Rituximab Use in Aggressive Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Ahmed Kaki1* and Fahad Albassam1
1 Pediatric Neurology Department, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Ahmed Kaki, Pediatric Neurology Department, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAPD.2023.02.030
Received: March 13, 2023 Published: April 10, 2023
Abstract
Pediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting the central nervous system in children. It can lead to debilitating motor and cognitive sequelae. Disease modifying therapies have been used in children as well as adults, with similarities observed in terms of tolerance, and side-effect profiles. At present the consensus in management of Pediatric MS is based mainly upon adult-based treatment trials. Multiple factors are taken into consideration, including disease activity, coexisting morbidities, patient-based preference, and socioeconomic factors. Rituximab, has shown in numerous case series and reports, to be efficient and well tolerated. We report a female child with a relapsing, progressively debilitating CNS demyelinating disease with poor compliance to Disease-Modifying therapies, and breakthrough relapses during Interferon Beta-1b and Fingolimod trials. After rituximab therapy commencement, she had shown reduction in her annualized relapse rate, improvement in her disability scores; and stability in serial neuroimaging during the subsequent 27 months of regular follow-ups.
Keywords: Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), Rituximab, Neuroinflammatory disorder.
Citation: Kaki A, Albassam F. Rituximab Use in Aggressive Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report. SVOA Paediatrics 2023, 2:2, 36-40.