19 similar to the reference population.