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Comparative Study
. 2011 Sep 13;77(11):1061-7.
doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31822e55e7. Epub 2011 Aug 10.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in natalizumab-associated PML

I L Tan  1 , J C McArthur, D B Clifford, E O Major, A Nath
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in natalizumab-associated PML

I L Tan et al. Neurology. .

Abstract

Objective: To study the outcome of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and with natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

Methods: MedWatch reports from Biogen-Idec (manufacturer of natalizumab, Tysabri(®)) were reviewed which comprised all 42 cases of natalizumab-related PML cases since its reintroduction until March 2010.

Results: All except 2 patients with natalizumab-related PML were managed by discontinuation of natalizumab and plasmapheresis/immunoadsorption (PLEX/IA). Seventeen patients had contrast enhancement of PML lesions on neuroimaging at the time of diagnosis before withdrawal/removal of natalizumab (early-PML-IRIS) and 23 patients developed contrast enhancement only after withdrawal/removal of natalizumab (late-PML-IRIS). All patients developed IRIS. IRIS was defined as worsening of neurologic deficits during the immune reconstitution following discontinuation of natalizumab, corroborated by inflammatory changes on neuroimaging. Following PLEX/IA, JC viral load in CSF increased by >10 fold in those with early-PML-IRIS but <2 fold in late-PML-IRIS. IRIS developed earlier and was more severe in early-PML-IRIS (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, all patients had worse EDSS scores but this was higher in patients with early-PML-IRIS compared to those with late-PML-IRIS (p > 0.05). Mortality was comparable between the 2 groups, 29.4 ± 11% vs 21.7 ± 8.8%. Corticosteroid therapy during IRIS was associated with better Expanded Disability Status Scale outcome, p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Early immunologic rebound in natalizumab-associated PML has worse survival and neurologic outcome. PLEX/IA may accelerate IRIS and its impact on the final outcome is unclear. Corticosteroid therapy provides a modest benefit and needs to be systemically studied in a controlled manner in the management of natalizumab-associated PML-IRIS.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Change of CSF JC viral load before plasma exchange (PLEX) and post- PLEX (around the time of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome)
Figure 2
Figure 2. CSF JC viral load at various time points in relation to plasma exchange (PLEX) and steroid administration
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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