Waldman, Amy

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐IgG and aquaporin‐4 (AQP4)‐IgG among patients with pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and healthy controls, to determine whether seropositive cases fulfilled their respective diagnostic criteria, to compare characteristics and outcomes in children with POMS versus MOG‐IgG‐associated disease (MOGAD), and identify clinical features associated with final diagnosis. Methods Patients with POMS and healthy controls were enrolled at 14 US sites through a prospective case–control study on POMS risk factors. Serum AQP4‐IgG and MOG‐IgG were assessed using live cell‐based assays. Results AQP4‐IgG was negative among all 1,196 participants, 493 with POMS and 703 healthy controls. MOG‐IgG was positive in 30 of 493 cases (6%) and zero controls. Twenty‐five of 30 patients positive with MOG‐IgG (83%) had MOGAD, whereas 5 of 30 (17%) maintained a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) on re‐review of records. MOGAD cases were more commonly in female patients (21/25 [84%] vs 301/468 [64%]; p = 0.044), younger age (mean = 8.2 ± 4.2 vs 14.7 ± 2.6 years; p < 0.001), more commonly had initial optic nerve symptoms (16/25 [64%] vs 129/391 [33%]; p = 0.002), or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM; 8/25 [32%] vs 9/468 [2%]; p < 0.001), and less commonly had initial spinal cord symptoms (3/20 [15%] vs 194/381 [51%]; p = 0.002), serum Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity (11/25 [44%] vs 445/468 [95%]; p < 0.001), or cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands (5/25 [20%] vs 243/352 [69%]; p < 0.001). Interpretation MOG‐IgG and AQP4‐IgG were not identified among healthy controls confirming their high specificity for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease. Five percent of those with prior POMS diagnoses ultimately had MOGAD; and none had AQP4‐IgG positivity. Clinical features associated with a final diagnosis of MOGAD in those with suspected MS included initial ADEM phenotype, younger age at disease onset, and lack of EBV exposure. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:271–284

Abstract Objective To identify features of the gut microbiome associated with multiple sclerosis activity over time. Methods We used 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing from stool of 55 recently diagnosed pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis patients. Microbiome features included the abundance of individual microbes and networks identified from weighted genetic correlation network analyses. Prentice‐Williams‐Peterson Cox proportional hazards models estimated the associations between features and three disease activity outcomes: clinical relapses and both new/enlarging T2 lesions and new gadolinium‐enhancing lesions on brain MRI. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and disease‐modifying therapies. Results Participants were followed, on average, 2.1 years. Five microbes were nominally associated with all three disease activity outcomes after multiple testing correction. These included butyrate producers Odoribacter (relapse hazard ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.24, 0.88) and Butyricicoccus (relapse hazard ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.88). Two networks of co‐occurring gut microbes were significantly associated with a higher hazard of both MRI outcomes (gadolinium‐enhancing lesion hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Modules 32 and 33 were 1.29 (1.08, 1.54) and 1.42 (1.18, 1.71), respectively; T2 lesion hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Modules 32 and 33 were 1.34 (1.15, 1.56) and 1.41 (1.21, 1.64), respectively). Metagenomic predictions of these networks demonstrated enrichment for amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Interpretation Both individual and networks of gut microbes were associated with longitudinal multiple sclerosis activity. Known functions and metagenomic predictions of these microbes suggest the important role of butyrate and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. This provides strong support for future development of personalized microbiome interventions to modify multiple sclerosis disease activity.

AbstractImportanceNeuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients' response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is currently incompletely characterized.ObjectiveOur study aims to understand the clinical status improvement of neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients treated with TPE.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis is a multicenter retrospective study conducted between 1 January 2003 and 31 July 2017 at 13 US hospitals performing apheresis procedures. Subjects studied were diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who received TPE during presentation with acute disease.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was clinical status improvement in patients treated with TPE. Secondary measures were procedural and patient characteristics associated with response to treatment.ResultsWe evaluated 114 patients from 13 institutions. There was a female predilection. The largest ethnic group affected was non‐Hispanic Caucasian. The average age of diagnosis was 43.1 years. The average time to diagnosis was 3.1 years. On average, five procedures were performed during each treatment series. The most commonly performed plasma volume exchange was 1.0 to 1.25 using 5% albumin as replacement fluid. Most patients (52%) did not require an additional course of TPE and noted “mild” to “moderate” clinical status improvement. Maximal symptom improvement appeared by the fourth or fifth TPE treatment.Conclusion and RelevanceTPE improved the clinical status of patients. Adults responded more favorably than children. Procedural characteristics, including number of TPEs, plasma volume exchanged, and replacement fluid used, were similar between institutions. TPE was well‐tolerated and had a low severe adverse event profile.

