João Peres1, Rita Martins1, José Delgado Alves2, Ana Valverde1. 1. Department of Neurology, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal. 2. Immunomediated Systemic Diseases Unit (UDIMS), Internal Medicine 4, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal.
Abstract
HIGHLIGHTS: Rituximab use in MG patients lead to the reduction of relapses and to a lesser use of immunosuppressive agents in our series.Rituximab use in our MG patients decreased healthcare costs after treatment, comparing to the pre-treatment period.Rituximab is a clinical effective treatment for B cell-related diseases like MG and seems to be a cost-saving intervention. INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia Gravis is a humoral autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. Its treatment is based on immunosuppressive agents. Rituximab has shown efficacy in refractory and severe Myasthenia Gravis. We evaluate the potential pharmacoeconomic and quality of life benefits of its use. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Myasthenia Gravis patients treated with Rituximab was performed. Clinical charts were reviewed and scales for assessment of quality of life were applied. Health care costs were estimated based on the average of each treatment and daily charge of hospitalization. RESULTS: Six patients were treated. Rituximab use lead to the reduction of relapses and to a lesser use of immunosuppressive agents. An overall decrease in healthcare costs after treatment was observed along with an evident clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Rituximab is a clinical effective treatment for B cell-related diseases like MG and seems to be a cost-saving intervention. Its use is associated with a decrease in the need for other immunosuppressive treatments whilst improving quality of life and reducing health costs. Copyright 2017 PBJ-Associação Porto Biomedical/Porto Biomedical Society.
HIGHLIGHTS: Rituximab use in MG patients lead to the reduction of relapses and to a lesser use of immunosuppressive agents in our series.Rituximab use in our MG patients decreased healthcare costs after treatment, comparing to the pre-treatment period.Rituximab is a clinical effective treatment for B cell-related diseases like MG and seems to be a cost-saving intervention. INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia Gravis is a humoral autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. Its treatment is based on immunosuppressive agents. Rituximab has shown efficacy in refractory and severe Myasthenia Gravis. We evaluate the potential pharmacoeconomic and quality of life benefits of its use. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Myasthenia Gravis patients treated with Rituximab was performed. Clinical charts were reviewed and scales for assessment of quality of life were applied. Health care costs were estimated based on the average of each treatment and daily charge of hospitalization. RESULTS: Six patients were treated. Rituximab use lead to the reduction of relapses and to a lesser use of immunosuppressive agents. An overall decrease in healthcare costs after treatment was observed along with an evident clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Rituximab is a clinical effective treatment for B cell-related diseases like MG and seems to be a cost-saving intervention. Its use is associated with a decrease in the need for other immunosuppressive treatments whilst improving quality of life and reducing health costs. Copyright 2017 PBJ-Associação Porto Biomedical/Porto Biomedical Society.
Authors: Stefan Blum; David Gillis; Helen Brown; Richard Boyle; Robert Henderson; David Heyworth-Smith; Patrick Hogan; Paul Kubler; Cecilie Lander; Nicole Limberg; Peter Pillans; Kerri Prain; Christopher Staples; Michael Walsh; Pamela McCombe; Richard Wong Journal: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry Date: 2010-11-11 Impact factor: 10.154