Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab Therapy in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

摘要

IMPORTANCE Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are autoimmune astrocytopathies characterized by predominant involvement of the optic nerves and spinal cord. In most patients, an IgG autoantibody binding to astrocytic aquaporin 4, the principal water channel of the central nervous system, is detected. Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody specific for the CD20 B-lymphocyte surface antigen, has been increasingly adopted as a first-line off-label treatment for patients with NMOSDs.