Varicella-zoster virus infections in patients treated with fingolimod: risk assessment and consensus recommendations for management.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections increasingly are reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and constitute an area of significant concern, especially with the advent of more disease-modifying treatments in MS that affect T-cell-mediated immunity.

Objective

To assess the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of VZV infections in fingolimod-treated patients and provide recommendations for prevention and management.

Design, setting, and participants

Rates of VZV infections in fingolimod clinical trials are based on pooled data from the completed controlled phases 2 and 3 studies (3916 participants) and ongoing uncontrolled extension phases (3553 participants). Male and female patients aged 18 through 55 years (18-60 years for the

SUBMITTER: Arvin AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5391035 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature