Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that predominantly affects young adults. The disease course is highly variable and patients with MS may accrue disability at different rates. Whereas early treatment may modify the natural evolution of the disease, it may also be associated with life-changing side effects. Likewise, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a chronic disease of the CNS usually presenting with severe relapses that may lead to important disability if left untreated. Finally, MOG-associated disease (MOGAD) is increasingly being recognized as an entity on its own. Although there is yet much to understand about MOGAD, repeated attacks could also lead to increasing disability. In all three diseases, there is a growing body of evidence on demographic, clinical, molecular, and radiological prognostic factors that may lead the path towards personalized medicine.

In this Research Topic, internationally known investigators will review the available evidence on the different types of prognostic factors of MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art of prognostic factors at disease onset, early during the disease course, and of treatment response. After experiencing the ways in which the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has impacted our practice, we considered important to include a section on infections in the context of disease-modifying and immunosuppressive treatments, and their effects on the immune system. Limitations will be pointed out, and proposals to address these limitatiotns will be presented with the aim of moving forward.

Therefore, for this Research Topic we welcome submissions of manuscripts on the following subtopics:

- An overview of different prognostic factors for MS at disease onset and early during the disease course, based on inception cohorts and registries (can include epidemiological data and address from RIS to CDMS);
- MRI prognostic factors in MS: inflammation and neurodegeneration;
- OCT and VEP as prognostic factors in MS;
- Genetic and CSF biomarkers in MS;
- Progressive MS: can we identify prognostic factors?
- Aggressive MS: we know it when we see it but we cannot define it;
- NMOSD: prognostic factors beyond AQP4-IgG;
- MOGAD: persistent vs transient MOG-IgG and other potential prognostic factors;
- Acquired demyelinating diseases in children: are prognostic factors the same as in adults?
- Prognostic factors during pregnancy in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD;
- sNfL: prognostic role in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD;
- Comorbidities as prognostic factors in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD;
- The role of disease-modifying and immunosuppressive treatments in infection risk;
- COVID-19 and MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD: what are the potential prognostic factors for the infection outcome?
- Contribution of normal aging to prognosis;
- Influence of sex on disease course and prognosis.