A Study of Rituxan in the Treatment of Polyneuropathies Associated With Serum IgM Autoantibodies
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Peripheral neuropathies cause weakness and sensory loss that can produce severe disability.
Some neuropathies are immune-mediated and associated with antibodies. It has been postulated
that Rituxan treatment may reduce the level of antibody production limiting the loss of
muscle strength and hence improve activities of daily living. The purpose of this open-label
study (all participants get Rituxan and not placebo) is to determine the safety and
effectiveness of Rituxan in the treatment of polyneuropathies associated with serum IgM
autoantibodies in those who have already been treated with one course of Rituxan. Subjects
will be treated on the in-patient Clinical Research Center with Rituxan for two treatments
one week a part and then individual treatments every 10 weeks for one year. The effectiveness
of Rituxan will be followed by looking for increases in muscle strength and decreases in the
serum IgM autoantibodies.