Treatment options for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in HIV-infected persons: current status and future directions

The Prognosis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in HIV/AIDS Patients Undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment: A Systematic Review

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is most commonly associated with advanced HIV infection. Although the severe neurological conditions - PML and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS) - are linked to HIV, little is known about their characteristics in the era of established antiretroviral therapy (ART). The aim of this systematic review, which was performed by adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, was to determine the prognosis of PML in patients with HIV. We gathered and examined articles, including case-control and cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that were published between January 1, 2013, and May 2023. These articles were compiled from the following databases: Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Google Scholar, Wiley Library, and ScienceDirect. A total of 519 records were found from these databases for our systematic review after applying the proper filters. They were then further screened and put through quality appraisal tools, which ultimately led to the selection of 10 articles for the final analysis. This research offers crucial insights into the clinical consequences of PML in HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

JC Polyomavirus Infection Potentiated by Biologics

The risk of JC polyomavirus encephalopathy varies among biologic classes and among agents within the same class. Of currently used biologics, the highest risk is seen with natalizumab followed by rituximab. Multiple other agents have also been implicated. Drug-specific causality is difficult to establish because many patients receive multiple immunomodulatory medications concomitantly or sequentially, and have other immunocompromising factors related to their underlying disease. As use of biologic therapies continues to expand, further research is needed into pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of JC polyomavirus encephalopathy such that risk for its development is better understood and mitigated, if not eliminated altogether.

Natalizumab-associated Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Mini Review

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a fatal demyelinating disease caused by the John Cunningham virus. It causes white matter inflammation in multiple areas of the brain. Although rare, it has been known to occur in patients with immunodeficiency states and those taking chronic immunosuppressive medications for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. In this article, we will discuss about the drug-induced progressive multifocal encephalopathy and its diagnosis and management in patients taking natalizumab and other disease-modifying therapies among patients with multiple sclerosis.