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Open Access 06-09-2023 | Multiple Sclerosis | COVID-19

Impact of COVID-19 and system recovery in delivering healthcare to people with multiple sclerosis: a population-based Study

Authors: Giuseppina Affinito, Ugo Trama, Laura Palumbo, Maria Grazia Fumo, Roberta Giordana, Massimo Di Gennaro, Maria Triassi, Roberta Lanzillo, Vincenzo Brescia Morra, Raffaele Palladino, Marcello Moccia

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To explore the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare delivery to people with MS and the subsequent recovery of the system.

Methods

In this population-based study in the Campania Region (Italy), we included people with MS across pre-COVID-19, lockdown, pre-vaccination, and vaccination periods. Differences in continuous outcomes between periods were explored using linear mixed models (annualized hospitalization rate (AHR) and adherence measured as medication possession ratio (MPR)). Differences in disease-modifying treatment (DMT) prescription rates (first DMT prescription, any DMT switch, switch from platform to highly effective DMT, and combination of first DMT prescription and any DMT switch) were assessed using an interrupted time series design.

Results

Compared with pre-COVID-19, AHR decreased during the lockdown (Coeff = 0.64;95%CI = -0.69, -0.59; p < 0.01), and remained lower during pre-vaccination and vaccination periods. Adherence decreased during pre-vaccination (Coeff = -0.04;95%CI = -0.05, -0.03; p < 0.01) and vaccination periods (Coeff = -0.07;95%CI = -0.08, -0.07; p < 0.01). After the lockdown, there was an increase in any DMT switch (IRR 2.05 95%CI 1.38,3.05; p < 0.01), in switch from platform to highly effective DMTs (IRR 4.45;95%CI 2.48,8.26; p < 0.01) and in first DMT prescriptions (IRR 2.48;95%CI 1.64,3.74; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

DMT prescriptions quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting good health system recovery. However, adherence has remained lower than the past, as from suboptimal care. Assessing long-term COVID-19 impact on MS healthcare is warranted.

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Title: Impact of COVID-19 and system recovery in delivering healthcare to people with multiple sclerosis: a population-based Study
Authors: Giuseppina Affinito
Ugo Trama
Laura Palumbo
Maria Grazia Fumo
Roberta Giordana
Massimo Di Gennaro
Maria Triassi
Roberta Lanzillo
Vincenzo Brescia Morra
Raffaele Palladino
Marcello Moccia
Publication date: 06-09-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
COVID-19
Vaccination
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07052-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Impact of COVID-19 and system recovery in delivering healthcare to people with multiple sclerosis: a population-based Study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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