Multiple Sklerose: Änderung im Patientenmanagement während der COVID-19-Pandemie

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a worldwide challenge for the health system. Beside direct effects, it influenced the medical care and treatment of chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). During the beginning of the pandemic, the prescription of disease-modifying treatments (DMT) in particular highly effective immunosuppressive drugs was also reduced in Austria and other European countries. Due to increasing evidence, several recommendations were published by national and international societies regarding COVID-19, DMT, and COVID-19 vaccination. In the case of a stable MS disease course, ongoing DMT should be continued. If a new DMT is started or treatment has to be changed, as before the pandemic, the individual risk–benefit has to be evaluated. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended in untreated and treated patient (currently available vaccine, November 2022). Several healthcare centers have implemented telemedicine during the pandemic and in addition to regular visits, it has been proven to be successful.