The effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been unknown. In this retrospective study of 41 relapsing-remitting MS patients, number of relapses in pre-defined at risk-period (ARP) was compared with the previous two years. During the previous two years, a total of 32 attacks was reported, which 5 (15.6%) were during the at-risk period. After adjusting for age and sex, there was an increased risk of attack during ARP compared to the previous two years (RR: 2.566, 95%CI: 1.075-6.124, P=0.034). Our preliminary study suggested that COVID-19 can trigger exacerbation of MS.
Keywords: Coronavirus; Exacerbation; Infection; Multiple sclerosis; Relapse.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.