The effect of dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera™) on lymphocyte counts: A potential contributor to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015 Jul;4(4):377-9. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.05.003. Epub 2015 May 14.

Abstract

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera™) is an effective therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our study suggests that this drug may have immunosuppressive properties evidenced by significant sustained reduction in CD8 lymphocyte counts and, to a lesser extent, CD4 lymphocyte counts. This observation is relevant in light of the recent case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient receiving this drug.

Keywords: Lymphocyte counts; PML; RRMS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Dimethyl Fumarate / adverse effects
  • Dimethyl Fumarate / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / blood*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Dimethyl Fumarate