Author Of 2 Presentations
P0303 - Calculated steroid dose needed for multiple scleroses relapses (ID 1456)
Abstract
Background
Glucocorticoid (GC) pulse therapy is used for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) relapse treatment. At the same time GC resistance often mandates timely introduction of plasma exchange (PLEX). There are yet no well established predictors for the GC dose needed to treat MS relapses.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to establish a predictive model basing on clinical data to support clinicians in estimating the maximum GC dose above which no additional therapeutic value can be expected.
Methods
We retrospectively screened clinical registries at University Hospital Bern and Ruhr University Hospital Bochum for MS patients treated with GC. We performed a multivariate regression analysis with GC dose as dependent variable and Vitamin D (25D) level, sex, age, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), contrast enhancement on cranial and/or spinal MRI, immunotherapy and clinical involvement of optic nerve as independent variables.
Results
In this explorative cohort, 113 MS patients were included (Bern/Bochum: n = 63/47). Our model in total significantly predicted GC dose, however within the independent variables only 25D serum concentration and presence of optic neuritis were independent predictors of the GC dose needed to treat the present MS relapse ([25D]: -25.95 (95% CI: -47.40 - -4.49), p=0.018; optic neuritis: 2040.51 (95% CI: 584.64 – 3496.36), p=0.006).
Conclusions
Considering that GC dosing appears to be individual with several response-influencing factors, we established a predictive model, which supports clinicians to estimate GC dose needed to treat MS relapses. A second validation cohort is needed to proof our analysis.
P0359 - Natalizumab and eosinophilia: epidemiological characteristics and clinical associations (ID 1442)
Abstract
Background
Natalizumab is used as an immunomodulatory treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Blood eosinophilia as an adverse effect has been described.
Objectives
We aim to describe the frequency of blood eosinophilia and associated clinical symptoms in our monocentric cohort of natalizumab treated patients with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
Methods
In our tertiary neurological care centre in Switzerland, we retrospectively longitudinally identified 115 natalizumab-treated and 116 untreated RRMS patients with eosinophil counts since July 2016 with our pharmacovigilance system and compared eosinophil counts, clinical symptoms and patient demographics.
Results
In total, 44/115 natalizumab-treated patients (38%) developed eosinophilia (>0.4 G/l), which occurred significantly more frequently compared to 116 untreated MS patients (n=3; 3%). Of 44 natalizumab-treated patients with eosinophilia, 43 remained asymptomatic; one patient one patient developed an eosinophilic pneumonia after 2 infusions of natalizumab, which resolved without sequelae after cessation. All untreated MS patients with eosinophilia remained asymptomatic.
Conclusions
Our cohort confirmed that eosinophilia is a potential side effect of natalizumab in RRMS patients and most commonly remains asymptomatic. However, in one of our natalizumab-treated patients (0.9% of all patients), an eosinophilic pneumonia occurred as a rare but severe side effect. Physicians should be vigilant for symptoms of an eosinophilic disease in natalizumab-treated patients. Further studies on drug safety in real-life settings using automated big data approaches are warranted to better describe drug-associated adverse effects.