Rituximab stabilizes multifocal motor neuropathy increasingly less responsive to IVIg

Neurology. 2004 Dec 14;63(11):2178-9. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000145706.04340.25.

Abstract

The authors report a patient with anti-GM(1) antibody-negative multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) who was increasingly less responsive to IV immunoglobulins (IVIgs). Five yearly courses of the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab were well tolerated and extended the interval of IVIg administration from 7 to 12 days (corresponding to 42% reduction of IVIg) during this period. Rituximab may be a benefit for patients with MMN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Tolerance
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive*
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Polyneuropathies / drug therapy*
  • Polyneuropathies / therapy
  • Recovery of Function
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Rituximab
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a