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Journal of Neurology

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01-07-2018 | Original Communication

Efficacy and safety of rituximab in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis: a hospital-based study

Authors: Carmen Alcalá, F. Gascón, F. Pérez-Miralles, S. Gil-Perotín, A. Navarré, I. Boscá, F. Coret, B. Casanova

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 7/2018

Abstract

Introduction

Rituximab is considered as a potential therapeutic option in relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and progressive forms (PMS) of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of rituximab in MS.

Patients and methods

Observational study of effectiveness (clinical and radiological) and safety of rituximab in RRMS and PMS.

Results

A total of 90 rituximab-treated patients were collected: 31 RRMS and 59 PMS All patients had an active disease despite standard treatment. The annualized relapse rate (ARR) the year before rituximab was 0.86, 53.3% of patients had gadolinium enhanced lesion, and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) had increased from 4.2 to 4.9. During treatment, the ARR was reduced an 88.4% (p < 0.001). A significant decrease of EDSS to 4.6 was observed (p = 0.01) after 1 year of treatment, which remained stable during the second year in both groups. There was no evidence of disease activity in 70% of total sample, 74.2% of RRMS, and 67% of the PMS patients. Infusion-related symptoms were the most prevalent side effect (18.8%) and most were mild. Three thrombotic events were detected.

Conclusion

Rituximab could be an effective and safe treatment in aggressive RRMS. Some selected PMS patients could also benefit from this treatment.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of rituximab in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis: a hospital-based study
Authors: Carmen Alcalá
F. Gascón
F. Pérez-Miralles
S. Gil-Perotín
A. Navarré
I. Boscá
F. Coret
B. Casanova
Publication date: 01-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 7/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-018-8899-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Efficacy and safety of rituximab in relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis: a hospital-based study

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

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