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Neurological Research and Practice

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Polyneuropathy | Research article

Single-center experience of induction therapy in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy

Authors: Christian Schneider, Meike K. Wassermann, Gereon R. Fink, Helmar C. Lehmann

Published in: Neurological Research and Practice | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

No controlled studies for non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy treatment exist (NSVN). We compared the treatment response to induction therapy commonly used in clinical practice in NSVN.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, 43 patients with biopsy-proven NSVN were analyzed. Patients were subdivided into groups depending on their initial treatment. Relapse rates, changes of motor and sensory symptoms, adverse events, predictors of relapses, and second-line treatment were compared.

Results

Initial treatment regimens were corticosteroid monotherapy, cyclophosphamide monotherapy, pulsed corticosteroid therapy, and combination therapy. Discontinuation due to adverse events occurred in 6 of 43 patients. Clinical data did not differ between treatment groups. Within 12 months, 24.3% of patients relapsed. The median time to relapse was 4 (1.5, 6) months. No relapse occurred in the combination therapy group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in relapse-free survival between treatment groups (p = 0.58). Neither clinical data nor biopsy analysis predicted relapses sufficiently. As a second-line treatment, cyclophosphamide as mono- or combination therapy was used (7 of 9 patients) most frequently. One patient was treated with methotrexate, and one with IVIG.

Conclusions

Induction therapy used in clinical practice is effective and mainly well-tolerated in NSVN. Our data do not support an overall advantage of cyclophosphamide over corticosteroid monotherapy. Controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of induction and maintenance therapy in NSVN are warranted.

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Title: Single-center experience of induction therapy in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy
Authors: Christian Schneider
Meike K. Wassermann
Gereon R. Fink
Helmar C. Lehmann
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Polyneuropathy
Published in: Neurological Research and Practice / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2524-3489
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-022-00198-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Single-center experience of induction therapy in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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