COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis: A description of two cases on alemtuzumab

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Oct:45:102402. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102402. Epub 2020 Jul 17.

Abstract

Background: Alemtuzumab is a treatment for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). Immunosuppression is considered a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and there is still lack of evidence to guide MS practice.

Methods/results: We describe the clinical and immunological evolution of two MS patients under alemtuzumab treatment who were affected by COVID-19, one of them only one week after receiving her last dose, and both recovered without sequelae.

Conclusion: In selected patients (young, without comorbidities, and with high activity), MS itself could be more dangerous than COVID-19, so we should consider continuing MS treatment as previously planned, including alemtuzumab.

Keywords: Alemtuzumab; COVID-19; Immunosuppression; Multiple sclerosis; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alemtuzumab / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Alemtuzumab