Long-term and low-dose rituximab treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low-dose, long-term rituximab regimen in the treatment of idiopathic CIDP. METHODS: This study included 15 CIDP patients treated with rituximab. Patients were administered 600 mg of rituximab intravenously every 6 months. Baseline evaluation was conducted before the initiation of rituximab treatment and subsequent evaluations were conducted 6 months after each rituximab infusion at on-site visits. Clinical improvement was objectively determined by improvement of scale score at least decrease ≥1 INCAT or mRS or increase ≥4 MRC or ≥8 cI-RODS after each infusion compared to baseline evaluation. RESULTS: Fifteen CIDP patients were included and 10 of them were typical CIDP and five were distal CIDP. Nine in 15 (60%) patients after first infusion and three in six (50%) patients after second infusion exhibited significant clinical improvement compared to baseline evaluation. Additionally, rituximab facilitated a reduction or cessation of other medications in 73% of patients at last visit. The safety profile was favorable, with no reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: Rituximab presents a promising therapeutic option for idiopathic CIDP, offering both efficacy and safety with a low-dose, long-term regimen.