Responsiveness To Reduced Dosage Of Rituximab In Chinese Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica

Department

neurobiology

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of a lower dose of rituximab in depleting B lymphocytes, maintaining low B-cell counts, and relapse in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorders. Methods: We treated 5 Chinese patients with deteriorating NMOand NMOspectrum disorders with a 100-mg IV infusion of rituximab once a week for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by additional infusion of the same dosage depending on circulating B-cell repopulation. Results: This reduced dosage of rituximab was sufficient to deplete B cells and maintain low B-cell counts. None of the treated patients experienced relapse, and all patients exhibited stabilized or improved neurologic function during the 1-year follow-up period. MRI revealed the absence of new lesions, no enhancement in spinal cord and brain, a significant shrinkage of spinal cord segments, and a reduction/disappearance of previous brain lesions. Conclusion: A lower dosage of rituximab may be sufficient in depleting B cells, maintaining low B-cell counts, and preventing disease progression in Chinese patients with NMO. © 2013 American Academy of Neurology.

Publication Date

8-20-2013

Publication Title

Neurology

ISSN

00283878

Volume

81

Issue

8

First Page

710

Last Page

713

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182a1aac7

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