Comparative efficacy of rituximab versus azathioprine in the treatment of MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

Background: Azathioprine (AZA) and rituximab (RTX) are frequently used drugs in the treatment of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Disease (MOGAD).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety data of AZA and RTX treatments in MOGAD.

Methods: Patients diagnosed according to the 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria and receiving AZA or RTX treatment were included in the study.

Exome sequencing reveals low-frequency and rare variant contributions to multiple sclerosis susceptibility in Turkish families.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized as an immune-mediated central nervous system disease marked by chronic inflammation, demyelination, and progressive neurodegeneration. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of low-frequency and rare genetic variants to MS susceptibility within one of the largest family-based MS cohorts to date, comprising 215 individuals from 59 Turkish multiplex MS families. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on all samples including affected and unaffected members, followed by investigation of the effect of well-established human leukocyte antigen loci for MS on the elevated MS risk observed in our families.

Kappa-free light chain as a practical alternative to oligoclonal bands in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Objectives: Kappa free light chains (κ-FLC) have emerged as a reliable biomarker for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS). Compared to oligoclonal band (OCB) measurement, κ-FLC presents distinct advantages, including enhanced accessibility in clinical practice. This study evaluates κ-FLC index values in MS patients and explores its potential as a practical alternative to the OCB test.

Treatment Adherence in a Large Cohort of Turkish Multiple Sclerosis Population.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate adherence to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify factors influencing compliance, based on perceptions and preferences of both patients and neurologists.

Methods: Questionnaires were designed by a team of experts, including MS specialists, psychologists, and statisticians, to capture data on treatment adherence and related factors. A total of 1021 MS patients and their neurologists participated.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of late-onset multiple sclerosis: LOMS-TR study.

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is known as a young-adult age disease, is called late-onset MS (LOMS) when it occurs at the age of 50 and older. In our study, we aimed to analyse the clinical and demographic characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic and treatment challenges and prognosis of LOMS.

Methods: In a retrospective analysis of 136 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) after the age of 50, based on the 2017 McDonald criteria, and who were under observation in eight distinct MS centers across Turkey; demographic information, clinical characteristics of the disease, oligoclonal band (OCB) status, initial and current Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) values, administered treatments, and the existence of spinal lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were investigated.

The Effect of Smoking on Inactivated and mRNA Vaccine Responses Applied to Prevent COVİD-19 in Multiple Sclerosis.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the biggest health challenge of recent times. Studies so far reveal that vaccination is the only way to prevent this pandemic. There may be factors that decrease or increase vaccine effectiveness.

Erratum: Clinical and Demographic Characteristics and Two-Year Efficacy and Safety Data of 508 Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Fingolimod Treatment.

[This corrects the article on p. 23 in vol. 60, PMID: 36911568.

Retrospective analysis of effectiveness of fingolimod in real life setting in Turkey (REFINE).

Background: During multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment different modes of action such as lateral (interferon beta to glatiramer acetate or glatiramer acetate to interferon beta) or vertical (interferon beta/glatiramer acetate to fingolimod) drug switch can be performed. This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of switching from the first-line injectable disease modifying treatments (iDMTs) to fingolimod (FNG) compared to switching between first-line iDMTs.

Methods: This is a multicenter, observational and retrospective study of patients with relapsing-remitting MS who had lateral and vertical switch.

Clinical and Demographic Characteristics and Two-Year Efficacy and Safety Data of 508 Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Fingolimod Treatment.

Introduction: Fingolimod is the first oral immunomodulatory treatment used as secondary care therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis for the last 10 years. The objective of our study is to reveal the experiences of the first generic fingolimod active ingredient treatment in different centers across Turkey.

Method: The first generic fingolimod efficacy and safety data of patients followed-up in 29 different clinical multiple sclerosis units in Turkey were analyzed retrospectively.

The Socioeconomic and Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey.

Introduction: Various restrictions due to the coronavirus infection have affected working life globally. People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have several difficulties in social life, patient follow-up, and receiving treatments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the experiences of pwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect of cognitive performance on self-management behavior of multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Difficulties of self-management in people with MS (pwMS) is considered as one of the most important factors contributing to low rehabilitation efficacy, more severe long-term complications and increase in healthcare costs. Despite the emergence of research in the last decade documenting causes, types, and course of cognitive difficulties in MS disease subtypes, limited evidence is available in the literature for direct comparison of self-management and cognitive deficits. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and self-management in pwMS.

