Rituximab treatment of an IgM monoclonal autonomic and sensory neuropathy

Muscle Nerve. 2005 Apr;31(4):510-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.20244.

Abstract

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against B-cell membrane marker CD-20, is an effective treatment for immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathies. We report a patient with an autonomic and painful sensory neuropathy associated with an IgM lambda monoclonal gammopathy, responsive to rituximab. Treatment resulted in a decline in total IgM and improvement in the patient's painful neuropathy and dysautonomia. Rituximab may be an effective and tolerable treatment for autonomic and sensory neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / immunology
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M*
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology
  • Paraproteinemias / physiopathology*
  • Paraproteinemias / therapy*
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Rituximab