Two cases of relapses in primary progressive multiple sclerosis after fingolimod withdrawal

J Neurol. 2016 Jul;263(7):1361-3. doi: 10.1007/s00415-016-8144-x. Epub 2016 May 9.

Abstract

We report two cases of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) included in the INFORMS cohort, experiencing a relapse related to a single MRI gadolinium-enhancing lesion 3 months after fingolimod withdrawal. These two patients share similarities with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cases described in the same situation, suggesting that the initiating process of the active demyelinating plaques is also present in PPMS, even without relapses, but may be triggered as fingolimod is withdrawn. Although the results of the INFORMS study suggest that fingolimod may not slow down the progression, some PPMS patients might still benefit from a disease-modifying treatment.

Keywords: Fingolimod; INFORMS; Multiple sclerosis; Primary progressive; Relapse; Withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / drug therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride