049  Hypertension is uncommon during alemtuzumab treatment for relapsing-remit- ting multiple sclerosis. Issue 6 (27th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ong, Hui Ching; Shields, Aoife; Leary, Siobhan; Brownlee, Wallace J
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: A28
• Page End: A29
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ABN.88
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular events have been reported during Alemtuzumab treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) leading to changes in the marketing authorisation in Europe. Hypertension is the proposed mechanism. Aims: To characterise systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes during Alemtuzumab administration and the frequency of significant hypertension. Method: We recorded SBP measurements during Alemtuzumab infusions from a random sample of RRMS patients. Mean SBP changes were calculated for each day and the 5-day treatment course. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was used to grade hypertension. Results: 2412 SBP measurements from 50 RRMS patients (mean age 35.9 years; 70% female) were recorded. No patients had premorbid hypertension. The mean (SD) SBP change was -0.7 (7.59) mmHg over 5 days. Two (4%) patients developed sustained grade III hypertension (SBP ≥160mmHg) over two or more readings >15 minutes apart, which resolved spontaneously. No patients had immediate cerebrovascular complications. Conclusions: Clinically-significant hypertension is uncommon during Alemtuzumab treatment and should prompt close clinical observation. Slowing (or stopping) the rate of infusion should be considered in patients with sustained hypertension. [e-mail]