COVID-19 prevention and multiple sclerosis management: The SAFE pathway for the post-peak

Antonio Buonomo; Vincenzo Brescia Morra; Emanuela Zappulo; Roberta Lanzillo; Ivan Gentile; Emma Montella; Maria Triassi; Raffaele Palladino; Marcello Moccia

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2020.102282

COVID-19 prevention and multiple sclerosis management: The SAFE pathway for the post-peak

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Sep:44:102282. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102282. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Authors

Antonio Buonomo¹, Vincenzo Brescia Morra², Emanuela Zappulo¹, Roberta Lanzillo², Ivan Gentile³, Emma Montella⁴, Maria Triassi⁵, Raffaele Palladino⁶, Marcello Moccia²

Affiliations

¹ Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
² Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
³ Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Italy; UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
⁴ Department of Hygiene, Preventive and Industrial Medicine, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy.
⁵ Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Italy.
⁶ Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Italy; Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: We hereby report on our experience from Naples (South Italy), where the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already passed.

Methods: Assuming that COVID-19 will be circulating until vaccination and/or herd immunity is achieved (possibly not earlier than 2021), we have developed a protocol for the long-term management of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Results: We have defined a pathway for the access to the MS Centre with logistic, preventative and clinical recommendations, and have also included 14-day self-isolation and COVID-19 testing before some disease modifying treatments.

Discussion: Overall, we believe our experience could be helpful for MS management in the upcoming months.

Keywords: COVID; DMT; Multiple sclerosis; Serological; Swab.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

COVID-19 / complications
COVID-19 / prevention & control*
COVID-19 Testing
Disease Management
Humans
Italy
Multiple Sclerosis / complications
Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*