Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of active COVID-19 in multiple sclerosis: An observational study.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) received emergency use authorization for the acute treatment of COVID-19. We are not aware of published data on their use in immunosuppressed people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We report 23 pwMS (mean age = 49 years, ocrelizumab (n = 19), fingolimod (n = 2), vaccinated with at least an initial series (n = 19)) who received mAb for acute COVID-19. Following mAb receipt, approximately half recovered in <7 days (48%). There were no adverse events or deaths. Use of mAb for pwMS treated with fingolimod or ocrelizumab was not observed to be harmful and is likely helpful for treatment of acute COVID-19.

Approaches to normalization of spinal cord volume: application to multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the proper method for the normalization of spinal cord volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 34 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (28 relapsing and 6 progressive) and 15 healthy controls had whole spinal cord 3-mm thick T2-weighted axial fast spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images obtained at 3T. For each participant, four volumes were measured (C2-3 volume, cervical cord volume, thoracic cord volume, and whole cord volume). The volumes were normalized by the number of slices and three potential measures of body size (intracranial volume [ICV], body mass index, and body surface area) using the proportional method. RESULTS: All raw volumes and volumes normalized by number of slices or ICV were significantly lower in progressive MS patients compared to relapsing MS patients/healthy controls (P < .05). In addition, C2-3 volume and cervical cord volume were significantly correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale score (P < .05). All regional volumes showed high intercorrelation, and normalization by the number of slices significantly increased some correlations. Regarding reliability, whole cord volume regardless of normalization technique had lower coefficient of variation than C2-3 volume. CONCLUSIONS: Since normalization factor had limited impact on reliability and the ability to detect differences, normalization by the number of slices is recommended.