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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Multiple Sclerosis | Research

Rituximab and risk of COVID-19 infection and its severity in patients with MS and NMOSD

Authors: Sara Esmaeili, Mohammad Hossein Abbasi, Meysam Abolmaali, Mohammad Mojtahed, Seyedeh Niloufar Rafiei Alavi, Sevim Soleimani, Mahisa Mokhtari, Jaber Hatam, Samaneh Tanhapour Khotbehsara, Mohammad Reza Motamed, Mohammad Taghi Joghataei, Zahra Mirzaasgari, Mehdi Moghaddasi

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Choosing a safe disease modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. This case series study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and the course of Covid-19 infection in MS/NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab.

Methods

In this study, we designed a web-based questionnaire. Baseline information such as patient- reported walking disability, total number of Rituximab infusions received, delayed injections, occurrence of any relapse, and the use of corticosteroids during the pandemic were collected. Also, information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic such as adherence to self-isolation, any recent exposure to an infected individual and the presence of suggestive symptoms were collected. In case of positive test results, patients were grouped into 2 categories; mild to moderate and seriously ill and outcomes were evaluated as favorable (improved/ discharged) and unfavorable (expired).

Results

Two hundred fifty-eight patients with Multiple Sclerosis were enrolled in this study, 9 of the subjects (3.4%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19, five of which required hospitalizations (55.5%), two patients required ICU admission (22.2%) and 2 two patients died (22.2%). None of these patients ever mentioned using corticosteroids during the pandemic. In comparison to MS patients who were not receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT), our study indicated a higher incidence of Covid-19 infection, higher ratio of serious illness and a higher fatality ratio.

Conclusions

Rituximab seems not to be safe enough during the pandemic.

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Title: Rituximab and risk of COVID-19 infection and its severity in patients with MS and NMOSD
Authors: Sara Esmaeili
Mohammad Hossein Abbasi
Meysam Abolmaali
Mohammad Mojtahed
Seyedeh Niloufar Rafiei Alavi
Sevim Soleimani
Mahisa Mokhtari
Jaber Hatam
Samaneh Tanhapour Khotbehsara
Mohammad Reza Motamed
Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
Zahra Mirzaasgari
Mehdi Moghaddasi
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Rituximab
COVID-19
Rituximab
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02218-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Rituximab and risk of COVID-19 infection and its severity in patients with MS and NMOSD

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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