Abstract
Given the inconsistency of previous studies and the newly emerging evidence, we decided to conduct a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 2 randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies 742 patients in total. Qualified studies were properly searched from databases . Data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.3 software. Results were demonstrated as WMD , SMD and RR with 95% CIs, I2 and P value. we observed that a remarkable increase of complement C3 in the rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed= 7.67mg/dL, 95%CIs=-0.16~15.50, I2=0%, P=0.05). A significant increase of complement C4 was observed in the rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed=3.14mg/dL, 95%CIs=1.06~5.22, I2=0%, P=0.003). Notably decreased peripheral CD19+B cells in rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed=-117.93n/µl, 95%CIs=-172.94~-62.91, I2=0%, P<0.0001) in RCTs. Patients with severe or refractory SLE got more satisfactory efficacy results after receiving rituximab in observational studies, such as British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index score, SLE Disease Activity Index score, complement C3/C4, anti-dsDNA antibodies, peripheral CD19+B cells and so on. Safety profiles were no difference between rituximab and placebo groups. although the efficacy of rituximab is highly controversial for SLE, our study shows that rituximab presents a satisfying efficacy and safety for SLE.
Highlights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-immuneAfrican Health Sciences suppressive agents are primarily associatedwith mortality and morbidity[4]
The purpose of our study is to determine other parameters to investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab for SLE patients that may be used for reference by clinicians
In our meta-analysis, both RCTs and observational studies showed that rituximab had satisfactory efficacy and safety results
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-immuneAfrican Health Sciences suppressive agents are primarily associatedwith mortality and morbidity[4]. Two randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded trials showed no clinically significant differences between rituximab and a placebo[9,10] Decreased peripheral CD19+B cells in rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed=-117.93n/μl, 95%CIs=-172.94~-62.91, I2=0%, P
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