Ruth Dobson

Profile

Ruth is a Consultant Neurologist with extensive experience in multiple sclerosis and related disorders. Her current research projects include the role of the Epstein Barr virus in MS, and a multi-centre pharmacovigilance study in MS. She is also studying the role of modifiable factors such as vitamin D in the development of MS and its subsequent complications, and is currently working on the development of a pre-symptomatic high-risk register.

 Ruth studied at Clare College Cambridge before graduating with distinction in clinical sciences from University College London. She completed her PhD in 2013, having received funding from the Guarantors of Brain and an MS Society/ABN Clinical Research fellowship for this work. She has been awarded numerous scholarships and has presented her work widely at national and international level. She has published widely in the field of neurology, and has over 50 publications in peer review journals.

 Outside of work she spends much of her time enjoying looking after her two young daughters, and enjoys swimming and playing the cello when she gets a chance.

Publications

• Dobson R, Jokubaitis V, Giovannoni G (2020). Change in pregnancy-associated multiple sclerosis relapse rates over time: a meta-analysis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102241

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/64764
• Reyes S, Ramsay M, Ladhani S et al. (2020). Protecting people with multiple sclerosis through vaccination.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2020-002527

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Kuri A, Jacobs BM, Vickaryous N et al. (2020). Epidemiology of Epstein-Barr virus infection and infectious mononucleosis in the United Kingdom.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09049-x

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/65285
• Taylor TR, Jacobs BM, Giovannoni G et al. (2020). Prevalence and demographics of multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis: a UK biobank study.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102209

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Mowry EM (2020). Breastfeeding may reduce postpartum relapse in some women with multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000009369

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/65298
• Leddy S, Jacobs BM, Giovannoni G et al. (2020). To examine the impact of Multiple Sclerosis on bone health and explore mechanisms for this association.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Jitlal M, Marshall CR et al. (2020). Ethnic and Socioeconomic Associations with Multiple Sclerosis Risk. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1002/ana.25688

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/62858
• Dobson R, Jacobs B, Giovannoni G et al. (publicationYear). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between Epstein-Barr virus, Multiple Sclerosis, and other risk factors. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458520907901

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/63739
• Dobson R, Noyce A, Giovannoni G et al. (2020). BMI and low serum vitamin D are causal risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis: a Mendelian Randomisation study. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000000662

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/62737
• Jokubaitis V, Dobson R (publicationYear). Family planning is the second most relevant factor for treatment decisions after disease activity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458520907902

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/63008
• Krysko KM, Graves JS, Dobson R et al. (2020). Sex effects across the lifespan in women with multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1756286420936166

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Jitlal M, Marshall C et al. (2019). Obesity is not associated with MS in a socially and ethnically diverse population. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Vickaryous N, Jitlal M, Middleton R et al. (2019). Vitamin D levels in the UK MS population. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• DOBSON R (2019). Visibility and representation of women in multiple sclerosis research. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000007276

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/56468
• Dobson R, Dassan P, Roberts M et al. (2019). UK consensus on pregnancy in multiple sclerosis: 'Association of British Neurologists' guidelines.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2018-002060

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54858
• Dobson R (2018). Clinical commentary on 'Life-threatening vitamin D intoxication due to intake of ultra-high doses in multiple sclerosis: a note of caution'.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458518807053

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/51423
• Dobson R, Giovannoni G (2018). Multiple Sclerosis - a review.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1111/ene.13819

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/48023
• Thomson A, Aldam R, Giovannoni G et al. (2018). Making science digestible: the development of educational activities for children with a parent with MS, and the need to better engage families. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Cock HR, Brex P et al. (2018). Vitamin D supplementation.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2017-001720

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/51003
• Middleton RM, Rodgers WJ, Giovannoni G et al. (2017). A Comparison of participant supplied EDSS scores and clinically submitted data via the UK MS Register. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/64994
• Dobson R, Kuhle J, Middeldorp J et al. (2017). Epstein-Barr-negative MS: a true phenomenon?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000000318

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/34427
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Topping J et al. (2016). A Risk Score for Predicting Multiple Sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164992

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/18832
• Binks S, Dobson R (2016). Risk Factors, Epidemiology and Treatment Strategies for Metabolic Bone Disease in Patients with Neurological Disease.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s11914-016-0320-5

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Collins CDE, Ivry B, Bowen JD et al. (2016). A comparative analysis of Patient-Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale tools.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458515616205

