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Published on: December 9, 2015
Outcome Predictors in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Associated With Multiple Sclerosis Treatments: A
Julie Céline Blant1, Nicola De Rossi2, Ralf Gold3
1Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois) and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Background And Objectives:
JC virus (JCV) reactivation causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a complication in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Although natalizumab (NTZ) is most frequently involved, PML also occurs less commonly with sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (S1P-RM), dimethyl fumarate (DMF), and ocrelizumab. This study aimed to identify factors predicting worse outcomes, focusing on the influence of PML-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS), plasma exchange (PlEx), corticosteroids, and DMT reintroduction.
Methods:
This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed patients with MS who had JCV-associated pathology (PML or granule cell neuronopathy) from 42 centers (2009-2022). The primary outcome was disability at 12 months, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Multivariable analyses identified predictors of poor outcomes, PML-IRIS development, and recurrent MS activity.
Results:
Of 96 identified patients, 94 were analyzed. Most cases occurred under NTZ (77%), followed by S1P-RM (22%) and DMF (1%). Twelve-month survival was 91.5%, with a median mRS of 3 [IQR: 2-4]. Multivariable analysis showed that higher pre-PML disability (OR: 1.95 [95% CI 1.46-2.60], p < 0.001), elevated CSF JCV viral load (OR: 2.45 [95% CI 1.55-3.87], p < 0.001), and symptomatic presentation at onset (OR: 3.93 [95% CI 1.23-12.55], p = 0.021) were associated with worse outcomes. Conversely, PML-IRIS was associated with better outcomes (OR: 0.28 [95% CI 0.09-0.86], p = 0.025). PlEx and corticosteroid use had no negative effect.
Discussion:
This study provides valuable insights into the management of iatrogenic PML in patients with MS. The findings may guide clinicians in making informed decisions, particularly regarding the use of PlEx, corticosteroids, and the management of PML-IRIS.
