title: Rituximab-induced hepatitis C virus reactivation in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The B-cell depletion agent rituximab (RTX) is used in lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and there have been several case reports of an RTX-induced reactivation of hepatitis C virus in patients with lymphoma. However, there have been no papers detailing hepatitis C virus reactivation after RTX therapy in a patient with RA. Here we report a case of RTX-induced hepatitis C virus reactivation in a patient with RA. Physicians should be aware that a close follow-up of liver function and viral load is mandatory after RTX therapy in patients with RA and concomitant hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-yi, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ko-Ming
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Jing-Chi
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Wen-Yi
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.forename: Tien-Tsai
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069283:Rituximab; D014775:Virus Activation
chemical_list: D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab