Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody that can eliminate B celIs. B cells may play important roles in the pathogenesis of NMOSD since it produce antibodies involved in the pathophysiology of the disease like antibodies against aquaporin-4. RTX could reducing relapsing cases and stabilising neurological functions in patients with NMOSD according to some retrospective studies with limited samples.
To describe the baseline characteristics of patients with NMOSD treated with RTX. Analyze effectiveness and safety in NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab.
Retrospective observational study in patients with NMOSD treated with RTX from July 2015 to May 2020 at Virgen Macarena Hospital, Seville, Spain.
Demographic/disease characteristics, previous treatments, adverse events and changes in disability were collected at enrolment.
10 NMOSD patients were treated with RTX (100% females) Mean follow-up since RTX initiation: 2.9±1.1 year.
Average age: 51±12.6 years Mean time since NMOSD diagnosis: 3.3±2.8 year.
Mean EDSS did not change after a mean of 2.9 year receiving RTX. 3 patients abandoned treatment due to several adverse events (itching, skin infections or throat swelling). One of the seven patients that continues with the treatmente presented a single clinical relapse.The 86% of patients that tolerate RTX shown no clinical relapse.
In our sample, Rituximab seem to be safe and effective in reducing clinical relapse and stabilising neurological functions. RTX was well tolerated by the 70% of patients. Mean EDSS did not change after a mean of 2.9 year receiving RTX. 86% of patients that tolerate RTX shown no clinical relapse after 2.9 year of treatment.