Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: We describe a case of refractory EGPA with severe vasculitic neuropathy, which responded impressively to B-cell-depleting therapy. A systematic search of the English literature was also performed to capture all available clinical evidence on the use of rituximab in EGPA. RESULTS: We identified a total of 73 EGPA patients who have been treated with rituximab, all data coming from case series or isolated case reports. The majority of patients (85.1%) were treated for refractory or relapsing disease; a mean (SD) of 2.1 (0.9) different immunosuppressive agents were used prior to rituximab administration. Efficacy of RTX therapy was significant in the majority of cases and in a wide variety of disease manifestations; however, a lack of standardized assessment of disease activity before and after treatment was observed in many reports. Overall, 54.0% of patients were treated with a single cycle of rituximab and only 10.8% experienced relapses of the disease. Few significant side effects were observed during a highly variable period of follow-up (3 months to 5 years), mainly severe infections and allergic reactions. CONCLUSIONS: RTX seems to be effective in cases of severe EGPA refractory to standard of care immunosuppressive treatment, although support comes from case reports and non-controlled studies.
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Authors | Antonis Fanouriakis, Nikolaos Kougkas, Dimitrios Vassilopoulos, Eleni Fragouli, Argyro Repa, Prodromos Sidiropoulos |
Journal | Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
(Semin Arthritis Rheum)
Vol. 45
Issue 1
Pg. 60-6
(Aug 2015)
ISSN: 1532-866X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25908179
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Rituximab
|
Topics |
- Churg-Strauss Syndrome
(drug therapy)
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Rituximab
(therapeutic use)
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