Comparison of inebilizumab or rituximab in addition to glucocorticoid therapy for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

AIM

To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of inebilizumab for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

METHODS

A total of 33 patients with NMOSD treated with inebilizumab (Group INB, =15) or rituximab (Group RTX, =18) in addition to high-dose glucocorticoids were included. Both groups underwent hormone shock therapy during the acute phase. Subsequently, Group INB received inebilizumab injections during the remission phase, while Group RTX received rituximab injections. A comparison of aquaporins 4 (AQP4) titer values, peripheral blood B lymphocyte counts, and visual function recovery was conducted before and 8wk after treatment. Additionally, adverse reactions and patient tolerability were analyzed after using inebilizumab treatment regimes.

RESULTS

Following inebilizumab treatment, there was a significantly improvement in the visual acuity of NMOSD patients (<0.05), accompanied by a notable decrease in AQP4 titer values and B lymphocyte ratio (<0.05). Moreover, inebilizumab treatment showed a partial effect in preventing optic nerve atrophy (<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in other therapeutic effects compared to rituximab, which has previously demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy (>0.05). Furthermore, inebilizumab exhibited higher safety levels than that of rituximab injections.

CONCLUSION

The combination of inebilizumab and high-dose glucocorticoids proves to be effective. In comparison to rituximab injections, inebilizumab displays better tolerance and safety. Moreover, it demonstrates a partial effect in preventing optic nerve atrophy. Thus, it stands as an effective method to reduce the disability rates and improve the daily living ability of patients with NMOSD.