title: Rituximab reduces attacks in Chinese patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
abstract: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of rituximab in seven Chinese patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or neuromyelitis optica syndrome disorders (NMOSD) in a tertiary medical center in Hong Kong. After rituximab induction, five patients became relapse-free and two had 50% reduction of relapses over a median follow-up of 24 months. No further deterioration of functional status, measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, was observed in all patients. Infusions were well tolerated except in two patients who developed transient hypotension. Rituximab reduced clinical relapse and prevented neurological deterioration in a small cohort of Chinese patients with NMO or NMOSD.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: Vincent H L
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Ip
authors.forename: Alexander Y L
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Lisa W C
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Au
authors.forename: Florence S Y
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Anne Y Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Vincent C T
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Mok
authors.forename: Ka-Sing Lawrence
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044466:Asian People; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D000069283:Rituximab; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D000069283:Rituximab; D008775:Methylprednisolone