Diseases (Jun 2024)

Impact of Ocrelizumab on Disease Progression, Memory Improvement, and Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal MRI and Clinical Criteria Analysis

  • Amanda Claudia Schuldesz,
  • Ram Kiram Maganti,
  • Raluca Tudor,
  • Amalia Cornea,
  • Mihaela Prodan,
  • Ana-Olivia Toma,
  • Roxana Manuela Fericean,
  • Mihaela Simu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12060127
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 6
p. 127

Abstract

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and functionality. Ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20-positive B cells, has emerged as a treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This study aimed to assess the impact of ocrelizumab on disease progression and quality of life over a longitudinal course, utilizing clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses. Conducted at the Neurology Department of Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Western Romania from 2020 to 2023, this observational study enrolled 93 patients with RRMS who commenced ocrelizumab therapy. The study employed the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MRI to evaluate disease progression, while quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire, Beck Depression Index (BDI), and MOCA scales. Significant improvements were observed post-treatment. EDSS scores decreased from 4.61 to 4.08 (p = 0.038), indicating reduced disability. MRI analyses showed a substantial decrease in expansive lesions (from 67.74% to 26.88%, p p p = 0.005) and environmental domains (from 63.21 to 68.44, p = 0.033). Cognitive functions, assessed via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), showed a significant total score increase from 20.38 to 22.30 (p p = 0.003). Ocrelizumab significantly reduced disease activity and disability in RRMS patients, as demonstrated by improvements in EDSS scores and MRI findings. Quality of life and cognitive functions also showed considerable enhancements. These findings support ocrelizumab’s efficacy in not only managing MS symptoms but also improving overall patient well-being.

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