Only Follow-Up of Memory B Cells Helps Monitor Rituximab Administration to Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Introduction Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders(NMOSD) are identified as a spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating disorders involving the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. These disorders require early diagnosis and highly active immunosuppressive treatment. Rituximab(RTX) has demonstrated efficacy in limiting relapse in NMOSD when using several administration schedules. We questioned if the CD19+ CD27+ memory B cellcount was a more reliable marker to monitor RTX administration than the RTX plasma level and CD19+ B cell count.