Churg-Strauss syndrome successfully treated with rituximab.

Abstract

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is characterized by small-vessel vasculitis, extravascular granulomatous inflammation, and massive eosinophilia in tissues and blood, and is often accompanied by a history of preclinical asthma and/or allergic rhinitis lasting several years before the syndrome develops its full clinical picture. Corticosteroids, often in combination with cytotoxic agents, comprise standard therapy; however, a number of patients appear to be resistant to treatment and there is a need for more effective regimens. B cell depletion may be an effective treatment option for CSS. Here, we describe two patients resistant to conventional therapy who were treated with rituximab and experienced a rapid and substantial decrease in disease activity and asthmatic symptoms and an increase in physical capacity.

• Authors: Kristin Kveim Dønvik, Roald Omdal
• Journal: Rheumatology international (Rheumatol Int) Vol. 31 Issue 1 Pg. 89-91 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1437-160X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 19789874 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
• Immunologic Factors
• Rituximab

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived (therapeutic use)
• Asthma (complications)
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome (complications, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Rituximab
• Treatment Outcome