Eleonóra Klímová, Anna Cvengrošová, Rudolf Gaško, Monika Daňová
Natalizumab (NTZ) – Tysabri® is a very effective drug in active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but can
cause serious side effects, especially progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The presence of antibodies
against John Cunningham virus (JCV) significantly increases this risk, especially if the NTZ is administered for more
than two years. We treat NTZ as recommended by the manufacturer in patient monitoring, which includes, in addition
to regular clinical monitoring, retesting of serum JCV antibodies and a shortened brain MRI program every 3-6 months.
The goal of comprehensive monitoring is to capture potential PML in the preclinical phase, which is of great importance
for the prognosis of treated patients. The authors of the study found the prevalence of JCV in the population of patients
at the MS Center of J. A. Reiman in Prešov treated with different types of immunomodulation drugs. At the same
time, they also present their own experience with recommended monitoring of NTZ –treated patients in practice,
focusing on monitoring the dynamics of JCV antibody indices and its impact on further stratification of elimination the
risk of possible PML.