Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: RESULTS: All patients experienced a rapid clinical improvement following the administration of rituximab, with nine complete responses and one partial response at 6 months. With a median follow-up of 33.5 months (range 26-45 months), three patients have thus far relapsed. Retreatment with the monoclonal antibody at the same dose and schedule resulted in a new sustained response in all these patients. Rituximab therapy resulted in prolonged B-cell depletion. The ANCA titres decreased significantly in all patients, with eight out of 10 becoming ANCA-negative and three remaining ANCA-negative even after B-cell recovery. Infusion-related side effects were observed in one patient, but were of mild intensity and did not require discontinuation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
Rituximab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and should be strongly considered in severely affected patients who do not respond to standard therapy or in those in whom cytotoxic therapy bears a high risk of morbidity.
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Authors | R Stasi, E Stipa, G Del Poeta, S Amadori, A C Newland, D Provan |
Journal | Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
(Rheumatology (Oxford))
Vol. 45
Issue 11
Pg. 1432-6
(Nov 2006)
ISSN: 1462-0324 [Print] England |
PMID | 16632482
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antigens, CD20
- Immunologic Factors
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Rituximab
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
(blood)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antigens, CD20
(immunology)
- Autoimmune Diseases
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Recurrence
- Rituximab
- Severity of Illness Index
- Treatment Outcome
- Vasculitis
(drug therapy, immunology)
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