Mild COVID-19 symptoms in a patient with multiple sclerosis in uninterrupted treatment with fingolimod

Abstract

Introduction: The use of fingolimod as a long-term therapy in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) ໿is associated with a small increase in the risk of herpes virus reactivation and respiratory tract infections. At the moment, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 brings new challenges to physicians when deciding to continue or stop the treatment with fingolimod. Objective: We report one MS patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 that has not discontinued fingolimod treatment and developed only mild symptoms from COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive observational study. Discussion and conclusion: The effects of COVID-19 infection on MS patients treated with fingolimod are still uncertain. This case report outlines promising results by demonstrating a patient who didn't stop the fingolimod treatment during COVID-19 infection and developed only mild symptoms. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to evaluate the risks and benefits of fingolimod in MS patients infected with COVID-19.