title: Rituximab as maintenance therapy for ANCA associated vasculitis: how, when and why?
abstract: ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and destruction of small vessels. Rituximab is now licensed for use as a remission-induction agent in the treatment of these disorders. During recent years, several non-controlled studies have suggested that rituximab may be of value in maintaining disease remission in AAV. In these series, 3 techniques have been tried: "watch-and-wait", repeated cycles in fixed intervals, or administration based on proposed biomarkers. More importantly, the results of the MAINRITSAN trial showed that this anti-CD20 agent is superior to azathioprine for preventing major relapses in AAV. This review summarizes current information regarding the effectiveness, timing, dosing, duration and safety of rituximab as a valid option for remission maintenance.
authors.affiliation: Clínica de Vasculitis Sistémicas Primarias, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, México Distrito Federal, México.
authors.forename: Marco A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alba
authors.affiliation: Clínica de Vasculitis Sistémicas Primarias, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, México Distrito Federal, México. Electronic address: felipe98@prodigy.net.mx.
authors.forename: Luis Felipe
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Flores-Suárez
mesh_terms: D056648:Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060046:Maintenance Chemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069283:Rituximab
keywords: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; Anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo; Granulomatosis con poliangitis; Granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Maintenance; Mantenimiento; Microscopic polyangiitis; Poliangitis microscópica; Rituximab; Tratamiento; Treatment