Publications by authors named "Mirla Avila"

Background And Objectives: Acute COVID-19 infection has been associated with neurological involvement. We report a case series of newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) developed in a short period of time after acute COVID-19 infection.

Methods: New MS patients developing initial symptoms shortly after an acute COVID-19 infection were diagnosed based on the 2017 McDonald Criteria [Garcia-Ramos et al.

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The dopaminergic system is involved in the regulation of immune responses in various homeostatic and disease conditions. For conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), pharmacological modulation of dopamine (DA) system activity is thought to have therapeutic relevance, providing the basis for using dopaminergic agents as a treatment of relevant states. In particular, it was proposed that restoration of DA levels may inhibit neuroinflammation.

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Objective: To estimate the efficacy of the commonly used long-term immunotherapies in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG associated disorder (MOGAD) METHOD: A comprehensive search of the databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database was performed for all studies that assessed the efficacy of azathioprine (AZA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), rituximab (RTX), and maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin (mIVIG) in MOGAD. The random-effect model is used to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD) of annualized relapse rate (ARR) and expanded disability status scale (EDSS), mean ARR, probabilities of relapse and worsening EDSS during treatment.

Results: The initial search identified 714 articles, and 21 satisfied eligibility criteria.

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Background: Although there has long been a suspected association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and multiple sclerosis (MS), the connection has remained unclear. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis in an attempt to assess the association between VZV IgG serostatus and MS.

Methods: A literature search was performed using three databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane.

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Tonsils are believed to be the initial site of the John Cunningham virus (JCV) infection. The long-term effect of childhood tonsillectomy on JCV status in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not been investigated. In this retrospective case-control study, we analyzed data of 144 JCV seropositive cases and 82 JCV seronegative controls from three outpatient MS clinics in the United States.

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Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a disorder characterized by aberrant function and proliferation of mononuclear phagocytic cells called Langerhans cells, usually occurs in those <15 years of age. Adult-onset LCH is extremely rare. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with multiple episodes of confusion, rapidly progressive cognitive decline, and multiple endocrinopathies, including diabetes insipidus.

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Background: Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge due to the lack of evidence from clinical studies. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may affect the immune response and subsequently alter the risk of COVID-19 infections.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

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Background: Despite of a few decades of investigations, the association and role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and multiple sclerosis (MS) remain inconclusive. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between CMV IgG serostatus and MS.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelination disorder with an immune-mediated pathophysiology that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Like other autoimmune conditions, it has a predilection for female gender. This suggests a gender bias and a possible hormonal association.

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most prevalent in women of childbearing age. It is well established that the relapse rate decreases during pregnancy but increases significantly during the first postpartum trimester. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the administration of 1 g of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) after delivery in the prevention of MS relapses.

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