Rapid-Infusion Rituximab in a Pediatric Population.

Abstract

The use of rapid rituximab infusion in certain pediatric populations has generally been regarded as safe. The safety of our institution's rapid rituximab protocol was evaluated. The primary end point was the number of and severity of adverse drug reactions. Secondary end points included a description of the patient population defined by the indication, dose, and number of rituximab infusions administered. Additionally, the difference in infusion times in hours of those receiving rapid rituximab infusions versus the theoretical infusion time of subsequent administration rate schedules was defined. A total of 88 infusions for 22 patients were reviewed. No dose-limiting adverse reactions were observed. Three patients experienced grade 1 isolated infusion-related adverse events during a single infusion encounter. Two of the three patients received additional doses of rapid rituximab infusions without incident, whereas the other patient no longer required rituximab therapy. The use of a 90-minute rituximab infusion protocol in pediatric patients with non-rheumatic diseases was well tolerated.