[Successful treatment with rituximab in two cases of IgM-monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) neuropathy].
A 66-year-old male was hospitalized with muscle weakness and gait disturbance. Examination revealed IgM 3,407 mg/dl (IgM, κ-type M protein) and he was diagnosed as having IgM-MGUS neuropathy. He suffered from paralysis of respiratory muscles and required a respirator support. Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin were performed and he was weaned from the respirator. Rituximab given as 8 weekly infusions improved gait disturbance. A 71-year-old male was hospitalized with lumbago, numbness of lower extremities and gait disturbance. Examination revealed IgM 1,553 mg/dl (IgM, λ-type M protein) and he was diagnosed with IgM-MGUS neuropathy. Rituximab given as 8 weekly infusions improved gait disturbance. It was concluded that rituximab is a well-tolerated treatment that may be effective in some patients with IgM-MGUS neuropathy.
Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital.
Michiaki
M
Koike
Keiji
K
Sugimoto
Miyuki
M
Tusui
Yuriko
Y
Yahata
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008998:Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D005719:gamma-Globulins; D000069283:Rituximab