Natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis: the experience from two Brazilian MS centers.
Objective Analyze the demographics, clinical characteristics, efficacy and safety of natalizumab treatment in Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) followed up for at least 12 months, in two tertiary MS care centers in São Paulo.Method We evaluated the effect of natalizumab treatment on annualized relapse rate and disability progression in 75 patients with MS treated with natalizumab for at least 12 months. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate efficacy of natalizumab treatment in patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 3.0 vs patients with EDSS > 3.Results Patients treated for at least one year with natalizumab showed a 91% reduction in aRR, as well and an improvement in neurological disability. The impact of natalizumab treatment was greater in patients with EDSS < 3.0. Overall, natalizumab was safe but one patient developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.Conclusion Natalizumab as a third line therapy is safe and efficacious, especially in patients with mild neurological disability.
Departamento de Neurologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
Enedina Maria Lobato de
EM
Oliveira
Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
Renata Faria
RF
Simm
Biogen Idec Inc, Sao Paulo, SP, BR.
Gorana
G
Dasic
Departamento de Neurologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
Marília Mamprim de
MM
Morais
Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
Samira Luiza dos Apostolos
SL
Perreira
Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
Dagoberto
D
Callegaro
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069442:Natalizumab / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069442:Natalizumab