Efficacy and safety of rituximab in pediatric neuromyelitis optica.

Neuromyelitis optica is a central nervous system disease characterized by optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. It is a devastating illness, and early treatment may prevent future relapses and severe disability. However, there is much variability in protocols used for treatment. In limited studies, rituximab has shown efficacy in adult neuromyelitis optica patients. There is a paucity of literature on the efficacy and tolerability of rituximab in the pediatric population. The authors report the use of rituximab in 2 pediatric patients with neuromyelitis optica, demonstrating its efficacy, dosing, and tolerability. This report may be a useful guide for administering rituximab safely in pediatric neuromyelitis optica patients.