Wernicke encephalopathy with epileptic seizures during pregnancy.

A 22-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with headache, dizziness, and numbness on the left side of the body. Neurologic examination revealed gaze-evoked nystagmus. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging, venous and arterial magnetic resonance angiography were normal.

The Turkish experience of COVID-19 infection in people with NMOSD and MOGAD: A milder course?

Background: COVID-19 is a multisystemic infection with variables consequences depending on individual and comorbid conditions. The course and outcomes of COVID-19 during neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorders (MOGAD) are not clearly known.

Objective/methods: The aim of this study was to examine the features and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in NMOSD and MOGAD patients.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Fingolimod for Multiple Sclerosis in a Real-World Clinical Setting.

Introduction: The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of fingolimod in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); secondary aims were to describe the safety of fingolimod with the evaluation of treatment satisfaction and impact on the quality of life in real life.

Methods: We collected clinical, demographical, neuroradiological, and treatment data, including pre- and posttreatment status health-related quality of life from 286 MS patients consecutively treated with fingolimod. Clinical assessment was based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and quality of life assessment was performed with MS-related quality of life inventory (MSQOLI).

The efficacy of rituximab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A real-world study from Turkey.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of antibody-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that leads to a reduction in disease activity.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab as monotherapy in NMOSD and to determine whether the efficacy varies depending on the presence of antibodies in this cohort.

Effectiveness, Safety, and Health-Related Quality of Life of Chronic Migraine Patients Treated with Onabotulinum Toxin A.

Objective: The present study aims to describe the efficacy and safety of onabotulinum toxin A (BonT-A) with evaluation of treatment satisfaction and impact on quality of life in chronic migraine (CM) patients in real life.

Methods: This study was conducted in CM patients who were treated with BoNT-A with 12 months of follow-up. Data about outcome, adverse events, and patients' pre- and post-treatment status including health-related quality of life data were analyzed.

Migraine or idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Magnetic resonance venography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease characterised by increased cerebral pressure without a mass or hydrocephalus. We aimed to differentiate migraine and IIH patients based on imaging findings.

Results: Patients with IIH ( = 32), migraine patients ( = 34) and control subjects ( = 33) were evaluated.

Vitamin D deficiency and its association with fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the incidence and prevalence of a variety of neurologic disorders, including multiple sclerosis. However, available studies to date have not provided convincing evidence that vitamin D treatment improves fatigue and life quality in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Aim: To assess the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with health-related quality-of-life issues and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients.

Flammer syndrome in multiple sclerosis: diagnostics, prediction, and personalization of treatments.

Background: Flammer syndrome (FS) occurs from well-described signs and symptoms. The syndrome itself is not a disease, but it may be a directive marker for advancing therapeutic approaches by predictive and preventive measures as well as for personalization of treatments. The syndrome is related to many diseases, but FS has been rarely studied in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Risk knowledge of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis - Results of an international survey.

Background: Adequate disease and treatment-related risk knowledge of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) is a prerequisite for informed choices in medical encounters. Previous work showed that MS risk knowledge is low among pwMS and role preferences are different in Italy and Germany.

Objective: We investigated the level of risk knowledge and role preferences in 8 countries and assessed putative variables associated with risk knowledge.

Longitudinal assessment of gray matter volumes and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache.

Background Medication-overuse headache is a common clinical entity, but neuroimaging studies investigating volumetric and microstructural alterations of the brain in medication-overuse headache are rare. Therefore, in the current longitidunal study we evaluated gray matter volume and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache before and after drug withdrawal. Methods A prospective study evaluated 27 patients with medication-overuse headache and 27 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy adults.

Spontaneous yawning in patients with multiple sclerosis: A polygraphic study.

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from the repetitive yawning and sleep problems. Yawning is observed in MS and other central nervous system disorders and yawning and swallowing may be controlled by the network of the brain stem. Therefore it is important to investigate the MS patients with various clinical and radiological locations in order to understand the role of brainstem on the yawning mechanisms.