MS and COVID-19 challenge: asymptomatic COVID-19 infection during treatment with cladribine

Seferoglu M., Ethemoglu O., TURAN Ö. F., SİVA A.

NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES, vol.42, no.9, pp.3533-3535, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10072-021-05409-6
  • Journal Name: NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, Index Islamicus, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.3533-3535
  • Keywords: Cladribine, COVID-19, Multiple sclerosis, SARS-CoV-2 antibody response
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background The use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) may affect COVID-19 infection outcomes due to DMTs' immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects on immune response. The yet unknown issues are both the early response to the infection, as well as the post-infection development of immunity against the virus under these treatments due to their interaction with the immune system. Methods We report two asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) shortly after starting cladribine therapy, both developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. Results Patients with MS who are under newly initiated treatment with cladribine tablets may experience an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and they may develop immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion These observations raise the probability that DMTs with immunosuppressive effects, such as cladribine, may be considered as a treatment option for selected MS patients with high disease activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.