Severe Late-Onset Neutropenia in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20), is widely used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). While it is effective in reducing relapse rates, adverse effects such as late-onset neutropenia can pose significant clinical challenges. We report the case of a 36-year-old female with a history of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who developed severe neutropenia following ocrelizumab administration. The patient presented with fever, fatigue, and oral aphthous ulcers, with laboratory tests confirming an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0.11 × 10⁹/L. Prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of monitoring blood counts in patients receiving ocrelizumab and the need for timely intervention for late-onset neutropenia (LON).

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99574
Primary Topic
Blood disorders and treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Severe Late-Onset Neutropenia in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab

Cureus
Blood disorders and treatments
article

Severe Late-Onset Neutropenia in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab

article en

Abstract

Ocrelizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20), is widely used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). While it is effective in reducing relapse rates, adverse effects such as late-onset neutropenia can pose significant clinical challenges. We report the case of a 36-year-old female with a history of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who developed severe neutropenia following ocrelizumab administration. The patient presented with fever, fatigue, and oral aphthous ulcers, with laboratory tests confirming an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0.11 × 10⁹/L. Prompt initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of monitoring blood counts in patients receiving ocrelizumab and the need for timely intervention for late-onset neutropenia (LON).

CureusVol. 17(12)
Cleveland Clinic (US), Royal Hobart Hospital (AU), Unity Health System (US), Phoenixville Hospital (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Blood disorders and treatments
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