: Innovative approaches are needed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) that does not respond to conventional treatment. Rituximab, a chimaeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been demonstrated to be highly effective for in vivo B-cell depletion. We report an 18-year-old-girl with SLE and life-threatening AIHA that did not respond to steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclosporin A. Rituximab was given weekly at 375 mg/m2 for two doses. The drug was well tolerated and the patient had no adverse effects. Her haemolytic disorder markedly ameliorated, with a progressive increase of haemoglobin levels, starting a few days after therapy. The patient remains disease-free 7 months later.
Perrotta, S., Locatelli, F., La Manna, A., Cennamo, L., De Stefano, P., Nobili, B., Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) for life-threatening autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, <<BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY>>, 2002; 116 (2): 465-467. [doi:10.1046/j.0007-1048.2001.03278.x] [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/262452]
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) for life-threatening autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Locatelli, Franco;
2002
Abstract
: Innovative approaches are needed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) that does not respond to conventional treatment. Rituximab, a chimaeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been demonstrated to be highly effective for in vivo B-cell depletion. We report an 18-year-old-girl with SLE and life-threatening AIHA that did not respond to steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclosporin A. Rituximab was given weekly at 375 mg/m2 for two doses. The drug was well tolerated and the patient had no adverse effects. Her haemolytic disorder markedly ameliorated, with a progressive increase of haemoglobin levels, starting a few days after therapy. The patient remains disease-free 7 months later.
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