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Mycophenolate mofetil in primary central nervous system vasculitis
Carlo Salvarani1, Robert D Brown2, Teresa J H Christianson3
1Unitá Operativa di Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV).
Methods:
We studied a cohort of 163 patients with PCNSV who were seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1983 to 2011. We compared patients treated with MMF and those receiving other therapies.
Results:
We identified 16 patients treated with MMF. MMF in combination with GCs achieved a favorable response in most patients. A significant proportion of patients treated with MMF had a less severe disability at last follow-up compared to those receiving other therapies (p = 0.023) and cyclophosphamide and prednisone (p = 0.017). No statistically significant differences were observed regarding relapses and ability to discontinue therapy at last follow-up. A trend to a more favorable treatment response was observed in patients treated with MMF compared to those treated with other therapies (p = 0.075). Only 1 patient suspended MMF for severe leukopenia.
Conclusion:
MMF seems to be an effective and safe therapy for adult PCNSV.
Insights
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) shows promise for treating adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). Patients on MMF experienced less disability compared to other treatments, with a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord.
- Treatment options for PCNSV can be limited, necessitating evaluation of alternative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for adult PCNSV.
- To compare MMF outcomes with other treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 163 adult PCNSV patients at Mayo Clinic (1983-2011).
- Comparison of patients treated with MMF versus other therapies, including cyclophosphamide and prednisone.
Main Results:
- Sixteen patients received MMF, often in combination with glucocorticoids (GCs), achieving favorable responses.
- MMF-treated patients showed significantly less disability at follow-up compared to other therapies (p=0.023) and cyclophosphamide/prednisone (p=0.017).
- No significant differences in relapse rates or therapy discontinuation; a trend towards better response with MMF (p=0.075). MMF was well-tolerated, with only one patient discontinuing due to leukopenia.
Conclusions:
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV).
- MMF may offer a favorable alternative for managing PCNSV, potentially leading to better functional outcomes.
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