title: Successful Management of Refractory Dialysis Independent Wegener's Granulomatosis with Combination of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Rituximab.
abstract: Wegeners granulomatosis (WG) is an autoimmune, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody mediated necrotizing vasculitis involving renal, and upper and lower respiratory systems. Treatment relies on a combination of immunosuppressive drugs and tapering regimen of glucocorticoids. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been recognized as a second line treatment. We report the successful use of TPE in combination with rituximab in achieving remission in a patient with WG (dialysis independent) not responding to conventional therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Transfusion Medicine, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, India.
authors.forename: Sheetal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.affiliation: Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012 India.
authors.forename: Hari Krishan
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Dhawan
authors.affiliation: Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012 India.
authors.forename: Ratti Ram
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012 India.
authors.forename: Neelam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marwaha
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012 India.
authors.forename: Aman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
keywords: Rituximab; Therapeutic plasma exchange; Wegener’s granulomatosis