Long-term outcome of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Austria: a nationwide retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objective

The use of natalizumab (NAT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and life-threatening opportunistic brain infection. We aimed to analyze the course of MS after PML recovery together with the long-term outcome of NAT-associated PML (NAT-PML) in Austria.

Methods

Retrospective study based on identification of cases in the nationwide Austrian MS treatment registry (AMSTR) and MS centers with review of patient records. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to measure neurological disability and outcome.

Results

As of December 2022, we identified 15 NAT-PML cases in Austria; only 20% occurred after 2016, when increased vigilance commenced. Two patients did not survive a

SUBMITTER: Moser T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10770206 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature