Early neutropenia with thrombocytopenia following alemtuzumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: case report and review of literature

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD52 antigen used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). CD52 is expressed by lymphocytes and monocytes but less by neutrophils and not by platelets. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman with RRMS who developed early neutropenia with thrombocytopenia after alemtuzumab infusion. She had no fever or symptoms of infection or purpura. After two weeks her haematological disorders spontaneously resolved. We reported the first case of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia as a possible event occurring after alemtuzumab infusion in MS patients, even if in a mild grade. So, we recommend to not underestimate these two conditions.