Side Effects Of Rituximab Research Articles

A Retrospective Evaluation of the Treatment Effects of Rituximab in Patients with Progressive and Symptomatic Fibrosing Mediastinitis.

Fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon fibro-inflammatory condition without established or effective medical therapies. Infiltrating B-lymphocytes are commonly present, and progressive fibrosis compromises mediastinal structures including blood vessels and airways resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the benefits and side effects of Rituximab in patients with progressive and symptomatic fibrosing mediastinitis. We treated 22 patients (median age 35 years, range: 15-68 years, 45% female) with metabolically active, progressive fibrosing mediastinitis with off-label rituximab. Additionally, patients were put on pneumocystis and antifungal prophylaxis when immunosuppressed with rituximab. Modeling of longitudinal treatment response based on changes in relative lesion volume from baseline was performed retrospectively using functional data analysis; time-to-event modeling was performed to estimate treatment response rates based on a >30% reduction in pre-treatment volume. The primary end points were lack of disease progression and change in mediastinal lesion volume by CT (evaluated retrospectively). No patient experienced disease progression after rituximab therapy. Median clinical follow-up was 42 months (range: 7 to 94) and imaging follow-up 21 months (range: 7 to 62). 82% of patients had confirmed histoplasmosis-associated fibrosing mediastinitis. After rituximab treatment a 49.6% (95% CI = [17.5%, 64.4%]) mean estimated decrease in pre-treatment lesion volume was observed at 24 months. The estimated objective treatment response rate was 47.9% (95% CI = [26.7%, 70.3%]). This observational study suggests that Rituximab is well tolerated and potentially effective therapy in a cohort of patients with symptomatic and progressive FM.

Rituximab bij auto-immune blaarziekten

Rituximab for autoimmune bullous diseases For a long time, the treatment of autoimmune blistering diseases consisted of classical immunosuppressants. Recently, biologicals, including rituximab, directed against the pan B-cell marker CD20, are used. Currently, practical guidelines for the optimal use of rituximab in the treatment of autoimmune blistering diseases are still under discussion. This literature review provides an overview of the efficacy, side effects, indication, optimal dosage and administration interval of rituximab in this population. In total, 37 publications were included, based on a systematic search strategy and selection procedure. The reported efficacy of rituximab in pemphigoid, expressed as complete remission without further therapy, ranges from 20% to 79%. For pemphigus, this amounts to 89% in the RITUX-3 study, which formed the basis for approval as first-line therapy. Side effects occur in 24% to 85% of the cases. The most important are infusion-related reactions and infections. In general, the safety profile corresponds to the known side effects of rituximab in other indications. The evidence for the practical guidelines is mainly built around pemphigus. Currently, the ‘high-dose rheumatoid arthritis protocol’ is preferred, although randomised, comparative studies are lacking. The high relapse rate justifies the need for repeated administrations. Further research should clarify whether repeated administration should be done systematically or based on different parameters. Rituximab is an effective and relatively safe therapy in autoimmune blistering diseases in both first and second line. In terms of practical use, further research is recommended.

Risk factors of rituximab-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with autoimmune bullous diseases.

Rituximab has been the mainstay treatment for autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs). Among the side effects of rituximab, rituximab-induced thrombocytopenia (RIT) is a rare but critical complication. However, there have been no reports or identification of risk factors for RIT in patients with AIBD. In our retrospective study, we compared rituximab-treated AIBD in patients with and without thrombocytopenia to explore the risk factors. In addition, we compared two different rituximab protocols (rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and lymphoma) in terms of the incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia. A total of 222 patients were enrolled, and 46 patients (20.7%) developed RIT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age and chronic kidney disease (CKD) as significant factors for RIT. We also found that patients treated with the lymphoma protocol demonstrated a significantly higher mean post-rituximab platelet count compared with those on the RA protocol. This was the first analysis, to our knowledge, of risk factors for RIT in patients with AIBD. Individuals aged 70 or older and those with multiple comorbidities, particularly CKD, should be closely monitored for thrombocytopenia. For patients with CKD, it may be safer to use the lymphoma protocol for rituximab administration as it results in a lesser reduction in post-rituximab platelet count.

Rituximab Induced Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis, Treatment Outcome, and Risk’s Factor, a Place for Transbronchial Pulmonary Cryobiopsy

Rituximab (RTX) is a mouse/human chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, approved in late 1998 by the FDA. Effectively used as a single agent or combined with a chemotherapy regimen to treat lymphoma, RTX is a significant step forward in the arsenal treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Side effects of RTX are commonly seen during the first infusion in up to 50% of patients and include fever, chills, and rigors. These side effects are generally transient and related to the tumor burden, probably due to a greater degree of complement activation and proinflammatory cytokine release. Severe lung toxicity like cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, pneumonitis, and interstitial lung diseases are infrequent, with most of the knowledge coming from case reports.

Experience of successful use of rituximab in treatment-resistant membranous nephropathy

The article presents as an introduction a short review on the problem of membranous nephropathy. A patient suffering from membranous nephropathy that is resistant to traditional therapy with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphane, as well as cyclosporine, was selected as a clinical case. The use of rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 twice with a difference of one week led to the development of remission in the patient, normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters. No side effects of rituximab were detected.

Evaluation of safety of rituximab in patients with multiple sclerosis: A retrograde study

Background: The study aimed to judge the safety and possible side effects of rituximab (RTX) drug in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed on 91 patients with MS who had been treated with RTX between 2016 and 2019. Each patient was visited and examined a minimum of once. The side effects of the drug and therefore the drug-related reactions to the injection were asked via phone calls, which were recorded separately as mild, moderate, and severe modes with the necessity for hospitalization. Results: A total of 91 patients were enrolled within the study: 80 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 6 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 5 patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS). The mean age of the patients was 32.18 ± 8.71 years (18 to 60 years). The injection-related side effects occurred in 30.8% of the injections, most of which were mild and one of the mild complications was urinary tract infection (UTI). Two cases of complications with moderate severity were recorded. Conclusion: The observations from this study demonstrated that RTX did not cause serious complications in patients with MS.

P0342A STUDY OF TREATMENT WITH RITUXIMAB IN REFRACTORY LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Abstract Background and Aims SLE patients have 40% to 70% life time risk of developing lupus nephritis (LN). In LN patients rate of end-stage renal disease is 10%, remaining constant in the last 30 years, even after the emergence of various immunosuppressive therapy. SLE is an example of classical antibody-mediated disease and hence treatment with B cell depleting agent (like the use of Rituximab ) appears to be a promising approach for this unwinnable disease from the Roman era. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome in terms of - no renal response (NRR), complete renal response (CRR) or partial renal response (PRR) at week 24 after rituximab treatment initiation in refractory LN. CRR considered, if serum creatinine (S Cr) level returned to baseline, with a decline in the 24 hour urinary protein to < 500 mg/day. PRR defined as stabilization (+/-25%), or improvement of S Cr, plus a 50% decrease in 24 hour urinary protein (which was < 3.5 gm/day). NRR considered, if participant did not achieve either a CRR or PRR. Method It is a single center prospective observational study, comparing short term (24 week) outcomes in resistant lupus nephritis patients of >18 year age group with weekly (total 4) dose of rituximab therapy. The study was conducted on 25 refractory lupus nephritis patients admitted in Nephrology Department (not responding to conventional immunosuppressive drugs like cyclophosphamide, MMF). Repeat renal biopsy was performed, all baseline investigations were done. Injection Rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly 0,1,2,3 week along with premedication treatment were given to every patient. The clinical outcome was assessed monthly post-treatment. Results In the study maximum patients were of class IV, n=21 (84 %). Sustained (6 months post treatment) CRR was achieved in n=6 (24%) patients, n=7 (28%) patients achieved PRR, rest n=12 (48%) patients had NRR. Mean blood absolute CD-19 count was significantly negatively correlated with response to rituximab treatment ( p< 0.001) .Mean absolute CD-19 count was 2.33/microliter in CRR, 2.14/microliter in PRR group and 21.25 / microliter in NRR group . No significant side effects of rituximab were observed. Limitations –Small sample size, single center study, long term follow up not considered. Conclusion In refractory LN patients, 24 weeks after Rituximab treatment

Single dose of rituximab in children with steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Rituximab (RTX) can be used in children with nephrotic syndrome, particularly in those with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However, at present there is no unified standard of how to use RTX, with regard to the amount of doses and frequency, in children with nephrotic syndrome. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a single dose of RTX in children with steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome (SD-MCNS). The patients with biopsy-proven minimal change disease (MCD) and clinical features of SDNS received a single dose of RTX (375 mg/m2). The toxicity and side effects of RTX were also observed. The study included 19 patients (10 males and 9 females). Follow-up of the patients was 1-50 months (28.1±16.6 months). B-cell depletion was achieved with RTX infusion (CD20<0.5%) and lasted 1-6 months (mean, 2.92±1.57 months). During follow-up, 10 patients remained in complete remission and did not relapse without administration of oral steroids or immunosuppressants for 4-50 months (mean, 30.1±12.6 months), despite recovery of the B-cell count. Nine patients relapsed in the process of reducing steroids, thus, treatment was maintained at a lower dosage (T=0, P<0.05) than prior to use of RTX. The number of relapses also decreased significantly (T=95, P<0.05). Five of the patients relapsed after stopping steroid for several months. At the end of follow-up, the efficacy of a single induction of RTX was 47.4% (9/19). There were no significant side effects associated with administration of RTX. In conclusion, RTX is a safe and effective alternative for children with SD-MCNS. RTX is an effective treatment for the rapid induction of remission and reduces relapse and steroid dependency. A single dose of RTX for children with SD-MCNS is recommended for rapid induction of remission, reduction of long-term steroid dosage, and decrease in the number of relapses, as it has few side effects.

