Fereshteh Ghadiri; Elnaz Asadollahzadeh; Zahra Ebadi; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amirreza Azimi; Samira Navardi; Hora Heidari; Zohreh Abna; Marzieh Aboutorabi; Iman Adibi; Seyed Mohammad Baghbanian; Sepideh Paybast; Maryam Poursadeghfard; Samaneh Hosseini; Sareh Shahmohammadi; Mehran Ghaffari; Hamidreza Ghalyanchi-Langroodi; Masoud Ghiasian; Hoda Kamali; Ebrahim Kouchaki; Farzad Mehrabi; Ehsan Mohammadianinejad; Mohammad Ali Nahayati; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 January 2023
Abstract
Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their physicians recognize cognitive retention as an important desired outcome of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In this study, we attempted to gather the opinions of Iranian MS experts regarding the treatment approach toward clinical ...
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Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their physicians recognize cognitive retention as an important desired outcome of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In this study, we attempted to gather the opinions of Iranian MS experts regarding the treatment approach toward clinical cases with different physical and cognitive conditions.Methods: Opinions of 20 MS specialists regarding the best approach to 6 case scenarios (with different clinical, cognitive, and imaging characteristics) were gathered via a form.Results: The estimated kappa of 0.16 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.159-0.163; P < 0.001] suggested a poor degree of agreement on the treatment choice among the professionals.Conclusion: Although most specialists agreed with treatment escalation in cases with cognitive impairment, there was no general agreement. Furthermore, there was not enough clinical evidence in the literature to develop consensus guidelines on the matter.
Nasim Rezaeimanesh; Naghmeh Abbasi; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amirreza Azimi; Soodeh Razeghi-Jahromi; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 February 2023
Abstract
Background: It seems that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) implications due to being subjected to immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatments. Besides, obesity as a risk factor may lead to more adverse consequences. The relationship ...
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Background: It seems that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) implications due to being subjected to immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatments. Besides, obesity as a risk factor may lead to more adverse consequences. The relationship between obesity and COVID-19 morbidity and outcomes in Iranian patients with MS still remains unclear.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients with MS were asked to complete an online questionnaire in the Google Form format. Demographic information, clinical information including MS disease-related factors, COVID-19-related factors, and anthropometric information were recorded. Totally, 492 patients filled the questionnaire during two weeks in November 2021, by the response rate of 21.6%. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized based on the standard classification of the World Health Organization (WHO). The logistic regression was used to examine the risk of morbidity and chi-square test/one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine the difference regarding severity and symptoms among groups.Results: In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) of COVID-19 morbidity in class II obese participants was significantly 5.41 times higher than that in the normal BMI group [OR: 5.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-29.09]. COVID-19 severity was significantly different among BMI groups (P = 0.024). Respiratory symptoms (P = 0.05) as well as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (P < 0.01) of COVID-19 were more prevalent among class I and class II obese patients compared with overweight, normal weight, and underweight groups. Moreover, no one in the class I and class II obesity groups reported COVID-19 morbidity without any symptoms (P = 0.04).Conclusion: The results of the current study support the view that obesity could play a key role in susceptibility to COVID-19 morbidity and severity of the symptoms in patients with MS. The findings recommended that neurologists pay more attention to patients' BMI during this pandemic.
Fereshteh Ghadiri; Zahra Ebadi; Elnaz Asadollahzadeh; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amirreza Azimi; Samira Navardi; Hora Heidari; Zohreh Abna; Marzieh Aboutorabi; Iman Adibi; Seyed Mohammad Baghbanian; Sepideh Paybast; Maryam Poursadeghfard; Samaneh Hosseini; Sareh Shahmohammadi; Mehran Ghaffari; Hamidreza Ghalyanchi-Langroodi; Masoud Ghiasian; Hoda Kamali; Ebrahim Kouchaki; Farzad Mehrabi; Ehsan Mohammadianinejad; Mohammad Ali Nahayati; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 April 2023
Abstract
Background: Data on perioperative risk stratification in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate Iranian specialists’ approach to surgical counseling for patients with MS (PwMS).Methods: 21 MS specialists were asked about ...
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Background: Data on perioperative risk stratification in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate Iranian specialists’ approach to surgical counseling for patients with MS (PwMS).Methods: 21 MS specialists were asked about 11 case scenarios with different MS disease statuses, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and urgency of the operation. The reasons for refusing surgery or factors that have to be considered before surgery were studied.Results: Overall, Fleiss Kappa was estimated to be 0.091 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.090-0.093, P < 0.001] indicating a very poor level of agreement among responders.Conclusion: PwMS face surgery for various reasons. Risk assessment of surgery, the effect of various drugs such as anesthetics and DMT on patients, as well as many other aspects of MS are issues challenging the practitioners. Clarifying the various dimensions of these issues requires further research.
Maryam Shafaei; Fereshteh Ghadiri; Amirreza Azimi; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi; Mahdi Hakiminezhad; Mohammad Ali Sahraian
Volume 21, Issue 4 , October 2022, , Pages 201-205
Abstract
Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that prompts immediate potent treatment. Delaying treatment could leave debilitating sequelae. As erythropoietin (EPO) has shown neuroprotective effects, we studied the effects of adding ...
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Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that prompts immediate potent treatment. Delaying treatment could leave debilitating sequelae. As erythropoietin (EPO) has shown neuroprotective effects, we studied the effects of adding EPO to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with acute attacks of NMOSD.Methods: NMOSD cases with acute attacks were included. Cases of optic neuritis (ON) and those with myelitis were separated. After randomization [with block sizes of 2 (1:1 ratio)], the patients in the intervention group received IVMP 1000 mg/day and intravenous (IV) EPO 20000 U/day for five days. IVMP 1000 mg/day and normal saline (NS) were administered in the control group. Staged eye score and motor forces were evaluated in the patients with ON and myelitis, respectively, at the time of the attack and three months later. Primary patient allocation and clinical assessments were blinded to the physicians.Results: Mean age of participants was 53.87 ± 11.53 years. At follow-up, in the ON arm, the median improvement in staged eye score was 2 in the control and 5 in the intervention group. The difference was significant (P < 0.001). In the myelitis group, none of the patients in the control group had improvement in motor forces. All the patients in the intervention group showed substantial improvement with minimal or no remaining weakness. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.029).Conclusion: The results show the possible benefit of adding EPO to the classic IVMP in attacks of NMOSD in both visual and motor aspects.
Fereshteh Ghadiri; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amirreza Azimi; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Volume 21, Issue 3 , July 2022, , Pages 151-155
Abstract
Background: Now that the majority of the population has been immunized with two-dose vaccines, debates over the third booster dose have been raised. We studied the viewpoint of cases with multiple sclerosis (MS) on this matter.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a google form containing questions about ...
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Background: Now that the majority of the population has been immunized with two-dose vaccines, debates over the third booster dose have been raised. We studied the viewpoint of cases with multiple sclerosis (MS) on this matter.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a google form containing questions about participants’ characteristics, the history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination, and opinions on the third dose was designed.Results: Of 1067 responders, only 16 (1.5%) were not vaccinated at all. The most used vaccine type was Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) (n = 1002, 93.9%). Generally, 58 (5.4%) cases were hospitalized due to COVID-19. Of those with full vaccination, 134 (13.3%) got COVID-19 infection after the second dose. Only 13 participants (1%) did not agree with the third dose, while 564 (53.0%) believed that a booster dose was needed. Of all, 488 (45.7%) declared that they did not have a final idea and would follow the instructions by the experts. A significant association was found between not receiving the first two doses and not believing in the third dose (P = 0.001). 692 patients declared their reasoning for the importance of the third dose. All the cases who thought the administered vaccine was not efficient enough had received Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV. Those who got infected after full vaccination were more uncertain about the efficacy of the vaccine [odds ratio (OR): 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-4.2].Conclusion: It seems that the majority of the Iranian patients with MS expect the authorities to administer a third booster dose, especially if scientifically validated.
Amirreza Azimi; Zohreh Abna; Fereshteh Ghadiri; Farzad Mehrabi
Soodeh Razeghi-Jahromi; Rozita Doosti; Zeinab Ghorbani; Roghayyeh Saeedi; Maryam Abolhasani; Naeemeh Akbari; Fatemeh Cheraghi-Serkani; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi; Amirreza Azimi; Mansoureh Togha; Mohammad Ali Sahraian
Abstract
Background: Among multiple sclerosis (MS) related symptoms and complications, fatigue might impact roughly 90% of patients. Decline in cognitive function is one of the other complications that occur in the first years after disease onset. The Mediterranean diet is one of the well-known anti-inflammatory ...
