Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare brain infection. It's usually fatal, and although patients with AIDS or another immune-system disorder, including HIV-Positive, used to be the only patient population in which progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy was seen, this deadly disease has been reported in an increasing number of people who do not have immune-system disorders. Learn more about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

The Raptiva - PML Link

The cause of the non-AIDS cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy appears to be treatment with Raptiva, a psoriasis drug. The FDA approved Raptiva (generic name, efalizumab) in 2003 for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, a common skin disease. By the end of 2008, the FDA had received so many reports of hospitalizations and deaths linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy among Raptiva-treated patients that the agency issued an advisory in early 2009 to warn physicians and patients of the link.

An Opportunistic Infection

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is an opportunistic infection, meaning the infection takes an opportunity to strike when the ability of an individual's immune system to fight disease is weak. The white matter (or myelin) that surrounds the nerve fibers in the brain is attacked by a type of virus, known as "JCV."

Symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Because of the destruction of brain tissue caused by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy usually include:

paralysis or extreme weakness
cognitive losses
vision loss
impaired speech
death

Treatment for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Roughly 80 percent of the non-AIDS patients who develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy die within six months of their diagnosis. However, some AIDS patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been able to survive for years when treated with HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).

Cidofovir is an antiviral agent that has been studied as a potential treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, but its effectiveness for this disease has not been established. There is essentially no cure for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Ask an Attorney about PML and Raptiva

If Raptiva treatment has resulted in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-like symptoms or a full diagnosis for you or your family member, contact us to speak with a progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy attorney today. Our experienced attorneys will fight aggressively to ensure you recover compensation for your injuries.

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