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Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitalization, and Mortality in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
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K Kimiaei Asadi    , M Ghiasian * , S Daneshyar , A Moradi |
| 2.Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, I.R.Iran. , kian.a78@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (19 Views) |
Background and Objective: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has currently subsided, there is a concern that it may once again threaten human societies. Among those at higher risk are patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their medication use and immune status. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the rate of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: In this cohort study, 288 MS patients who visited Besat Hospital in Hamedan during the years 2020 and 2021 were included through convenience sampling. Demographic characteristics, medication use, COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, mortality, and disability severity using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were collected from medical records or interviews.
Findings: Of the 288 participants, 132 (45.8%) had contracted COVID-19 at least once. The hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 was 2.4%, which was not higher than the general population. Seven patients died due to COVID-19. The use of rituximab and ocrelizumab was associated with a higher hospitalization rate. Patients with higher EDSS scores had a higher incidence of COVID-19 (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the incidence of COVID-19 is higher in MS patients; however, the risk of hospitalization did not significantly increase. Patients on anti-CD20 medications were more likely to require hospitalization.
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| Keywords: COVID-19, Multiple Sclerosis, Risk Factors, Mortality, Hospitalization. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Neurology
Received: 2024/09/8 | Accepted: 2025/02/2
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