Safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish multiple sclerosis patients

• DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10664-w
• Publication Date: 2021-07-13T13:03:21Z
• Authors: Ilkka Rauma; Tiina Mustonen; Juha Matti Seppä; Maritta Ukkonen; Marianne Männikkö; Auli Verkkoniemi-...; Marge Kartau; Jukka T. Saarinen; Liisa Luostarinen; Sakari Simula; Mervi Ryytty; Riitta Ahmasalo; Jussi O. T. Sipilä; Ilkka Pieninkeroinen; Tero Tapiola; Anne M. Remes; Hanna Kuusisto
• Keywords: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Alemtuzumab is an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). However, safety concerns limit its use in clinical practice.To evaluate the of alemtuzumab a nationwide cohort Finnish MS patients.In this retrospective case series study, we analyzed data all but two patients who had received Finland until 2019. Data were systematically collected from patient files.Altogether 121 identified, most whom previous DMTs (82.6%). Median follow-up time after treatment initiation was 30.3 months and exceeded 24 78 patients. Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) observed 84.3%, 57.3%, 57.1% during courses 1-3, respectively. Serious adverse events (SAEs) 32.2% patients, serious IARs 12.4% SAEs other than 23.1% Autoimmune 30.6% One died hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, one pneumonia. A previously unreported thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura documented.SAEs more frequent present studies. Even though MS, vigorous monitoring with long enough advised.