title: A case of "refractory" lupus erythematosus profundus responsive to rituximab [case report].
abstract: Lupus erythematosus profundus is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus characterized by the presence of deep, tender subcutaneous nodules. A 22-year-old African-American female with extensive lupus profundus resistant to conventional therapies was treated with two infusions of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, at a dosage of 1,000 mg each. The patient demonstrated a remarkable clinical response as indicated by the disappearance of the nodules. B-cell depletion therapy with rituximab used alone or in combination with other therapies may be a viable option in patients with lupus profundus refractory to current therapies.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McArdle
authors.forename: Joshua F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Baker