Safety and Efficacy of Mitoxantrone in Pediatric Patients With Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis Publisher Pubmed



Etemadifar M^{1, 2} ; Afzali P² ; Abtahi SH^{2, 3} ; Ramagopalan SV⁴ ; Nourian SM⁵ ; Murray RT² ; Fereidanesfahani M^{2, 3, 6}
Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology Published:2014

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of mitoxantrone (MX) in pediatric patients with aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods A retrospective analysis on pediatric MS patients treated with MX was performed with regards to demographic/clinical parameters and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Results 19 definite pediatric MS cases with mean ± SD age of 15.4 ± 2.8 years underwent 20 mg MX for control of their severe/frequent relapses, high EDSS score or new and active brain MRI lesions. After a median [IQR] follow-up period of 30[12-60] months, 14 cases (73%) were relapse free; the EDSS score decreased by at least 0.5 in 16 cases (84.2%); and gadolinium-enhancing lesion volume fell by 84.2% in 16 cases. Adverse events included nausea and vomiting, fatigue, alopecia, palpitation, cardiomyopathy and mild leukopenia. All adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusion Our results suggest MX is a good candidate for treatment of children with worsening RRMS and SPMS. Recommendations regarding patient selection, treatment administration, and close follow-up should be considered. Continuing research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety profile in a multinational collaboration with careful follow-up of adverse events. © 2013 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.