Rituximab in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder of childhood and early adolescence. It is caused by a persistent measles virus infection of the brain without any available treatment to date. The physiopathology of the disease is largely unknown. Considering the potential role of humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of SSPE, one patient was given compassionate anti-CD20 antibodies. However, disease progression under treatment led to reconsider B cell involvement in this pathology. Nevertheless, we observed that carbamazepine was useful in improving life quality in our patient, and should be considered as a first-line drug. To date, measles vaccination remains the only solution to SSPE.
Titomanlio
Luigi
L
Department of Child Neurology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris VII University, Paris, France. luigi.titomanlio@rdb.aphp.fr
Soyah
Najla
N
Guerin
Valérie
V
Delanoe
Catherine
C
Sterkers
Ghislaine
G
Evrard
Philippe
P
Husson
Isabelle
I
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D000069283:Rituximab; D013344:Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab