Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after withdrawal of Natalizumab?

Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the very late activating antigen-4, prevents lymphocyte transmigration across endothelium in multiple sclerosis (MS).1 It is undefined whether cessation of treatment carries the risk of disease exacerbation. A postwithdrawal rebound in T2...

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Main Authors: Lenhard, Thorsten (Author) , Biller, Armin (Author) , Müller, Wolf C. (Author) , Metz, Imke (Author) , Schönberger, J. (Author) , Wildemann, Brigitte (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: August 30, 2010
In: Neurology
Year: 2010, Volume: 75, Issue: 9, Pages: 831-833
ISSN:1526-632X
DOI:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f07362
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f07362
Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://n.neurology.org/content/75/9/831
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Author Notes:T. Lenhard, A. Biller, W. Mueller, I. Metz, J. Schönberger, B. Wildemann
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Summary:Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the very late activating antigen-4, prevents lymphocyte transmigration across endothelium in multiple sclerosis (MS).1 It is undefined whether cessation of treatment carries the risk of disease exacerbation. A postwithdrawal rebound in T2-weighted lesional activity has been described after short-term exposure, whereas another study reported stable findings up to 14 months after discontinuation of natalizumab.2 We report a patient who developed dramatic clinical and radiologic worsening as a consequence of natalizumab withdrawal after prolonged therapy. Several features were reminiscent of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). - - ### Case report. - - A 30-year-old woman had been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 1999 and had received glatiramer acetate and interferon-β as disease-modifying agents before natalizumab was started as escalating therapy because of continuing relapses (3-4/year; Expanded Disability Status Scale score [EDSS] 5). Natalizumab effectively reduced disease activity to 3 mild clinical events within a treatment period of almost 2 years (22 infusions). A cranial MRI 4 months after institution of therapy showed no new or active lesions (figure, A and B). In November 2008, natalizumab was discontinued because of a wish to have children. At that time, the disease was clinically stable. The patient was able to manage her everyday life with mild support and was employed half-time as an office clerk (EDSS 5). Within 9 weeks after natalizumab withdrawal, she progressively developed high-grade tetraparesis despite repeated IV steroid pulses (methylprednisolone 8.5 g in total). This coincided with multiple new T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhancing lesions in …
Item Description:Gesehen am 13.03.2023
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1526-632X
DOI:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f07362