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

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 num...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inModern rheumatology Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 827 - 831
Main Authors Araki, Manabu, Aranami, Toshimasa, Matsuoka, Takako, Nakamura, Masakazu, Miyake, Sachiko, Yamamura, Takashi
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Tokyo Springer Japan 01.07.2013
Subjects
Case Report
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Orthopedics
Rheumatology
Neuromyelitis optica
Plasmablast
Tocilizumab
Interleukin-6
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Summary: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.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Case Study-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-4
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ObjectType-Report-1
ObjectType-Article-3
ISSN:1439-7595
1439-7609
DOI:10.1007/s10165-012-0715-9