Neurologists in Germany have reported success using natalizumab to treat refractory relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in three children (Arch Neurol 2008;65:1655-58).

Neurologists in Germany have reported success using natalizumab to treat refractory relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in three children (Arch Neurol 2008;65:1655-58).

After failure of interferon beta or glatiramer acetate and multiple relapses, treatment with natalizumab was initiated for three children aged 12, 16 and 17 years. The initial dose was 3mg per kg every four weeks in the youngest child and 5mg per kg in the others. In the 17 year-old patient, natalizumab was associated with an increase in infections and the dose was reduced to 3mg per kg without further incident.

After treatment for 15, 16 and 24 months, there was no evidence of disease progression and MRI revealed no new lesions. Treatment was well tolerated. The authors say their series brings to four the number of reported cases of successful natalizumab therapy in children with MS.