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54862
• Topping J, Dobson R, Lapin S et al. (2016). The effects of intrathecal rituximab on biomarkers in multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2016.01.001

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Davis AG, Dobson R, Kaninia S et al. (2016). Atraumatic needles for lumbar puncture: Why haven’t neurologists changed?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2014-001055

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/10032
• Disanto G, Adiutori R, Dobson R et al. (2016). Serum neurofilament light chain levels are increased in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309690

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Kuhle J, Gaiottino J, Leppert D et al. (2015). Serum neurofilament light chain is a biomarker of human spinal cord injury severity and outcome.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307454

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Kuhle J, Disanto G, Dobson R et al. (2015). Conversion from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis: A large multicentre study. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458514568827

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7011
• Torsney KM, Noyce AJ, Doherty KM et al. (2014). Bone health in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-307307

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/37224
• Leddy S, Fowler AJ, Giovanonni G et al. (2014). DEPRESSION IN MS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309236.134

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Cooper R, Doshi A, Harris P et al. (2014). IMMUNOCOMPETENT PML-AN IMMUNOLOGICAL SCOTOMA?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309236.112

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Disanto G, Dobson R, Pakpoor J et al. (2014). Genetic predictors of multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Shribman S, Torsney KM, Noyce AJ et al. (2014). A service development study of the assessment and management of fracture risk in Parkinson's disease.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7333-8

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/42544
• Disanto G, Dobson R, Pakpoor J et al. (2014). The refinement of genetic predictors of multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096578

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54861
• Shribman SE, Torsney K, Noyce AJ et al. (2014). A service development study of the assessment and management of fracture risk in Parkinson's disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Torsney KM, Noyce AJ, Doherty KM et al. (2014). A systematic review and meta-analysis of fracture risk in Parkinson's disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Torsney KM, Noyce AJ, Doherty KM et al. (2014). Bone health in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Raffel J, Dobson R, Gafson A et al. (2014). Multiple sclerosis therapy and Epstein-Barr virus antibody titres.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2013.12.004

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Davis A, Dobson R, Kaninia S et al. (2014). Change practice now! Using atraumatic needles to prevent post lumbar puncture headache. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1111/ene.12307

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/12000
• Dobson R, Rudick RA, Turner B et al. (2014). Assessing treatment response to interferon-beta Is there a role for MRI?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000036

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/43428
• Dobson R, Rudick RA, Turner B et al. (2014). Assessing treatment response to interferon-β :Is there a role for MRI?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000036

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Hadavi S, Baker MD, Dobson R (2014). Sustained-release fampridine in Multiple Sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2013.06.003

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Leddy S, Hadavi S, Carren AM et al. (2013). A novel internet-based method of capturing outcomes in multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306573.9

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Hadavi S, Giovannoni G, Dobson R (2013). A service development audit of fampridine use in ms.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306573.178

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Hadavi S, Shribman S, Nagy A et al. (2013). The bradykinesia-akinesia incoordination test: a simple objective test in multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306573.184

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, McMillan A, Kung K et al. (2013). Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a sharp knife to it!. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306573.173

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Topping J, Ramagopalan S et al. (2013). Towards an endophenotype in multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306573.31

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Leddy S, Hadavi S, McCarren A et al. (2013). A novel internet-based method of capturing outcomes in multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Kuhle J, Dobson R, Bestwick JP et al. (2013). Multivariate clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) risk factor study: towards individual prognosis and treatment indication in CIS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• James E, Dobson R, Kuhle J et al. (2013). The effect of vitamin D-related interventions on multiple sclerosis relapses: a meta-analysis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458513489756

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Leddy S, Hadavi S, McCarren A et al. (2013). Validating a novel web-based method to capture disease progression outcomes in multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s00415-013-7004-1

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Davis A et al. (2013). Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndromes: a meta-analysis of prevalence, prognosis and effect of latitude.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304695

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Giovannoni G (2013). Autoimmune disease in people with multiple sclerosis and their relatives: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6790-1

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Yarnall A, Noyce AJ et al. (2013). Bone health in chronic neurological diseases: a focus on Multiple sclerosis and Parkinsonian syndromes.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2012-000435

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Giovannoni G, Ramagopalan S (2013). The month of birth effect in multiple sclerosis: systematic review, meta-analysis and effect of latitude.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-303934

