COVID-19 and disease-modifying therapies in patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system: A systematic review.

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to expand across the world. This pandemic has had a significant impact on patients with chronic diseases. Among patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), concerns remain about the potential impact of COVID-19 on these patients given their treatment with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies.

Reconstitution of the peripheral immune repertoire following withdrawal of fingolimod.

Background: Following fingolimod cessation, immune reconstitution or lack thereof may have consequences for disease rebound or safety of commencing alternative therapies.

Objective: To examine the degree and profile of peripheral blood lymphocyte reconstitution following fingolimod withdrawal.

Methods: Total lymphocyte counts (TLC) and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell counts were measured in 18 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients pre-treatment, on fingolimod, and up to 8-9 months post-cessation.