Rescue Therapy Using Rituximab for Multiple Sclerosis.
Clin Neuropharmacol
; 39(4): 178-81, 2016.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27046661
ABSTRACT
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.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Resultado del Tratamiento
/
Rituximab
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Factores Inmunológicos
/
Esclerosis Múltiple
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Neuropharmacol
Año:
2016
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
España