Rituximab for refractory digital infarcts and ulcers in systemic sclerosis.
Systemic sclerosis is an uncommon connective tissue disease characterised by excessive deposition of collagen and vasculopathy which affects the skin and multiple internal organs. It is associated with autoimmunity, inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. Managing Raynaud's phenonemon, digital infarcts and ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients is often a challenge particularly among rheumatologists. We report a case of systemic sclerosis patient with refractory digital infarcts and ulcers responded successfully with rituximab.
Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Pulau Pinang General Hospital, Georgetown, Malaysia.
Chiew-Gek
CG
Khor
Xena Lung-Fang
XL
Chen
Ting-Syuan
TS
Lin
Cheng-Hsun
CH
Lu
Song-Chou
SC
Hsieh
D000328:Adult; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D005385:Fingers / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D000069283:Rituximab; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab; D002097:C-Reactive Protein