Natalizumab administration in multiple sclerosis patients during active SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case series

BMC Neurology

Clara G. Chisari¹  Chiara Finocchiaro¹  Francesco Patti¹  Simona Toscano¹  Sebastiano Arena¹  Arturo Montineri² 

[1] Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy;Infectious Diseases and Tropical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Policlinico-San Marco”, via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy;

关键词: Multiple sclerosis;    COVID-19;    SARS-CoV-2 active infection;    Natalizumab;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12883-021-02421-3

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a pandemic, affecting the therapeutic management for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Any decision regarding the discontinuation of high-potency agents for moderate and highly active MS should be carefully evaluated, taking into account the potential risk of rebound of the disease. In particular, no data about clinical outcome of patients with MS receiving Natalizumab (NTZ) during active COVID-19 infection have been reported yet.Cases presentationWe reported on 6 patients treated with NTZ for relapsing MS during active COVID-19 infection, who recovered without reporting any worsening or new symptoms. Most of the patients were asymptomatic, with the exception of one patient who had a slight worst COVID-19 clinical course. No patients received O2-therapy or required intensive care. No neurological complications were observed.ConclusionsThis paper reported the clinical outcome of patients with MS receiving NTZ during active COVID-19 infection. This case series suggests that treatment with NTZ during pandemic is relatively safe and might be continued in selected patients who are infected by COVID-19, thereby reducing the risk of MS disease rebound.

【 授权许可】

CC BY