Comorbidity in the multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders population: findings from an underserved, low income country, Zambia.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities are common in multiple sclerosis (MS); little is known in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or outside high-income regions. OBJECTIVE: Compare comorbidities in MS/NMOSD patients, Zambia. METHODS: Comorbidities were compared for MS/NMOSD patients from Zambia's University Teaching Hospital using logistic regression. RESULTS: Thirty-three were included (MS/NMOSD:17/16); 22 (67 %) females, mean age=35.6-years. Fifteen (46 %) had any comorbidity [MS/NMOSD:11/4], 14 physical (MS/NMOSD:10/4) and 6 psychiatric comorbidity (MS/NMOSD:5/1). Odds of any/any physical comorbidity was higher in MS versus NMOSD (age-adjusted odds ratio[aOR]=6.9;95 %CI:1.4-34.7,p=0.020/aOR=5.6;95 %:1.1-28.0,p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Physical comorbidity affected >2-in-5 MS/NMOSD patients and psychiatric disorders ∼1-in-5. Odds of any/any physical comorbidity were >five-fold higher in MS versus NMOSD.

Implementation of a Teleneurology Clinic in Zambia during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a teleneurology clinic serving adults usually attending a neurology outpatient clinic in Lusaka, Zambia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: Televisits were offered to patients scheduled for neurology appointments between March and July 2020 using the telephone, WhatsApp video, or Zoom calls based on patient accessibility. Visit outcomes were documented, and patient and neurologist satisfaction surveys were completed. RESULTS: Of 323 patients, 195 (60%) were reachable by telephone, 179 of these were alive, and 74% (133/179) of those alive agreed to a televisit. Stroke (30%), seizures (20%), and headache (16%) were the most common diagnoses seen via televisit. Most televisits (80%) were by telephone call, 14% by WhatsApp video call, and 6% by Zoom. Nearly one-third (30%) of the patients were stable and discharged from the clinic, 32% only required medication refills, and 19% required an in-person visit. Sixty patients (out of 85 reachable and 71% response rate) and 7 of 9 neurologists (78% response rate) completed satisfaction surveys. Neurologists reported greater assessment confidence with Zoom, but confidence was high for all modalities. Patients preferring televisits (75%, 45/60) noted reduced expense and time requirements, whereas those preferring in-person visits (22%, 13/60) cited the desire for physical examinations. Overall, 98% of patients and 100% of neurologists were satisfied with televisits. INTERPRETATION: Teleneurology visits were acceptable and feasible for adults attending an outpatient neurology clinic in Zambia and their neurologists. They offer a promising supplement to in-person visits in resource-limited settings, even when video-conference capabilities and electronic medical records are absent. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:445-454.