Variable results after rituximab in neuromyelitis optica.

Abstract

Our objective was to assess the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We conducted a retrospective review of cases personally treated by the authors. We identified nine subjects meeting criteria for either NMO or recurrent longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) who were treated with RTX and documented their clinical course. Six of the nine subjects continued to have relapses after RTX treatment. RTX was the first immunosuppressive treatment used after diagnosis in five subjects, and four of these continued to have relapses. We conclude that outcomes after RTX treatment of NMO are inconsistent. The observed variability may reflect differences in disease activity between individuals, differences in disease activity over time, or differences in the underlying immunopathogenesis of NMO. More effective treatments are needed.

• Authors: J W Lindsey, K M Meulmester, S A Brod, F Nelson, J S Wolinsky
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 317 Issue 1-2 Pg. 103-5 (Jun 15 2012) ISSN: 1878-5883 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 22405926 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Rituximab

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived (therapeutic use)
• Antirheumatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuromyelitis Optica (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Rituximab
• Treatment Outcome