Rituximab in the treatment of polyneuropathy associated with anti-MAG antibodies

No causative or curative therapy exists for the polyneuropathy associated with antibodies to myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG). Rituximab is a mouse‐human chimeric antibody that specifically eliminates B‐cells and B‐cell precursors. Preliminary results suggest a beneficial effect on antibody...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Muscle & nerve 2003-05, Vol.27 (5), p.611-615
Main Authors: Renaud, Susanne, Gregor, Michael, Fuhr, Peter, Lorenz, Delia, Deuschl, Günther, Gratwohl, Alois, Steck, Andreas J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
anti-MAG antibodies
anti-MAG-associated polyneuropathy
Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use
Autoantibodies - blood
B-Lymphocytes - immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction
Disability Evaluation
Female
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
monoclonal gammopathy
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein - immunology
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Pilot Projects
Polyneuropathies - drug therapy
Polyneuropathies - immunology
Rituximab
Treatment Outcome
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:No causative or curative therapy exists for the polyneuropathy associated with antibodies to myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG). Rituximab is a mouse‐human chimeric antibody that specifically eliminates B‐cells and B‐cell precursors. Preliminary results suggest a beneficial effect on antibody‐dependent autoimmune diseases. Nine patients with an anti‐MAG–associated IgM polyneuropathy received rituximab once weekly for 4 weeks. In all patients, the number of B‐cells in the peripheral blood declined below levels of detection, and the IgM levels decreased between 35% and 82% (median, 58%). In eight patients, lowering of the anti‐MAG antibody titers of more than 52% was observed. Clinical status improved in six patients, remained stable in two, and worsened in one. The motor nerve conduction velocity improved by at least 10% in one ulnar nerve in seven patients and worsened in two. Rituximab was well tolerated and is a promising new drug in the treatment of patients with anti‐MAG–associated polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 27:611–615, 2003
ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.10359