Real-world observational study of infections in people treated with ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis.

backgroundAnti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are now a common first-line treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Rituximab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab have all been associated with a dose-dependent risk of hypogammaglobulinaemia, but its relevance in clinical practice remains uncertain.

objectivesTo study infection rates over time in a real-world cohort of people treated with ocrelizumab for MS, and their relationship to serum immunoglobulin.

designObservational study of 152 people receiving ocrelizumab for MS followed for up to 5.6 years (mean 2.7 years).

resultsMean (SD) annualized changes in immunoglobulins during ocrelizumab treatment were IgM - 0.22 g/L/year (0.4), IgG - 0.38 g/L/year (0.9), IgA - 0.03 g/L/year. Rates of self-reported infection increased significantly during the first 4 years of treatment. Infection rates were not only associated with total immunoglobulin levels but also independently associated with age, comorbidity and female sex. We demonstrated for the first time that 29 out of 34 (87%) people on ocrelizumab with IgG in the lower normal range had sub-protective antibody responses to pneumococcus / haemophilus influenzae.

conclusionsReal-world observational studies complement open label extensions of clinical trials, often by having a more representative cohort and more complete follow-up. Our data suggest that while serious infections are rare in people on ocrelizumab, non-serious infections become increasingly burdensome. We offer practical suggestions on mitigating the risk of infection on ocrelizumab and other anti-CD20 medications.