We included studies describing various infections associated with the use of eculizumab in PNH/aHUS/generalized myasthenia gravis patients. To include pertinent papers, a snowballing technique was used. Also, we followed the authors who cited the articles pertinent to our topic. It was conducted independently by two reviewers (R.D. and R.S.) and in the event of disagreement, a third opinion was sought (S.S). Our keywords, medical subject heading (MeSH) search strategies, and each search result have been described.
Author(s) Details:
Ravneet K. Dhanoa
Department of Internal Medicine/Hematology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Ramaneshwar Selvaraj
Department of Internal Medicine/Family Medicine/General Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Shoukrie I. Shoukrie
Department of Orthopaedics/Traumatology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Anam Zahra
Department of Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Jyothirmai Malla
Department of Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Tharun Yadhav Selvamani
Department of General Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Sathish Venugopal
Department of Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Ranim K. Hamouda
Department of Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Pousette Hamid
Department of Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Recent Global Research Developments in Infection Risks with Eculizumab: A Review
Safety Data: The largest safety dataset on eculizumab in Japan, derived from over 10 years of clinical experience, showed no new safety signals. The safety profile was consistent with previous clinical trials and real-world analyses. Common adverse events (AEs) included hemolysis, headache, renal impairment, and infection [1].
Infection Risk: Patients treated with eculizumab have an increased risk of infections. Nasopharyngitis, pneumonia, and influenza were the most frequent infection-related AEs. Meningococcal infections occurred in some cases, emphasizing the need for vigilance and monitoring [1].
Expanding Use: Eculizumab is now being explored beyond its initial indications, extending to transplantation and neurology [2].
References
- Nishimura, Ji., Kawaguchi, T., Ito, S. et al. Real-world safety profile of eculizumab in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, or generalized myasthenia gravis: an integrated analysis of post-marketing surveillance in Japan. Int J Hematol 118, 419–431 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-023-03630-x
- Benamu, E., & Montoya, J. G. (2016). Infections associated with the use of eculizumab: recommendations for prevention and prophylaxis. Current opinion in infectious diseases, 29(4), 319-329.