Clinical improvement in a patient with neuromyelitis optica following therapy with the anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab

Manabu ArakiMultiple Sclerosis Center, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira 187-8551, Japan

Toshimasa AranamiDepartment of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan

Takako MatsuokaDepartment of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan

Masakazu NakamuraDepartment of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan

Sachiko MiyakeDepartment of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan

Takashi YamamuraMultiple Sclerosis Center, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira 187-8551, Japan;Department of Immunology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, JapanCorrespondence[email protected]

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a disabling autoimmune disease associated with an elevation of anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) autoantibodies. Here, we present a case with NMO who responded to monthly administration of the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab. The treatment rapidly reduced the elevated numbers of plasmablasts and anti-AQP4 autoantibodies in the patient. Furthermore, neuropathic pain and disability scores gradually improved. Tocilizumab may be considered as a therapeutic option for NMO.

Keywords::

Clinical improvement in a patient with neuromyelitis optica following therapy with the anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Clinical improvement in a patient with neuromyelitis optica following therapy with the anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab

Abstract

Related research

To cite this article:

Download citation

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Keep up to date

Your download is now in progress and you may close this window

Login or register to access this feature