Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To report an incident of rapid development of profound hypotension, differing from the time described in previous reports, during the infusion of rituximab chemotherapy in a patient without prior exposure to the drug. CASE SUMMARY: DISCUSSION: Infusion-related adverse reactions associated with rituximab are reported at a higher rate than with other monoclonal antibodies. Hypotension with rituximab has been reported to occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after initiation of the infusion. In contrast, severe hypotension in our patient occurred within 5 minutes after the infusion was started in a patient with no previous exposure to the drug. While many studies hypothesize that cytokine release from lymphocytes and tumor cell agglutination might contribute to severe infusion-related reactions with rituximab, the mechanism of action is not yet known. Use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated that the hypotension was probably associated with rituximab administration. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the rapidity of this adverse effect in patients who have not received prior treatment with monoclonal antibodies is important during chemotherapy treatment.
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Authors | Kevin H Vo, James Aubrey Waddell, Katie J Suda |
Journal | The Annals of pharmacotherapy
(Ann Pharmacother)
Vol. 45
Issue 5
Pg. e29
(May 2011)
ISSN: 1542-6270 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21505107
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Rituximab
|
Topics |
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Humans
- Hypotension
(chemically induced)
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Rituximab
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