Anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) for life‐threatening autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

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‐cel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of haematology 2002-02, Vol.116 (2), p.465-467
Main Authors: Perrotta, Silverio, Locatelli, Franco, La Manna, Angela, Cennamo, Lucia, De Stefano, Piero, Nobili, Bruno
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune - complications
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune - drug therapy
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune - immunology
Anemias. Hemoglobinopathies
Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Antigens, CD20 - immunology
autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
autoimmunity
B-Lymphocytes - immunology
Biological and medical sciences
B‐lymphocytes
Diseases of red blood cells
Female
Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases
Hematology
Humans
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous - administration & dosage
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - complications
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - drug therapy
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - immunology
Lymphocyte Count
Medical sciences
Rituximab
systemic lupus erythematosus
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0007-1048
1365-2141
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03278.x