An open label study of the effects of rituximab in neuromyelitis optica
Eight patients with worsening neuromyelitis optica were treated with rituximab to achieve B
cell depletion. Treatment was well tolerated. Six of eight patients were relapse free and
median attack rate declined from 2.6 attacks/patient/year to 0 attacks/patient/year (p=
0.0078). Seven of eight patients experienced substantial recovery of neurologic function
over 1 year of average follow-up. The pretreatment median Expanded Disability Status
Scale score was 7.5, and at follow-up examination was 5.5 (p= 0.013).
cell depletion. Treatment was well tolerated. Six of eight patients were relapse free and
median attack rate declined from 2.6 attacks/patient/year to 0 attacks/patient/year (p=
0.0078). Seven of eight patients experienced substantial recovery of neurologic function
over 1 year of average follow-up. The pretreatment median Expanded Disability Status
Scale score was 7.5, and at follow-up examination was 5.5 (p= 0.013).
Eight patients with worsening neuromyelitis optica were treated with rituximab to achieve B cell depletion. Treatment was well tolerated. Six of eight patients were relapse free and median attack rate declined from 2.6 attacks/patient/year to 0 attacks/patient/year (p = 0.0078). Seven of eight patients experienced substantial recovery of neurologic function over 1 year of average follow-up. The pretreatment median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 7.5, and at follow-up examination was 5.5 (p = 0.013).
American Academy of Neurology