Sars-CoV2 pandemic and lockdown reported consequences on people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background and aims: During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may experience a worsening due to increased anxiety and depression, reduction in rehabilitation, and less strict connection to MS centres. The aim of our study was to describe the self-reported impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and lockdown on PwMS. Methods: On June 2020, we enrolled PwMS who underwent teleconsult during the lockdown phase (March–May 2020). Self-rated worries for pandemic, perception of change in anxiety, depression, fatigue and spasticity was asked, as well as changes in weight, physical activity and food intake. We compared patients with and without reported increase in: spasticity, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Binary logistic regression analyses were applied including significant variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Ninety-three MS patients were enrolled (71% female, 77% RR, median age 50.3 y, mean disease duration ≅13 y). Many patients reported an increase of anxiety (36.6%), depression (34.4%), fatigue (26.9%) and, spasticity (18.3%), weight (47.3%) and 63.4% of patients reported e reduction of physical activity;moreover 59.1% and 43% reported particular worries for the pandemic and the perception of greater impact on PwMS of the pandemic compared to general population, respectively. In the multivariate models, anxiety was predicted by depression, particular worries for SARS-CoV2 pandemic and reduction in physical activity;depression by anxiety;fatigue by reduction in physical activity;spasticity by EDSS. Conclusions: The self-reported impact of pandemic on PwMS was deep in terms of increased depression, anxiety, fatigue and spasticity, mainly related to reduction in physical activity and pre-existing disability.