Alopecia universalis in a patient under treatment of Ocrelizumab after switching from Rituximab (PP-06)

Abstract

Background: Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody, which acts as anti-CD20 antibody. It is used as a treatment of both relapsing-remitting MS and Progressive type. Objective: The aim of this study is to report the first patient with Alopecia universalis after switching DMTs from rituximab to ocrelizumab. Case: A 37-year-old female with a history of SPMS beginning from 8 years ago, who used to be treated with rituximab and her drug was switched to ocrelizumab from 6 months ago, presented with patchy scalp hair loss a day after receiving second dose of ocrelizumab. Hair loss rapidly progressed in 3-4 days to completely lose whole body hairs. This patient responded incompletely and slowly to receiving topical corticosteroid and minoxidil. Result: Ocrelizumab may be responsible for autoimmune reactions such as alopecia areata in immunocompromised patients .

Keywords

• ocrelizumab
• alopecia areata
• multiple sclerosis
• hair loss