title: Rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis in the setting of severe infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The combination of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and severe infection presents a challenge because current therapies with high-dose glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide (CYC) are immunosuppressive and increase the risk of infection. Thus, coincident infection delays and complicates the introduction of treatment. Rituximab (RTX) is an alternative to CYC in AAV and may be preferable in the setting of severe infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2005 to July 2011, 100 patients with AAV were treated with RTX at our institution and those who received RTX instead of CYC because of concomitant infection were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight patients were identified. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range 6-30 months). All patients achieved remission by 6 months that was sustained to the end of follow-up. There were no deaths or further severe infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RTX can be considered for patients with generalized AAV and concomitant severe infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. jongrege@rm.dk
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Gregersen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: D R W
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Jayne
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056648:Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000069283:Rituximab