AbstractObjectiveOnset of multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs in childhood for approximately 5% of cases (pediatricMS, or ped‐MS). Epigenetic influences are strongly implicated inMSpathogenesis in adults, including the contribution from microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncodingRNAs that affect gene expression by binding target genemRNAs. Few studies have specifically examined miRNAs in ped‐MS, but individuals developingMSat an early age may carry a relatively high burden of genetic risk factors, and miRNAdysregulation may therefore play a larger role in the development of ped‐MSthan in adult‐onsetMS. This study aimed to look for evidence of miRNAinvolvement in ped‐MSpathogenesis.MethodsGWASresults from 486 ped‐MScases and 1362 controls from the U.S. PediatricMSNetwork and Kaiser Permanente Northern California membership were investigated for miRNA‐specific signals. First, enrichment of miRNA‐target gene network signals was evaluated usingMIGWASsoftware. Second,SNPs in miRNAgenes and in target gene binding sites (miR−SNPs) were tested for association with ped‐MS, and pathway analysis was performed on associated target genes.ResultsMIGWASanalysis showed that miRNA‐target gene signals were enriched inGWAS(P = 0.038) and identified 39 candidate biomarker miRNA‐target gene pairs, including immune and neuronal signaling genes. The miR‐SNPanalysis implicated dysregulation of miRNAbinding to target genes in five pathways, mainly involved in immune signaling.InterpretationEvidence fromGWASsuggests that miRNAs play a role in ped‐MSpathogenesis by affecting immune signaling and other pathways. Candidate biomarker miRNA‐target gene pairs should be further studied for diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic utility.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a vitamin D genetic risk score (vitDGRS) is associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses in children. Methods: DNA samples were typed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from four genes previously identified to be associated with 25(OH)D levels. SNPs with strong associations with 25(OH)D after multiple comparison correction were used to create a genetic risk score (vitDGRS). Cox regression models tested associations of vitDGRS with relapse hazard. Results: Two independent SNPs within or near GC and NADSYN1/DHCR7 genes were strongly associated with 25(OH)D levels in the discovery cohort ( n = 182) after Bonferroni correction. The vitDGRS of these SNPs explained 4.5% of the variance of 25(OH)D level after adjustment for genetic ancestry. Having the highest versus lowest vitDGRS was associated with 11 ng/mL lower 25(OH)D level (95% confidence interval (CI) = −17.5, −4.5, p = 0.001) in the discovery cohort. Adjusting for ancestry, sex, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and HLA-DRB1*15 carrier status, the highest versus lowest vitDGRS was associated with 2.6-fold (95% CI = 1.37, 5.03, p = 0.004) and 2.0-fold (95% CI = 0.75, 5.20, p = 0.16) higher relapse hazard in the discovery and replication cohorts, respectively. Conclusion: The vitDGRS identifies children at greater risk of relapse. These findings support a causal role for vitamin D in MS course.

Children with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and pediatric controls were enrolled across 16 pediatric multiple sclerosis centers in the United States and completed questionnaires that addressed time of first unaided walking and acquisition of 2-word phrases. A total of 467 (308 female) cases and 428 (209 female) controls were enrolled. Pediatric multiple sclerosis (n = 467) were not delayed in walking or using 2-word phrases compared to healthy controls (n = 428) (2.2% vs 5.7%, respectively). Children with disease onset before age 11 versus onset at 11 years or after were more likely to need an individualized education plan ( P = .002), reading assistance ( P = .0003), and math assistance ( P = .001). Children with multiple sclerosis onset prior to age 18 are not delayed in meeting the 2 major early developmental milestones but do have a significantly increased use of special services or learning assistance at school. Further research will need to address whether other measures of development (eg, rate of language acquisition or fine motor skills) differ between pediatric multiple sclerosis and controls.

