SARS‑CoV‑2, multiple sclerosis, and focal deficit in a postpartum woman: A case report

Florea,Anca Alexandra; Sirbu,Carmen Adella; Ghinescu,Minerva Claudia; Plesa,Cristina Florentina; Sirbu,Anca Maria; Mitrica,Marian; Ionita‑Radu,Florentina

doi:10.3892/etm.2020.9524

January-2021 Volume 21 Issue 1

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January-2021 Volume 21 Issue 1

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Case Report

SARS‑CoV‑2, multiple sclerosis, and focal deficit in a postpartum woman: A case report

Authors:
- Anca Alexandra Florea
- Carmen Adella Sirbu
- Minerva Claudia Ghinescu
- Cristina Florentina Plesa
- Anca Maria Sirbu
- Marian Mitrica
- Florentina Ionita‑Radu
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Affiliations: Department of Neurology, 'Dr Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest 010242, Romania, Department of Medical-Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Endocrinology, National Institute of Endocrinology, CI Parhon, 011863 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Neurosurgery, 'Dr Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
Article Number: 92
|
Published online on: November 26, 2020

https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.9524
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Abstract

SARS‑CoV‑2 infections raise many practical concerns in a woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the perinatal period. On the other hand, the impact of COVID-19 on patients with MS and disease‑modifying therapies (DMTs) is unknown. We report on a female patient who was treated with interferon beta 1a (IFNB‑1a) for many years for relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) until December 2018. She developed COVID 19 infection in April 2020, after giving birth to a healthy baby girl, five weeks before. She developed a mild right hemiparesis 2 weeks later, without cold symptoms. On admission, PCR for SARS‑CoV‑2 was positive, and she received antivirals and corticotherapy. One month later, specific IgG and IgM antibodies were negative. The patient did not develop immunity to COVID-19 infection. This report raises several problems. The focal deficit could be a real relapse or a pseudo‑relapse due to SARS‑CoV‑2 and postpartum patient vulnerability. The treatment options in this particular case raise many challenges. The absence of antibodies after a SARS‑CoV‑2 infection raises a big question over the acquired immunity, the increased risk of reinfection, and the subsequent evolution of MS. The standard of care for a woman with MS and COVID-19 infection during the postpartum period must be explored and more precise recommendations must be established in the future.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

SARS‑CoV‑2, multiple sclerosis, and focal deficit in a postpartum woman: A case report

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