Video
Investigating the 1-Hour Post-Infusion Monitoring Period: Yujie Wang, MD
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The neurologist from the University of Washington Medical Center discussed how the study of natalizumab adverse events came about and the importance of this monitoring period.
“Many patients chose to waive the 1-hour post-infusion monitoring period due to COVID-19, so we thought maybe we can take a look and see how many patients are experiencing adverse effects and whether those symptoms prompt any change to the clinical management of their MS.”
Data from a recent study presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2021, February 25-27, suggest that natalizumab (Tysabri; Biogen) infusion-related adverse events (AEs) appear to be rare, generally mild, and occur only during the first few infusions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
These findings were presented virtually by Yujie Wang, MD, University of Washington Medical Center. Wang and colleagues found that a total of 33 infusion-related AEs (0.34% of infusions) were recorded in 26 patients (7.8%), all of which were categorized as mild in severity. The majority of AEs occurred during infusion (77%) rather than the 1-hour post-infusion monitoring, and 92% of AEs occurred within the first 6 months of treatments.
NeurologyLive spoke with Wang to learn more about the 1-hour monitoring period and its uncertain importance to clinical care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She revealed that the driving factor behind the study was patient concern of COVID exposure.
For more coverage of ACTRIMS Forum 2021, click here.
