The prevalence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional multicentered study.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, progressive neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), and it is the most common inflammatory neurological disease affecting young adults. Given the chronic, progressive nature of the disease, psychiatric disorders are more prevalent among these patients, as reported in the literature; however, data in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in patients with MS and their association with different patient demographics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicentered study that included adult patients with MS from 30 June 2021 to 30 June 2022. Participants were interviewed in person and asked to complete a survey that included general demographics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. Other variables related to the patients' conditions, such as MS type and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, were collected from the patient's electronic records. Descriptive statistics were performed, and associations were made using the chi-square, Fisher's exact, and analysis of variance tests, as appropriate. Results: A total of 192 participants were included in this study. Based on a cutoff score of >10 on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was 26.1% (50), with the majority of participants having minimal anxiety (40%); meanwhile, the prevalence of major depression was 42.7% (n = 82), and most of them had mild depression (30%). Female participants scored significantly higher compared to men on the GAD-7 scale (p = 0.0376), but not on the PHQ-9 scale (p = 0.1134). In addition, no statistically significant association was detected between functional disability (EDSS score) and prevalence of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and major depression among patients with MS compared with that in the general population, with women being more affected. As these comorbid disorders could negatively affect the disease course, screening is of paramount significance.

Saudi consensus recommendations on the management of multiple sclerosis: MS management in children and adolescents.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) most commonly presents in young adults, although 3-5% of patients develop MS prior to the age of 18 years. The new and comprehensive consensus for the management of MS in Saudi Arabia includes recommendations for the management of MS and other CNS inflammatory demyelinating disorders in pediatric and adolescent patients. This article summarizes the key recommendations for the diagnosis and management of these disorders in young patients. Pediatric and adult populations with MS differ in their presentation and clinical course. Careful differential diagnosis is important to exclude alternative diagnoses such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The diagnosis of MS in a pediatric/adolescent patient is based on the 2017 McDonald diagnostic criteria, as in adults, once the possibility of ADEM or NMOSD has been ruled out. Few data are available from randomized trials to support the use of a specific disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in this population. Interferons and glatiramer acetate are preferred initial choices for DMTs based on observational evidence, with the requirement of a switch to a more effective DMT if breakthrough MS activity occurs.

Saudi consensus recommendations on the management of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD).

This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD is an autoimmune, demyelinating condition characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve and/or the spinal cord, with symptoms that can range from mild impairment of movement to paralysis. The newly approved diagnostic criteria have improved the accuracy of NMOSD diagnosis. The management of NMOSD is under major revolution due to the many new therapeutic options. The role of the antibodies directed at aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has materialized as a biomarker for NMOSD. Several new treatments that target variable aspects in immunopathology such as IL-6, complement, or depletion of B cells are emerging. The management of AQP4-negative patients remains challenging.

Alemtuzumab-induced simultaneous onset of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, alveolar haemorrhage, nephropathy, and stroke: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Alemtuzumab is a humanized anti-CD 52 monoclonal antibody approved as a disease-modifying therapy for active relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Alemtuzumab has been associated with several adverse effects, including infusion-associated reactions, infections, acquired autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of Alemtuzumab-induced simultaneous onset of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, alveolar haemorrhage, nephropathy and stroke in a 52-year-old man that occurred 8 months after initiation of alemtuzumab. The laboratory testing was consistent with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Computed tomography of the chest and bronchoscopy revealed an alveolar haemorrhage. Stroke workup revealed acute infarcts in bilateral occipital territories. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of a simultaneous onset of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, alveolar haemorrhage, nephropathy, and ischaemic stroke after the first alemtuzumab course in relapsing-remitting MS patient. This case highlights the potential for the co-occurrence of unexpected and potentially life-threatening complications of alemtuzumab therapy necessitating rigorous monitoring once prescribed.

Isolated neurosarcoidosis mimicking multiple sclerosis.

Patients with isolated neurosarcoidosis (NS) can present with neurological symptoms that mimic other neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this article, we present a case of 25-year-old man with a transverse myelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine showed several, periventricular, infratentorial, and spinal cord white matter lesions. He was diagnosed with MS and was started on fingolimod, which did not result in any improvement. Follow-up brain and spine MRI showed a longitudinally extensive lesion with leptomeningeal enhancement. Leptomeningeal and cerebellar biopsy showed non-necrotizing granulomas consistent with neurosarcoidosis. Fingolimod was discontinued. The patient was treated with oral prednisone and infliximab, which ceased the progression of the disease and allowed for slow improvement. Incorrectly diagnosing NS with MS or vice-versa, not only deprives patients of beneficial therapy, but also potentially exposes them to therapies that may be harmful.

Delayed tacrolimus-induced optic neuropathy.

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant agent utilized for solid organ transplantations. It has been associated with rare neurotoxic effects. This case highlights one possible delayed neurotoxic effect. A 52-year-old lady on tacrolimus (3mg daily) among her immunosuppressive regimen for her kidney transplant 16 year ago. She presented with unilateral left paracentral black dots progressing over a week, associated with periorbital and temporal pain. The patient was diagnosed with left papillitis. Tacrolimus was tapered and then changed to cyclosporine. However, patient did not show any improvement of any parameter. Reports have indicated such neurotoxic effects with Tacrolimus use. Here, the report emphasizes on the unilateral optic neuropathic effect of tacrolimus even after one decade.