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       #Post#: 1374--------------------------------------------------
       (ECTRIMS) Plasma exchange and steroids in PML management
       By: agate Date: September 21, 2016, 2:41 pm
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       There are often questions wondering how those people who
       developed PML while taking Tysabri got along. This paper,
       presented at the annual ECTRIMS conference in London (September
       14-17), gives a few clues:
       [quote]To do or not to do? Plasma exchange and steroids in
       progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy management
       C. Scarpazza1, N. De Rossi1, C. Cordioli1, S. Gerevini2, R.
       Capra1, Italian PML Cohort Consortium
       1Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, 2San Raffaele Scientific
       Institute, Milano, Italy
       Background:
       Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an uncommon
       side effect caused by the JC virus, emerging in
       natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis (NTZ-MS) patients. Immune
       restoration at NTZ withdrawal often causes an Immune
       Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), which causes
       additional damage of the nervous tissues.
       Goals:
       To evaluate the impact of Plasma Exchange (PLEX) and use of
       steroids on the PML and PML-IRIS course.
       Methods:
       Clinical and MRI data of 40 patients who developed PML were
       retrospectively collected from 28 Italian sites. The data were
       centrally reviewed and established IRIS according with definite
       criteria was identified in each patient by two neuroradiologists
       and two neurologists. Patients' clinical course (measured with
       longitudinal EDSS score at NTZ beginning, i.e. baseline, PML
       onset, month 2, month 6 and month 12 follow-ups) was analyzed in
       the context of PLEX and steroids administration.
       Results:
       The survival rate was 92.5%. The number of viral copies in the
       CSF is highly correlated with the Δ EDSS from PML onset to
       month 6 follow-up (r=0.50, p=0.002).
       Twenty-nine out of 40 patients (72.5%) manifested IRIS. Patients
       were divided into two groups basing on whether or not they were
       submitted to PLEX (PLEX+ and PLEX-, respectively). Their EDSS at
       baseline did not differ (t=0.28, p=0.77); no difference was
       found between the groups for the EDSS (mixed ANOVA Group x Time
       - non significant Group x Time interaction, p=0.23).
       However, PLEX speeds up IRIS (t=-2.19, p=0.03) and increases
       its duration (t=1.8, p=0.08).
       Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups basing on
       whether the steroids were administered prior to  (NoIrSt) or
       during (IrSt) the established IRIS. A mixed ANOVA Group x Time
       (using PLEX and lesion size as covariates) revealed a Group x
       Time interaction (F[3,81]=2.77, p=0.04). Post hoc test revealed
       that NoIrSt EDSS scores worsened in the first months after
       diagnosis (p=0.002) and remained stable at 1 year follow-up
       (p=0.003), while the IrSt EDSS score did not significantly
       change over time (p>0.16).
       The use of steroids [had no impact either] on the time elapsed
       between NTZ withdrawal and IRIS onset (t=-0.109, p=0.91), or on
       IRIS duration (t=-0.640, p=0.52).
       Conclusions:
       In this cohort, PLEX did not improve the clinical outcome and
       steroids administered [after] IRIS onset are associated with
       negative disability progression.
       Disclosure:
       Dr. De Rossi received speaker honoraria from Biogen and Teva and
       travel grants from Biogen, Teva and Merk Serono.
       Dr. Cordioli received consulting fees from Novartis and Merk
       Serono.
       Dr. Gerevini received speaker honoraria from Biogen-Idec.
       Dr. Capra received consulting fees from Novartis, Biogen-Idec
       and lecture fees and/or travel grants from Novartis,
       Biogen-Idec, Genzyme and Sanofi-Aventis.
       Dr. Scarpazza has nothing to disclose.[/quote]
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