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Background: Among multiple sclerosis (MS) related symptoms and complications, fatigue might impact roughly 90% of patients. Decline in cognitive function is one of the other complications that occur in the first years after disease onset. The Mediterranean diet is one of the well-known anti-inflammatory dietary approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of a modified Mediterranean-like diet on cognitive changes and fatigue levels in comparison with a conventional standard diet over a 1-year follow-up. Methods: In the current single-blind randomized controlled trial, 34 MS patients in the Mediterranean- like diet group and 38 patients in the standard healthy diet group were studied for 1 year. The dietary interventions were modified each month by an expert nutritionist. MS-associated fatigue level was evaluated using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Cognitive assessment was also performed using Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS). Results: Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that after considering confounding variables in ANCOVA, fatigue scores appeared significantly lower in patients who were treated with the Mediterranean-like diet than those in the standard healthy diet group [Mean 95% confidence interval (CI)}: 33.93 (32.97-34.89) and 37.98 (36.99-38.97), respectively; P < 0.001]. However, the intergroup analysis of cognitive status only showed a difference in the mean score of Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) subtest of the MACFIMS. The BVMT-R was higher among standard healthy diet patients compared to the Mediterranean-like diet group after the intervention following adjustment for covariates [Mean (95% CI): 23.73 (21.88-25.57) and 20.56 (18.60-22.51), respectively; P = 0.020]. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study highlighted the higher protective effects of the Mediterranean-like diet against MS-related fatigue than the standard healthy diet. However, no significant improvement was observed in the cognitive status of MS patients after a 1-year treatment with the Mediterranean-like diet. More randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to elucidate the effects of dietary modifications on MS-associated symptoms and complications.
Sharareh Eskandarieh; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Amir Reza Azimi; Negar Molazadeh
Volume 18, Issue 3 , August 2019, , Pages 93-98
Abstract
Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease caused by the presence of a highly specific serum autoantibody marker, NMO-immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG), that reacts against the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The present study examined the association ...
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Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease caused by the presence of a highly specific serum autoantibody marker, NMO-immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG), that reacts against the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The present study examined the association between NMO-IgG sero-positivity and environmental factors such as cigarette smoking.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sina Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Tehran, Iran. All the patients with a definite diagnosis of NMOSD were involved in this study. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the AQP4-IgG status. To assess the association between NMO-IgG sero-positivity and cigarette smoking, a researcher-made questionnaire covering patients’ lifestyle information on smoking habits was designed and administered using the structured face-to-face interviews with the patients.
Results: The positive and negative NMO-IgG results were found in 44 (46.8%) and 50 (53.2%) patients, respectively. The increased NMO-IgG sero-positivity odds were observed among the lifetime smokers [odds ratio (OR) = 3.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-9.08], current smokers (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 1.26-29.39), and passive smokers (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.10-4.50).
Conclusion: Lifetime and current smoking as well as passive smoking can be regarded as risk factors for NMO-IgG sero-positivity. Smoking with its immunological effects can lead to the production of autoantibodies such as NMO-IgG.
Rozita Doosti; Mansoureh Togha; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi; Aida Aghsaei; Amir Reza Azimi; Saeideh Khorramnia; Zahra Moinfar; Fereshteh Ensani; Mohammad Hossein Harirchian; Alireza Minagar; Mohammad Ali Sahraian
Volume 17, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 64-70
Abstract
Background: Since most patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are women, the present study aimed to determine whether treatment of patients with MS by cytotoxic agents is associated with an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. Cancer screening is often neglected in the chronic diseases ...
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Background: Since most patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are women, the present study aimed to determine whether treatment of patients with MS by cytotoxic agents is associated with an increased risk of cervical dysplasia. Cancer screening is often neglected in the chronic diseases such as MS, so more attention in this field was needed. Decreasing morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer is the most important goal of screening in female MS patients especially in child bearing age. Thus, it can be said that this is the first study which investigated this important issue.
Methods: A total of 129 individuals participated in this cohort study. They were assigned into 3 groups including 43 patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic drugs, 43 patients with MS on immunomodulators, and 43 normal healthy controls. Pap smears were performed following standard methods and the results obtained from the three groups were compared by statistical analysis. Demographic data, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and Pap smear changes were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The most commonly detected abnormality in all examined patients and healthy controls was inflammation. Five patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic agents revealed benign cellular changes (BCC) in their Pap smear that were statistically significant in comparison with other groups (P = 0.03). Patients who took Mitoxantrone presented BCC more than other groups [Odds ratio (OR) = 9.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-60.70]. There was no significant difference between mean duration of MS diagnosis (P = 0.12), mean duration of previous MS treatments (P = 0.25), and mean duration of current MS treatments (P = 0.21) in patients with BCC compared to normal healthy controls or inflammatory change.
