Multiple Sclerosis

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 A recent international workshop provides actionable recommendations for increasing diversity and inclusion in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. These guidelines aim to close the gap between trial participants and the broader multiple sclerosis patient population, thereby improving the generalizability of research findings. Clinical trials...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 A recent study found that inner retinal layer atrophy, assessed using optical coherence tomography, was associated with worsening ambulation in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. This indicates that optical coherence tomography can be utilized for monitoring disability progression in multiple sclerosis patients. Disability...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Oct. 4, 2023 Peripheral reactive B cells have a dual role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. These cells deliver myelin autoreactive antibodies to oligodendrocytes, which can also be a diagnostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a pathogenic immune response...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shani Saks, D.O. on Sept. 3, 2023 A recent study reveals the potential of granulocyte activation markers in cerebrospinal fluid as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from multiple sclerosis, even when the gold-standard diagnostic biomarker, anti-aquaporin-4 protein antibodies, is negative. Granulocyte activation marker levels in cerebrospinal fluid can...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on August 25, 2023 CXCL5 levels significantly declined with fingolimod treatment in this study. However, serum CXCL5 levels did not distinguish between MS and NMOSD. The levels of epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide 78, also known as C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) are associated with the severity of disease...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on August 3, 2023 Vitamin D has been found to exert numerous neuroprotective effects in multiple sclerosis, according to a recent review. Vitamin D deficiency in childhood and adolescence is a multiple sclerosis (MS) risk factor. The mechanism of vitamin D-mediated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in MS...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on August 3, 2023 Mindfulness meditation is beneficial for sleep and improving quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Between 20 and 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have chronic insomnia (CI). Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve CI. A study in the journal BMC Neurology...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on August 3, 2023 An educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior enhances treatment adherence in multiple sclerosis patients. Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) effectively control the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Adherence to these medications is crucial for a successful therapeutic response. Patient education is an...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on August 5, 2023 This study found that patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder have an increased risk of all forms of dementia. Both neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exhibit cognitive impairment; however, the risk of dementia in these...