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Leddy SG, Gangadharan S et al. (2013). Assessing fracture risk in people with MS: a service development study comparing three fracture risk scoring systems.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002508

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54863
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan SV, Giovannoni G (2013). Genome-wide association studies: will we ever predict susceptibility to multiple sclerosis through genetics?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1586/ern.13.13

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Pakpoor J, Disanto G, Gerber JE et al. (2013). The risk of developing multiple sclerosis in individuals seronegative for Epstein-Barr virus: a meta-analysis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458512449682

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Davis A et al. (2013). Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndromes: A meta-analysis of prevalence, prognosis and effect of latitude. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304695

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Topping J, Giovannoni G (2013). Comparison of two commercial ELISA systems for evaluating anti-EBNA1 IgG titers.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23446

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Pakpoor J, Handel AE, Giovannoni G et al. (2013). Correction: Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Multiple Sclerosis and Migraine.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/annotation/274e5ef1-79aa-48f7-af62-0594d5c1354e

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/5223
• Gaiottino J, Norgren N, Dobson R et al. (2013). Increased neurofilament light chain blood levels in neurodegenerative neurological diseases.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075091

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54859
• Dobson R, Giovannoni G, Ramagopalan S (2013). The month of birth effect in multiple sclerosis: Systematic review, meta-analysis and effect of latitude. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-303934

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Giovannoni G (2012). Bone health and multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458512453362

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Rudick RA, Giovannoni G (2012). CAN WE RELIABLY USE MRI TO MONITOR TREATMENT RESPONSE IN PATIENTS ON INTERFERON beta: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304200a.127

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Giovannoni G (2012). Risk of fractures in patients with multiple sclerosis: A populationbased cohort study. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000422676.74031.07

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Davis A, Dobson R, Espasandin M et al. (2012). Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers as outcome measures in clinical trials of MS: The significance of post lumbar puncture headaches. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Giovannoni G (2012). Osteoporosis and fracture risk in multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Topping J, Evdoshenko E, Dobson R et al. (2012). The effects of intrathecal rituximab on biomarkers in MS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Topping J, Davis A et al. (2012). Urinary and CSF biomarkers in multiple sclerosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Pakpoor J, Handel AE, Giovannoni G et al. (2012). Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Multiple Sclerosis and Migraine. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045295

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54864
• Dobson R, Ramagopalan S, Giovannoni G (2012). The effect of gender in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): a meta-analysis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1177/1352458511426740

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R (2012). Urine: An under-studied source of biomarkers in multiple sclerosis?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2012.01.002

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Disanto G, Sandve GK, Berlanga-Taylor AJ et al. (2012). Genomic Regions Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Are Active in B Cells. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032281

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/4924
• Dobson R, Meier UC, Schmierer K et al. (2012). DO SIBLINGS OF PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) HAVE MARKERS OF MS RISK?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-301993.173

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7015
• Raffel J, Dobson R, Giovannoni G (2012). THE EFFECT OF NATALIZUMAB AND INTERFERON-beta ON URINARY FREE LIGHT CHAINS AND ANTI-EBV NUCLEAR ANTIGEN-1 ANTIBODIES IN RELAPSING REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-301993.190

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Giovannoni G (2012). WHY CAN'T I WIN ANY MORE?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-301993.200

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Meier UC, Marta M et al. (2011). Vitamin D deficiency - do we follow our own advice?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.11-6-521

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Meier UC, Schmierer K et al. (2011). Do siblings have markers of multiple sclerosis risk?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Lawden M (2011). Melanoma associated retinopathy and how to understand the electroretinogram.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2011-000061

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Maghzi A-H, Marta M, Bosca I et al. (2011). Viral pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis: A role for Epstein-Barr virus infection?. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2010.04.003

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Handel AE, Williamson AJ, Disanto G et al. (2011). Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis: An Updated Meta-Analysis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016149

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/5463
• Meier UC, Giovannoni G (2011). More to come: humoral immune responses in MS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.09.009

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Feldmann M, Thompson AJ et al. (2010). INCREASED URINARY FREE IMMUNOGLOBULIN LIGHT CHAIN EXCRETION IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2010.226340.159

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Ramagopalan SV, Dobson R, Meier UC et al. (2010). Multiple sclerosis: risk factors, prodromes, and potential causal pathways.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(10)70094-6

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Dobson R, Miller RF, Palmer HE et al. (2010). Increased urinary free immunoglobulin light chain excretion in patients with multiple sclerosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.01.012

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref