Persistent severe lymphopenia 5 years after dimethyl fumarate discontinuation. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caldito, Natalia Gonzalez; O'Leary, Shirley; Stuve, Olaf
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 27:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1306
• Page End: 1308
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Tecfidera -- dimethyl fumarate -- lymphopenia -- adverse event -- pharmacovigilance; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458520988149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

One known adverse event associated with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is grade III lymphopenia which usually resolves within 2–3 months upon DMF discontinuation. Here, we report a case of a 50-year-old woman with MS who developed grade III lymphopenia within 6 months of DMF initiation, and despite treatment cessation within the next 6 months, she has continued to have severe persistent lymphopenia for over 5 years. Our observation suggests prolonged and possibly irreversible lymphopenia as a possible adverse event of DMF, and it emphasizes the need for monitoring lymphocyte numbers, and to cease dosing promptly after onset of grade III lymphopenia.