Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2016 May;9(3):180-8. doi: 10.1177/1756285616632653. Epub 2016 Mar 23.
An update on the evidence for the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the management of neuromyelitis optica.
Collongues N1, de Seze J2.
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Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) is a new concept which includes classical neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and partial forms of NMO such as recurrent optic neuritis with positive aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4) or brainstem symptoms (intractable hiccups or vomiting). This disease is clearly distinguished from multiple sclerosis (MS) and the therapeutic approach is clearly different. Rituximab is actually considered to be one of the most efficient treatments of NMOSD, even if class I studies are clearly lacking. In the present review, we describe the state of the art about rituximab treatment in NMOSD, including adults and children, plus its efficacy and tolerance and we also underline the questions that should be addressed in the near future.
KEYWORDS:
B lymphocyte; CD20; Rituximab; monoclonal antibody; neuromyelitis optica
PMID: 27134673 [PubMed] PMCID: PMC4811013 Free PMC Article
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27134673