The exacerbation of multiple sclerosis by COVID-19 and its aspects in relation to disease modulating therapies: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Highlight the relationship between COVID-19 and the exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in patients using Disease Modulating Therapies (TMDs), as well as its conclusions on the health and quality of life of patients with disease. Bibliographic review: MS is a dysregulated autoimmune reaction that damages the myelin sheath of cells that make up the Central Nervous System (CNS). In the context of COVID-19, the exacerbation of this neurological disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the susceptibility to the severity of the clinical picture in patients using TMDs should be highlighted. Final considerations: The risk of MS exacerbation increased considerably after viral infection. However, patients with this autoimmune disease using TMDs do not have an increased risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, nor of developing severe forms of COVID-19, when compared to the general population. Even so, larger sample studies are required to elucidate the risk factors related to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with MS.