Latest Conference Coverage

Remote Technology Improves Adherence Rates in Relapsing MS

The authors expanded upon the notion that nonadherence to oral DMTs is more nuanced than simply missing doses.

IL-1RA Biomarker Predicts Disability in Multiple Sclerosis

The researchers found that interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in plasma correlated with neurofilament light levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

Cladribine Personalized Dosing Well Tolerated and Efficacious in Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers found that 22 of 23 patients with elevated CSF NfL at baseline had normal levels at 2-year follow-up.

MS Fatigue Unchanged by Long-Term Programs, Raising Questions About Its Progression

The authors noted that future studies evaluating the time course of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis are needed.

Unmet Needs in the Multiple Sclerosis Community: Luc Truyen, MD, PhD

The global head of Development and External Affairs-Neuroscience at Janssen Pharmaceutical discussed areas of multiple sclerosis research that need more attention.

Prevalence of Autoimmune Encephalitis: Divyanshu Dubey, MBBS

The assistant professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic detailed his presentation at ACTRIMS 2021 Forum on the rising prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis.

Early DMT Prescription in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome: Ilena George, MD

The neurologist from Massachusetts General Hospital gave an overview of her study presented at ACTRIMS.

Increasing Prevalence of Early DMT Prescription in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that DMT-treated patients were, on average, younger than untreated patients.

MS Diagnosis Disclosure and Concealment Associated With Anxiety, Depression

Higher concealment behavior for patients with multiple sclerosis was associated with higher anxiety, but not depression.

Importance of Evaluating Real-World Populations in MS: Allitia DiBernardo, MD

Fingolimod Shows Potential to Reduce Retinal Neurodegeneration in Relapsing MS

The authors concluded that longitudinal optical coherence tomography measures may be sensitive to changes in cognitive function and may be useful for monitoring neuroprotective therapies.

Natalizumab Infusion Reports Strong Safety Profile, Rarely Causes Adverse Events in Relapsing MS

Researchers from the University of Washington Medical Center analyzed data from almost 10,000 infusions of natalizumab.

Instrumented Postural Sway Test Differentiates Fallers From Non-Fallers in MS

Researchers investigated the test, which is normally used to differentiate people with MS from healthy controls, in a population of those with multiple sclerosis.

Investigating TNFα Inhibition and CNS Demyelination: Spencer Hutto, MD

The fellow of autoimmune neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital discussed the analysis his team conducted to clarify the known associations.

New Studies Evaluating Anakinra and Tolebrutinib on Paramagnetic Rim Lesions in MS

The trial of anakinra is underway, while the trial for tolebrutinib is undergoing regulatory review.

Frenkel Coordination Exercises Demonstrate Reliability, Fatigue Benefits in Multiple Sclerosis

The authors concluded that this approach may be applied in fatigue management treatment protocols, without increasing symptoms, in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Growing Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Knowledge: Luc Truyen, MD, PhD

The global head of Development and External Affairs-Neuroscience at Janssen Pharmaceutical detailed the areas research has grown in MS and areas that still need more examination.

Cladribine Demonstrates CD19+ B and CD4+ T Lymphocyte Impact Regardless of Age

The effect of cladribine on CD8+ T lymphocytes varied by age, with steady increases shown in the younger population whereas there were fluctuations observed in the older group.

Measuring MS Fatigue in a Real-World Setting: Allitia DiBernardo, MD

The global head of medical affairs-neurology at Janssen Pharmaceutical discussed 2 studies presented at the ACTRIMS Forum 2021 involving fatigue among patients with multiple sclerosis.

TNFαi-Associated CNS Demyelination Persists After Treatment Discontinuation

Researchers retrospectively analyzed patient follow-ups and found that 50% of patients were ultimately diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

ACTRIMS Forum 2021: Pre-Conference Expert Perspective

The global head of Development and External Affairs-Neuroscience at Janssen Pharmaceutical provided his expectations for the upcoming ACTRIMS Forum.

2020 American Epilepsy Society Post-Conference Perspectives

The director of the Dartmouth Epilepsy Program and chairwoman of AES 2020 discussed some of the major topics from the previously completed annual meeting and where epilepsy research is trending.

Soticlestat Reduces Seizure Frequency in Children With Dravet Syndrome

Despite significant improvements in Dravet syndrome, non-statistically significant reductions were observed in children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

Areas of Need in Epilepsy Research: Barbara Jobst, MD

The director of the Dartmouth Epilepsy Program provided an overview of some of the critical unmet needs within ongoing epilepsy research following the recent AES Annual Meeting.

Fewer Lifetime AED Use Decreases Odds of Discontinuing Brivaracetam for Focal Seizures

Data suggest that treatment-emergent adverse events with adjunctive brivaracetam increased in incidence by number of lifetime AEDs.

High Compliance and Good Tolerance in Perampanel Monotherapy for Partial-Onset Seizures

The neurologist from Cleveland Clinic discussed perampanel’s unique mechanism of action.

Overarching Highlights from AES 2020: Barbara Jobst, MD

The director of the Dartmouth Epilepsy Program discussed a few of the notable highlights and themes from the recently completed American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting.

Cenobamate Responders Achieve High Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scores

The observed increase in QOLIE-31 scores for patients with refractory disease was driven by increases on the energy-fatigue domain.

Combination Therapies Most Effective for Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies

Valproic acid’s efficacy as a monotherapy is complicated by its previously demonstrated unsuitability for pregnant women.

Stereotactic Laser Ablation Demonstrates Safety in Pediatric Epilepsy

Specific health-related quality of life measures in physical activities, well-being, cognition, and social activities were improved among those who underwent the laser ablation procedure.