Rescue Therapy Using Rituximab for Multiple Sclerosis
Por:
Berenguer-Ruiz, L, PEREZ, A, Gimenez-Martinez, J, Gabaldon-Torres, L, Tahoces, L, Sanchez-Perez, R and Diaz-Marin, C
Publicada:
1 jul 2016
Resumen:
Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the effectiveness and
safety data of rituximab in a group of patients with relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with rituximab due to failure of
previous treatments or concomitant autoimmune diseases.
Methods: This is an observational study. Rituximab was considered in
case of failure of the second-line therapy, failure of the first-line
therapy and a contraindication to second-line therapies, or concomitant
autoimmune disease. Relapses, the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the
EQ VAS, and magnetic resonance imaging activity were assessed.
Results: This study included 12 patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
The mean (range) age of the patients was 35 (19-54) years. Ten patients
were treated with rituximab because of treatment failure, and 2 patients
were treated with rituximab because of the development of idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura. The mean (range) follow-up duration after
beginning rituximab was 40(18-72) months. Rituximab was well tolerated,
because no patient experienced serious adverse reactions or discontinued
treatment. During treatment with rituximab, no patient suffered a
clinical relapse, and magnetic resonance imaging activity was not
detected. The Expanded Disability Status Scale scores improved in 11 of
12 patients and remained stable in 1 patient. The EuroQol visual
analogue scale scores improved in 8 of 9 patients in whom the EuroQol
visual analogue scale was assessed.
Conclusions: Treatment with rituximab seems to be safe and effective for
some patients with relapsing-remitting MS who have failed to respond to
first-and second-line therapies and may also be a useful option for
patients with concomitant autoimmune disorders.
Filiaciones:
Berenguer-Ruiz, L:
Hosp Marina Baixa, Neurol Serv, Villajoyosa, Spain
:
Hosp Gen Univ Alicante, Neurol Serv, Calle Pintor Baeza 12, Alicante 03010, Spain
:
Hosp Gen Univ Alicante, Neurol Serv, Calle Pintor Baeza 12, Alicante 03010, Spain
Gabaldon-Torres, L:
Hosp Denia, Neurol Serv, Denia, Spain
Tahoces, L:
Hosp Marina Baixa, Hematol Sect, Villajoyosa, Spain
:
Hosp Gen Univ Alicante, Neurol Serv, Calle Pintor Baeza 12, Alicante 03010, Spain
:
Hosp Gen Univ Alicante, Neurol Serv, Calle Pintor Baeza 12, Alicante 03010, Spain
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