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01-03-2015 | Original Communication

Anti-JC virus antibodies in rituximab-treated patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Authors: Su-Hyun Kim, Jae-Won Hyun, In Hye Jeong, AeRan Joung, Joung-Lim Yeon, Thomas Dehmel, Ortwin Adams, Bernd C. Kieseier, Ho Jin Kim

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 3/2015

Abstract

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, has been proposed to be effective for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). A concern for developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is caused by John Cunningham virus (JCV), has been suggested particularly in patients treated long term with rituximab. In this study, using a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with glutathione S-transferase-tagged VP1 as the antigen, we investigated the seroprevalence of anti-JCV antibodies among 78 Korean patients with NMOSD and the change in anti-JCV antibody serostatus following long-term rituximab treatment. The overall seroprevalence of anti-JCV antibodies was 69 % prior to rituximab administration. Over a mean of 4 years of repeated treatment with rituximab, no patient developed PML. Of 24 initially seronegative patients, none converted into seropositive, whereas six (11 %) of 54 initially seropositive patients converted into seronegative. Our results might support the safety of long-term rituximab treatment in patients with NMOSD with regard to the risk of developing PML.

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Title: Anti-JC virus antibodies in rituximab-treated patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Su-Hyun Kim
Jae-Won Hyun
In Hye Jeong
AeRan Joung
Joung-Lim Yeon
Thomas Dehmel
Ortwin Adams
Bernd C. Kieseier
Ho Jin Kim
Publication date: 01-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-014-7629-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Anti-JC virus antibodies in rituximab-treated patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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