Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
Fast and safe: Optimising multiple sclerosis infusions during COVID-19 pandemic
Louise Rath1, Minh Viet Bui1, Julian Ellis2
1Alfred Health, Clinical Neurosciences, Melbourne, Australia.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic challenges multiple sclerosis services to be innovative in delivering infusible therapies. To reduce time in clinical settings, and potential staff or space losses, we implemented rapid infusion protocols for selected patients.
Objective:
To analyse the rate of infusion related reactions and patient experience of rapid infusions of natalizumab and ocrelizumab. To document time reduction patients spent in clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
Patients with prior exposure to at least three natalizumab or two 300mg ocrelizumab infusions were approved for rapid protocols. A retrospective audit and survey were completed.
Results:
We analysed 269 rapid natalizumab infusions and 100 rapid ocrelizumab infusions. Infusion related reactions during the natalizumab or ocrelizumab infusions occurred in two patients (1.52%) and eight patients (8%), respectively. All infusion related reactions were mild to moderate and did not require infusion discontinuation. No infusion reactions occurred during the post-infusion observation. Patient experience was positive.
Conclusion:
Frequency or severity of infusion related reactions in rapid infusions were no different compared to published data. In the setting of COVID-19, pandemic rapid infusion protocols could potentially save hospital resources and limit patient exposure to a high-risk clinical setting while still maintaining ongoing treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
01:19One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: General Considerations
The drug's presence in the body is defined by an equation representing the difference between the rates of drug entry and exit. Key parameters—elimination rate constant,...
01:09One-Compartment Model: IV Infusion
The one-compartment model for IV infusion uses mathematical equations to describe the rate of change in drug quantity in the body. At steady-state or infusion equilibrium, the drug input...
01:25Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses
00:56One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: Estimation of Clearance
In the one-compartment open model for intravenous (IV) bolus administration, clearance is estimated by dividing the elimination rate by the plasma drug concentration. This equation leverages the elimination rate constant and the apparent...
01:15Two-Compartment Open Model: IV Infusion
The model illustrates the decrease in plasma drug concentration from the central compartment with a specific equation. It shows that under steady-state conditions, the drug's input rate...