Tocilizumab in MOG-antibody spectrum disorder: a case report

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Jan:27:312-314. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.11.012. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Abstract

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-related spectrum disorders (MOG-SD) are a heterogeneous group of inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, usually responsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapies. However, knowledge about treatment of non-responder patients is scarce.

Methods: We report on a 20-year-old MOG-SD patient who experienced clinical deterioration despite rituximab-induced B-cell depletion.

Results: Rescue therapy with tocilizumab (TCZ) prevented further relapses, with reduction of spinal-cord load on MRI, and a remarkable reduction of disability at the two-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Our observations suggest that TCZ could induce clinico-radiologic improvements, which make it as an option for the treatment of MOG-SD.

Keywords: MOG; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; Tocilizumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / complications
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / diagnostic imaging
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / drug therapy*
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein / immunology*
  • Optic Neuritis / complications
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
  • Rituximab
  • tocilizumab