Abstract
Two patients with chronic motor neuropathy, high antiganglioside antibody (AGA) titers, and a declining response to IV immunoglobulins were treated with rituximab at a standard dose. The drug was well tolerated and effectively eliminated peripheral B cells (CD20+), but AGA titers continued significantly high. No clinical improvement was detected during the 1-year follow-up.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20 / immunology
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Autoantibodies / blood
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / drug therapy*
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / immunology*
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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Chronic Disease
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Disease Progression
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Follow-Up Studies
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Gangliosides / immunology*
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin M / blood*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Rituximab
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Time
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Treatment Failure
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20
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Autoantibodies
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Gangliosides
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Immunoglobulin M
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Rituximab