Certain MS medicines linked to more severe COVID-19 in kids

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Key Takeaway

Children with MS and related disorders who take B‑cell‑depleting medicines had a higher chance of severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and ICU care.

What They Found

Researchers checked 669 children with MS or related conditions for COVID‑19 between March 2020 and August 2021. Seventy‑three of these children tested positive for COVID‑19. Of the nine children who needed hospital care, eight were taking B‑cell‑depleting therapy, a medicine that lowers a type of immune cell called B cells. Children on B‑cell‑depleting therapy were much more likely to be hospitalized after getting COVID‑19 than children not on that treatment. The study suggests this specific treatment is linked to a higher risk of serious infection in these pediatric patients.

Who Should Care and Why

Patients, parents, and caregivers should know that a number of MS treatments can change how the immune system reacts to infections, like COVID‑19. If a child is on B‑cell‑depleting therapy, extra caution may be needed because it may raise the chance of needing hospital or ICU care after infection. Think of B cells as part of the body's 'security team'—these medicines reduce that team, which can make it harder to fight off some germs. Doctors and families may want to talk about timing of treatment, ways to lower infection risk (for example, masks, avoiding crowds, and vaccination), and monitoring plans. Healthcare providers can use this information to weigh risks and benefits when choosing or timing treatments for each child.

Important Considerations

This study looked at a specific group of children seen in clinics and may not represent every child with MS or related disorders. The number of children who got very sick was small, so the findings show a strong link but do not prove the medicine always causes worse illness. Decisions about treatment should be made with a doctor who knows the child's full health picture.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

Categories:

Living with MS MS Diagnostics Early Research

Article Topics:

Multiple sclerosisdemyelinationdisease-modifying therapiesneuromyelitis opticaoutcome measurement

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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