Update on diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) - recommendations of Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of Polish Neurological Society.

Introduction: An expert panel of the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society has developed principles for the management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). These principles are based on expert opinion and data from the literature published up to May 2023. Recommendations were developed based on the results of the most recent clinical trials, guidelines of foreign and international scientific societies, and the authors' clinical experience.

Patterns of cerebral damage in multiple sclerosis and aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders-major differences revealed by non-conventional imaging.

Multiple sclerosis and aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are distinct autoimmune CNS disorders with overlapping clinical features but differing pathology. Multiple sclerosis is primarily a demyelinating disease with the presence of widespread axonal damage, while neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders is characterized by astrocyte injury with secondary demyelination. Diagnosis is typically based on lesion characteristics observed on standard MRI imaging and antibody testing but can be challenging in patients with in-between clinical presentations.

Analysis of seroconversion following COVID-19 vaccination among multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapies in Poland.

Clinical Rationale For The Study: The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the world has highlighted the importance of vaccinations to control the pandemic and to protect people at risk for severe disease courses. Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS), whether immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive, may affect the immune response. Therefore, the question arose as to whether these vaccinations would be effective.

Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: a questionnaire-based study.

Aim Of The Study: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Poland.

Clinical Rationale For The Study: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive and disabling neurological disease with significant impact on quality of life. Although the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has not been scientifically confirmed, many patients use CAM as a complement or an alternative to conventional therapy.

Safety of Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 among Polish Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Disease-Modifying Therapies.

(1) Background: The present study aims to report the side effects of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were being treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in Poland. (2) Methods: The study included 2261 patients with MS who were being treated with DMTs, and who were vaccinated against COVID-19 in 16 Polish MS centers. The data collected were demographic information, specific MS characteristics, current DMTs, type of vaccine, side effects after vaccination, time of side-effect symptom onset and resolution, applied treatment, relapse occurrence, and incidence of COVID-19 after vaccination.