Conclusion: According to the results of present study, BCC is more frequently observed in patients with MS who were treated with cytotoxic agents with immunosuppressive effect. Since BCC is a ‘premalignant condition’, the authors suggest that mandatory annual Pap smear should be performed for patients with MS who are treated with cytotoxic agents irrespective of their age in order to detect early signs of malignancy.
Mahsa Owji; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Maryam Bidadian; Fereshteh Ghadiri; Farnaz Etesam; Amirreza Azimi; Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Volume 17, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 78-81
Abstract
Background: Emotional intelligence refers to a process through which an individual is not only capable of understanding his/her/others’ emotions, but also is able to manage them. Emotional intelligence can get disturbed due to different neurological diseases. Since cognition and emotion are directly ...
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Background: Emotional intelligence refers to a process through which an individual is not only capable of understanding his/her/others’ emotions, but also is able to manage them. Emotional intelligence can get disturbed due to different neurological diseases. Since cognition and emotion are directly and closely related, the present study aims to evaluate the relationship between emotional intelligence and cognitive disorders in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).Methods: The demographic data of 92 MS patients participating in this study were recorded. The emotional intelligence and cognitive disorders were studied using the Bradberry-Greaves, and MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) tests, respectively.Results: 16 men and 76 women were considered in this study. The mean age of the participants was 33.4 years, the mean duration of the disease was 6.8 years, the mean of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 1.97, the mean MSNQ was 21.58, and the mean emotional quotient (EQ) of the patients was 74.18. The MSNQ had a significant relationship with the total EQ and its sub-categories (P < 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that EQ and cognitive disorders are directly relevant to each other; as cognitive disorder increases, the EQ rate decreases. Therefore, cognitive rehabilitation might be effective in enhancing the EQ in these patients.
Ghazaleh Eskandari; Mahsa Ghajarzadeh; Mir Saeed Yekaninejad; Mohammad Ali Sahraian; Razieh Gorji; Faezeh Rajaei; Abbas Norouzi-Javidan; Alireza Faridar; Amirreza Azimi
Volume 14, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 81-85
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neuro- inflammatory disease of central nervous system affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of patients. Association of vitamin D deficiency and MS has been shown in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum ...
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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neuro- inflammatory disease of central nervous system affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of patients. Association of vitamin D deficiency and MS has been shown in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum vitamin D level in MS cases and their sex-matched healthy siblings (who are genetically near similar) and non-relative sex-matched healthy controls.Methods: A total of 135 subjects enrolled in this case- control study. Group one (n = 45) consisted of patients with established MS. Group two (n = 45) included sex- matched healthy siblings of the group one and group three participants (n = 45) were non-relative sex- matched healthy controls. Demographic data (age, sex), level of education, daily sun exposure duration, and month of birth gathered for all. Serum sample of all participants was collected for 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement.Results: There was no significant difference between vitamin D level, sun exposure duration, education level, and season of birth in three evaluated groups. Mean vitamin D level was 8.2 ± 10.1 (nmol/l) in women and 13.3 ± 7 (nmol/l) in men (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between daily sun exposure duration and vitamin D level in whole participants (r = 0.28, P < 0.001) as well as in MS patients (r = 0.32, P = 0.030). Mean vitamin D level was significantly lower in participants who have born in spring and summer.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is high among Iranian population as well as MS patients.
Ferdos Nazari; Amirreza Azimi; Siamak Abdi
Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2014, , Pages 209-214
Abstract
Susac's syndrome (SS) is a clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion and sensorineural hearing loss and maybe due to an immune-mediated endotheliopathy. Because of its rarity and some similarities to other common neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated ...
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Susac's syndrome (SS) is a clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion and sensorineural hearing loss and maybe due to an immune-mediated endotheliopathy. Because of its rarity and some similarities to other common neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, it is often misdiagnosed and therefore mistreated. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one case report from our country with this diagnosis. Here, we have a short discussion on this issue to introduce it to our colleagues and remind it as a differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained encephalopathy.