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited information about the potential associations of multiple sclerosis (MS) and commonly used household chemicals.MethodsWe performed a case‐control study of exposures to common household chemicals during childhood in children with MS and healthy pediatric controls. Exposures to household products were collected from a comprehensive questionnaire (http://www.usnpmsc.org/Documents/EnvironmentalAssessment.pdf) completed by parents at the time of enrollment in the study. Cases included children diagnosed with MS or clinically isolated syndrome with at least two silent T2 bright lesions on MRI, recruited within 4 years of disease onset from 16 pediatric MS clinics in the USA. Multivariate analyses using logistic regression were adjusted for possible confounders including age, sex, race, ethnicity, mother's highest level of education, and urban versus rural living.ResultsQuestionnaire responses to household chemicals were available for 312 eligible cases (median age 15.7 years, 63% girls) and 490 healthy controls (median age 15.0, 57% girls). Exposure to rodenticides (odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–3.26, P ≤ 0.001), weed control agents (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.36–2.92, P ≤ 0.001) and products for plant/tree disease control (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.54–4.82, P ≤ 0.001) anytime during childhood were associated with an increased risk for pediatric‐onset MS in adjusted and multiple comparisons analyses.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that exposure to specific household chemicals during early childhood is associated with the risk of developing pediatric‐onset MS. Future studies are needed to elucidate a causal relationship and the exact agents involved.

AbstractBackgroundWe previously identified air quality as a risk factor of interest for pediatric multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study is to more closely examine the association between the six criteria air pollutants and pediatric MS as well as identify specific areas of toxic release using data from the Toxic Release Inventory.MethodsPediatric MS cases (N = 290) and healthy controls (N = 442) were included as part of an ongoing case–control study. We used the National Emissions Inventory system to estimate particulate exposure by county of residence for each participant. Proximity to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites was also assessed using ArcGIS mapping tools. Risk‐Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) classified counties at risk to exposure of environmental toxic releases.ResultsFine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead air emissions were associated with increased odds for pediatric MS (P < 0.01) for those residing within 20 miles of an MS center. Most study participants (75%) resided within 5 miles of at least one TRI site; however, the mean total pounds of stack air releases was higher for sites near MS cases (81,000 tons) compared to those near healthy controls (35,000 tons, P = 0.002). Average RSEI scores did not differ significantly between cases and controls.ConclusionOut of several air pollutants examined, we show that fine particulate matter and three other criteria pollutants (SO2, CO, and lead) were statistically associated with higher odds for pediatric MS.

AbstractObjectiveWhile prior Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been consistently associated with subsequent risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), the association with other common herpesviruses has been more controversial. Our objectives were to determine whether remote infection with EBV and other common herpesviruses affect the susceptibility to pediatric MS and if there are interactions between genetic and demographic factors and viral infections.MethodsCases with pediatric‐onset MS or clinically isolated syndrome within 4 years of disease onset, and controls were recruited from 16 American pediatric MS centers. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders assessed the association between case status and serological evidence for past infection with EBV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex viruses‐1 (HSV‐1) and ‐2. We determined the heterogeneity of the effect of viral infection on the risk of having MS according to race, ethnicity and HLA‐DRB1:1501 status.ResultsA total of 356 pediatric cases and 493 controls were recruited. In multivariable models, EBV‐viral capsid antigen (VCA) seropositivity was associated with increased odds of having MS by 7.4 times (95% CI: 4.5–12.0, P < 0.001). Seropositivity for HSV‐1 was also associated with increased odds of having MS (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.06–2.25, P = 0.025) but this increase was seen only in Whites (OR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.35–3.52, P < 0.001) and those negative for HLA‐DRB1*1501 (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.17–3.03, P = 0.009). The effect of remote EBV infection on the risk of pediatric MS depended on race and HLA‐DRB1*15:01 status.InterpretationEBV seropositivity is strongly associated with pediatric MS, as is HSV‐1 seropositivity in subjects negative for HLA‐DRB1*15:01. Our report of interactions between select viral exposures, and age, race and DRB1 status suggests a complex effect of environmental and genetic risk factors on MS development.