Serious infections were defined as infections which required hospitalizations in a Swedish study of 6241 patients on various MS DMTs. The two paragraphs below in quotation are comments made on the study by Dr. Gavin Giovannoni regarding the anti-CD20 therapy, Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus).
The anti-CD20 therapy reported on in the study was rituximab. However, infection rates are similar between rituximab and ocrelizumab, slightly higher with ocrelizumab. Therefore, it is legitimate using rituximab as an indicator for ocrelizumab's infection rates.
Quote. "The overall figure is 2.24 serious infections per 100 patient-years. In other words, for every 45 patients on ocrelizumab for 12 months 1 patient will be admitted to hospital with a serious infection.”
“However, if you develop low IgG levels (hypogammaglobulinaemia) the risk rises to 5.48 serious infections per 100 patient-years or for every 18 patients on ocrelizumab for 12 months 1 patient will be admitted with a serious infection. This is why we are now monitoring peripheral blood immunoglobulin levels on an annual basis in all our patients on anti-CD20 therapy.” End Quote
The study Giovannoni commented on...
Gustavo et al. Infection Risks Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Fingolimod, Natalizumab, Rituximab, and Injectable Therapies. JAMA Neurol. Published online October 7, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.3365
The anti-CD20 therapy reported on in the study was rituximab. However, infection rates are similar between rituximab and ocrelizumab, slightly higher with ocrelizumab. Therefore, it is legitimate using rituximab as an indicator for ocrelizumab's infection rates.
Quote. "The overall figure is 2.24 serious infections per 100 patient-years. In other words, for every 45 patients on ocrelizumab for 12 months 1 patient will be admitted to hospital with a serious infection.”
“However, if you develop low IgG levels (hypogammaglobulinaemia) the risk rises to 5.48 serious infections per 100 patient-years or for every 18 patients on ocrelizumab for 12 months 1 patient will be admitted with a serious infection. This is why we are now monitoring peripheral blood immunoglobulin levels on an annual basis in all our patients on anti-CD20 therapy.” End Quote
The study Giovannoni commented on...
Gustavo et al. Infection Risks Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Fingolimod, Natalizumab, Rituximab, and Injectable Therapies. JAMA Neurol. Published online October 7, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.3365
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