title: Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) for life-threatening autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, 2nd University of Naples, Naples, Italy. silverio.perrotta@unina2.it
authors.forename: Silverio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perrotta
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Locatelli
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: La Manna
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cennamo
authors.forename: Piero
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Stefano
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nobili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D000069283:Rituximab