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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 04, 2012
Accepted:
September 18,
2012
Received in revised form:
September 18,
2012
Received:
July 14,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
