An open label study of the effects of rituximab in neuromyelitis optica

摘要: Eight patients with worsening neuromyelitis optica were treated rituximab to achieve B cell depletion. Treatment was well tolerated. Six of eight relapse free and median attack rate declined from 2.6 attacks/patient/year 0 (p = 0.0078). Seven experienced substantial recovery neurologic function over 1 year average follow-up. The pretreatment Expanded Disability Status Scale score 7.5, at follow-up examination 5.5 0.013).