BACKGROUND: Choosing a safe disease modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. This case series study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and the course of Covid-19 infection in MS/NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab. METHODS: In this study, we designed a web-based questionnaire. Baseline information such as patient- reported walking disability, total number of Rituximab infusions received, delayed injections, occurrence of any relapse, and the use of corticosteroids during the pandemic were collected. Also, information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic such as adherence to self-isolation, any recent exposure to an infected individual and the presence of suggestive symptoms were collected. In case of positive test results, patients were grouped into 2 categories; mild to moderate and seriously ill and outcomes were evaluated as favorable (improved/ discharged) and unfavorable (expired). RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight patients with Multiple Sclerosis were enrolled in this study, 9 of the subjects (3.4%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19, five of which required hospitalizations (55.5%), two patients required ICU admission (22.2%) and 2 two patients died (22.2%). None of these patients ever mentioned using corticosteroids during the pandemic. In comparison to MS patients who were not receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT), our study indicated a higher incidence of Covid-19 infection, higher ratio of serious illness and a higher fatality ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab seems not to be safe enough during the pandemic.
BACKGROUND: Choosing a safe disease modifying therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging. This case series study was conducted to determine the incidence rate and the course of Covid-19infection in MS/NMOSD patients treated with Rituximab. METHODS: In this study, we designed a web-based questionnaire. Baseline information such as patient- reported walking disability, total number of Rituximab infusions received, delayed injections, occurrence of any relapse, and the use of corticosteroids during the pandemic were collected. Also, information regarding the Covid-19 pandemic such as adherence to self-isolation, any recent exposure to an infected individual and the presence of suggestive symptoms were collected. In case of positive test results, patients were grouped into 2 categories; mild to moderate and seriously ill and outcomes were evaluated as favorable (improved/ discharged) and unfavorable (expired). RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight patients with Multiple Sclerosis were enrolled in this study, 9 of the subjects (3.4%) were confirmed positive for Covid-19, five of which required hospitalizations (55.5%), two patients required ICU admission (22.2%) and 2 two patientsdied (22.2%). None of these patients ever mentioned using corticosteroids during the pandemic. In comparison to MS patients who were not receiving disease modifying therapy (DMT), our study indicated a higher incidence of Covid-19infection, higher ratio of serious illness and a higher fatality ratio. CONCLUSIONS:Rituximab seems not to be safe enough during the pandemic.
Authors: Arumugam Palanichamy; Sarah Jahn; Dorothee Nickles; Mia Derstine; Aya Abounasr; Stephen L Hauser; Sergio E Baranzini; David Leppert; H-Christian von Büdingen Journal: J Immunol Date: 2014-06-13 Impact factor: 5.422
Authors: Elisa Longinetti; Hannah Bower; Kyla A McKay; Simon Englund; Joachim Burman; Katharina Fink; Anna Fogdell-Hahn; Martin Gunnarsson; Jan Hillert; Annette Langer-Gould; Jan Lycke; Petra Nilsson; Jonatan Salzer; Anders Svenningsson; Johan Mellergård; Tomas Olsson; Fredrik Piehl; Thomas Frisell Journal: Ann Clin Transl Neurol Date: 2022-08-22 Impact factor: 5.430
Authors: Ettore Capoluongo; Carmela Nardelli; Maria Valeria Esposito; Antonio Riccardo Buonomo; Monica Gelzo; Biagio Pinchera; Emanuela Zappulo; Giulio Viceconte; Giuseppe Portella; Mario Setaro; Ivan Gentile; Giuseppe Castaldo Journal: Front Oncol Date: 2021-07-20 Impact factor: 6.244