Churg-Strauss syndrome successfully treated with rituximab.
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.
Dønvik
Kristin Kveim
KK
Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Omdal
Roald
R
D000328:Adult; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab