Assessment of dysphagia and its associations in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

In this cross-sectional study in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, we assessed complaint of dysphagia and evaluated their association with sex, age, disease duration, disability severity, and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The validated Persian version of Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire was used. A total of 66 patients were included.

Effects of Acupuncture on Cognitive Functions in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To explore the effects of acupuncture in comparison with sham acupuncture on cognitive functions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 31 RRMS patients in the acupuncture group were treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture based on the treatment principle of calming the mind, reinforcing qi and blood, and 31 patients in the control group were treated with sham acupuncture (shallow needling at non-acupuncture points) twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) score, which was evaluated by a psychologist at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.

Investigation of pregnancy tendency, reproductive characteristics, and disability in women with multiple sclerosis: A secondary data analysis of the national registry in Iran.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women of childbearing age, significantly impacting their quality of life (QOL). The diagnosis of MS can influence pregnancy intention, and the level of disability associated with MS may change before and after pregnancy. This study aims to analyze the reproductive characteristics of Iranian female patients with MS (PwMS) and their association with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and pregnancy tendency, providing valuable insights into disease progression and the development of tailored treatments.

Computerized cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the main features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) programs are crucial for improving cognition and computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation is considered as an effective method for cognition rehabilitation. To assess the effects of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program on cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The impact of social and environmental factors on triggering multiple sclerosis onset, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study from Iran.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The first presentation's possible triggers are still controversial among scientists. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the potential social, environmental, and physical factors that may have contributed to the onset of MS before and during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the CarerQol-7D instrument on caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Providing informal care can deeply influence, both physically and emotionally, the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers, especially when the disease becomes chronic. CarerQol-7D is one of the most common instruments for measuring informal care. We aimed to develop a Persian version of the CarerQol-7D in the context of Iranian caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

A multicenter multinational study to evaluate different aspects of the relationship between MS and pregnancy.

Background: To investigate the pregnancy-related issues in females with multiple sclerosis (MS) from Turkiye, Egypt, Kuwait, and Iran.

Methods: 1692 pregnancies of 701 females with MS were evaluated in this retrospective multicenter, international project. Demographics, clinical features, pregnancy outcomes, relapses, effects of exposure to disease-modifying drugs on pregnancy and fetus, and worries about pregnancy decisions were investigated.

Differential diagnosis of suspected multiple sclerosis: global health considerations.

The differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can present specific challenges in patients from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, eastern Europe, southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. In these areas, environmental factors, genetic background, and access to medical care can differ substantially from those in North America and western Europe, where multiple sclerosis is most common. Furthermore, multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria have been developed primarily using data from North America and western Europe.

Exploring autoimmune endocrine diseases induced by monoclonal antibodies used as multiple sclerosis pharmacotherapy: a systematic review.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease that targets myelin, leading to inflammation and neuron death. Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) have long been used to control the progression and exacerbations of this disorder, which may induce secondary autoimmune disease as a rare adverse event. This systematic review aimed to gather data of case reports around this subject and to explain the mechanism behind their occurrence.

Lifetime exposure to smoking and substance abuse may be associated with late-onset multiple sclerosis: a population-based case-control study.

Background: Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS), defined as the development of MS after the age of 50, has shown a substantial surge in incidence rates and is associated with more rapid progression of disability. Besides, studies have linked tobacco smoking to a higher chance of MS progression. However, the role of smoking on the risk of developing LOMS remains unclear.

Disease-modifying therapies, outcomes, risk factors and severity of COVID-19 in multiple sclerosis: A MENACTRIMS registry based study.

Background: There is a lack information regarding risk factors associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the MENA region.

Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study that included all MS patients with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection using the MENACTRIMS registry. The association of demographics, disease characteristics, and use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) with outcomes and severity of COVID-19 were evaluated by multivariate logistic model.

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, has a significant burden among people worldwide. Tobacco smoking is one of the most prevalent habits of patients with different diseases including those with MS, and among the methods of use, waterpipe tobacco smoking is gaining popularity. Herein, we aimed to systematically evaluate the association between waterpipe smoking and MS.

Consanguineous marriage among familial multiple sclerosis subjects: A national registry-based study.

Background: The rising prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran has spurred interest in the potential impact of parental consanguinity on the risk of developing the disease. This study aims to aggregate current knowledge on parental consanguinity and its possible effect on MS risk, particularly among familial MS patients from various regions and ethnicities in Iran. The objective is to enhance the understanding of MS genetics and encourage further research in this field.

Exploring the relationship between disability status, depression, and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: Depression and the presence of a disability emerge as noteworthy predictors of the quality of life (QoL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this article, we explore the relationship between disability status, depression, and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: A total of 150 patients participated in this cross-sectional study.

Investigating the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial- a pilot study.

Background: The primary objective of this clinical trial was to assess whether administrating oral calcifediol (25(OH)D) could enhance the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This clinical trial was designed as a randomized, double-blind, two-arm study, with 25 participants receiving daily 50 μg of calcifediol and 25 people receiving daily 50 μg of cholecalciferol. The primary outcomes were serum levels of 25(OH)D, number of relapses, changes in Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the 25-foot walk, and cognitive function.

Good manufacturing practices production of human placental derived mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic applications: focus on multiple sclerosis.

Background: Among neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) affects mostly young adults and can cause long-term disability. While most medications with approval from regulatory agencies are very effective in treating MS disease, they are unable to repair the tissue damage found in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, Cell-based therapy particularly using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), holds promise for neuroprotection and tissue repair in MS treatment.

A national registry-based study of ethnic differences in people with multiple sclerosis in Iran.

Objective: The relationship between MS and ethnicity has been understudied in the Middle East compared to the United States and Europe. As Iran as the highest prevalence of MS in the Middle East, we decided to investigate the demographic and clinical differences in people with MS (pwMS) from major ethnicities Iran.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study using data from National Multiple Sclerosis Registry in Iran.

Effect of ginseng on fatigue related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: The effects of ginseng on fatigue have been proven in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which have several similar manifestations to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ginseng on fatigue in NMOSD patients.

Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, 64 patients were recruited and were allocated into two study groups (ginseng or placebo) via block randomization.

Time interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the influential factors: A national registry-based study.

Objective: The time to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is of great importance for early treatment, thereby reducing the disability and burden of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the time from the onset of clinical symptoms to the diagnosis of MS and to evaluate the factors associated with a late diagnosis in Iranian MS patients.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with MS who were registered in the National MS Registry System of Iran (NMSRI).