The independent samples A total of 822 patients with MS (557 RRMS, 198 SPMS, 67 PPMS) ever treated with rituximab fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified (Baseline characteristics and rituximab (RTX) treatment data for 822 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with rituximab at 3 Swedish MS centers (Umeå, Karolinska, and Sahlgrenska University Hospitals), by multiple sclerosis subtypeThe mean B-cell levels decreased and remained low over the observed time period (B-cell and IgG levels at samplings immediately before rituximab infusions 1–12.

Objective: Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody selectively depleting CD20+ B cells, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Rituxan (generic name rituximab) is a prescription medicine that targets a protein called CD20 in immune system B cells. The follow-up period was defined as the time from the initial dose of rituximab up to 12 months of last dose of rituximab or ocrelizumab (in patients who switched). The person-time variable was calculated as number of years from treatment initiation to data censure, or 12 months after last infusion in case of treatment discontinuation, whichever came first. Herpes and herpes zoster infections requiring antiviral treatment were recorded as these may indicate compromised cellular immunity.SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analyses. The source population was all MS cases registered in the Swedish MS register at the 3 participating MS centers (Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, until April 12, 2015; Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, until February 24, 2015; and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, until April 18, 2015).

Unfortunately, the blood-brain-barrier excludes the disorders restricted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the action of rituximab. A total of 59 relapses occurred on rituximab treatment, which corresponded to the following ARRs: 0.044 for RRMS, 0.038 for SPMS, and 0.015 for PPMS (The percentage of MRIs with contrast-enhancing lesions (CELs, left y-axis, blue bars), as well as the annualized relapse rate (right y-axis, green bars), for patients with MS treated with rituximab, by time period after rituximab treatment initiation, or MS subtype (x-axis). ARR = annualized relapse rate; PPMS = primary progressive multiple sclerosis; RRMS = relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; SPMS = secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.Data for 2,208 MRI examinations were retrieved, including the baseline MRIs. The endpoint is a compound of being free from release, new or enlarging MRI lesions and sustained progression of disability measured by EDSS.Each patient will have one treating physician responsible for all ongoing medical questions and decisions regarding continuation in the study and one examining physician performing the blinded Expanded Disability Status Scale examination and assessments of exacerbations. Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature. and Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital (A.S.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience (L.N., C.M., M.A., J.L. M. Vågberg has received unconditional research grants from BiogenIdec AB and Neuro Sweden, has received lecture honoraria from BiogenIdec AB, has received travel grants from BiogenIdec AB, Novartis, and Baxter Medical AB, has received writing honoraria from Pharma Industry and BestPractice Multiple Sclerosis.

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