Proceedings of the 25th BCTRIMS Annual Meeting

Introduction: Natalizumab (NTZ) is an effective therapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), consisting of a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed to the α4 subunit of integrins, launched on the market in 2005. Hospital da Restauração (HR) /PE) is a reference in the treatment of MS, and NTZ infusions began in 2009.

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the 14-year experience of NTZ infusion in HR, in demographic aspects, time to diagnosis, disease classification, time of medication use, previous use of immunosuppressants, and John Cunningham virus (JCV) status).

Methods: 146 patients were exposed to medication from 2009 to December 2023, 44 of which were excluded due to segment loss, resulting in a sample of 102 patients. The research was carried out through the evaluation of medical records and face-to-face interviews.

Results: 71.5% affected patients were using the medication. Treatment was discontinued in 28.43%. 0.98% developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, 3.92% died, 4.90% abandoned treatment, 5.88 had a change of address, in 11.76% the medication was suspended, 9.98% due to therapeutic failure and 1 .96% per irregular use. Of the sample, 72.6% were female, 51.96% were mixed race. 90.1% were classified as RRMS, 6.86% were secondarily progressive MS and 3.92% were primarily progressive with activity. The time to diagnosis was less than 6 months in 22.54%, 6 to 12 months in 23.52%, 12 to 24 months in 12.74%, 17.64% more than 24 months and 23.52% without information. 3.92% of patients had previously used immunosuppressants. Of the sample, 38.3% have been using the medication for less than two years, 16.43% between 2 and 4 years and 45.5% for more than 4 years. JCV positivity was 34.24%.

Conclusion: Natalizumab is frequently used in HR, being performed mainly in females and in RRMS. During treatment, surveillance is important for early detection of complications.