Late-onset neutropenia after rituximab in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Background: Rituximab (RTX) is being used increasingly in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Late-onset neutropenia (LON) and risks of infections have been observed following RTX therapy in rheumatological diseases including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) but data on microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) are lacking.Method: We studied the occurrence of LON in 59 AAV (47 GPA/12 MPA) patients treated with RTX. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of LON and clinical data were extracted and included in the analysis.Results: Seven of the total 59 patients (11.9%) developed LON after a median time of 86 days (range 56–168 days) since their latest RTX treatment. Of these seven LON patients, 5/47 (10.6%) had a diagnosis of GPA and 2/12 (16.7%) of MPA. Three of the patients developed LON after the first RTX treatment and four had received repeated courses. Five LON patients developed infectious symptoms. Six of the patients were hospitalized. Retreatment with RTX was given in three cases without further LON episodes.Conclusions: LON is a potentially severe side-effect of RTX occurring in both GPA and MPA and may develop after both single and repeated treatment courses. As infections are commonly seen, the condition requires an increased awareness. No predisposing factors for LON were identified.

Clinical and immunological changes in patients with active moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy treated with very low-dose rituximab.

Glucocorticoids represent the therapy of choice for active and moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO). In some patients, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the cluster of differentiation (CD) 20 receptor of B-lymphocytes, can serve as a second-line or an alternative treatment. The effect of very low-dose of rituximab on the clinical activity of GO and corresponding clinical or laboratory changes is reported. Changes of Clinical Activity Score (CAS) for GO, proptosis, levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, and depletion of CD19+ and CD20+ B-lymphocytes were determined in ten patients (two men and eight women) with active moderate-to-severe GO treated with a single 100-mg dose of rituximab. Correlations between differences of clinical and laboratory parameters were performed. A significant decrease of CAS was found during subsequent examinations compared to the baseline values. A significant depletion of CD19+ and CD20+ B-lymphocytes was detected after rituximab administration. Differences between follow-up and baseline levels of CD20+ positively correlated with differences in CAS after six (p < 0.05) and 12 months (p < 0.01). Differences in CD19+ levels correlated with differences in CAS after 12 months (p < 0.05) of the treatment. Two patients developed dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) requiring orbital decompression. No other rituximab side effects were reported during the whole study duration. A single very low-dose of rituximab appears to be very well tolerated and effective enough to reduce clinical activity in active moderate-to-severe GO patients without impending DON.

PS-242 Rituximab In The Treatment Of Minimal Change Disease In Children With Nephrotic Syndrome

Background and aims To explore the efficiency and side effects of rituximab in the treatment of minimal change disease (MCD) in children with steriod-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). Methods From 2011.10 to 2014.4, children with MCD who hospitalised alwaysrelapsed although treated with steroid and one or more immunosuppressants. Thenthey were given rituximab 1 or 2 times (375 mg/m 2 ). Results Fifteen patients (male: female 7:8)with MCD, ageing from 4–17 years old (7.93 ± 3.26 years old) were followed up for 2–30 months (15.4 ± 9.86 months). After infusion of rituximab, the B cell was obviously decreased (CD20 Conclusion Rituximab has efficiency in treating children with MCD. It can help to reduce the dosage of steroids. And maybe one time of rituximab is enough for children with MCD. And there are no seriously side effects of rituximab.

Nonvasculitic Autoimmune Meningoencephalitis After Rituximab

Nonvasculitic autoimmune meningoencephalitis (NAIM) is a rare condition describing a syndrome of steroid-responsive encephalopathy in patients with similar clinical and pathologic features. It can be associated with autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis. Brain biopsies usually show inflammatory cells without evidence of vasculitis. In this article, we present a patient who developed NAIM after receiving rituximab, a B-cell-depleting therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The brain biopsy showed a lack of B lymphocytes in the brain tissue, and the patient responded well to intravenous immunoglobulins. We further discuss the role of B lymphocytes and specific regulatory B lymphocytes in suppressing autoimmunity in the brain and propose that the depletion of regulatory B cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of NAIM. This case illustrates a potential side effect of rituximab and demonstrates the importance of regulatory B cells in maintaining the immune response.

Efficacy of rituximab therapy in children with refractory nephrotic syndrome: a prospective observational study in Shanghai

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in children. This study was undertaken to observe the efficacy and side-effects of rituximab (RTX) in treating children with different types of refractory primary nephrotic syndrome. Twelve patients with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), frequently relapsing nephritic syndrome (FRNS), and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) were enrolled in our study. There were obvious drug side-effects, and proteinuria remained difficult to control. RTX was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m(2) body surface area, once or twice weekly. The male to female ratio was 3:1, and the onset age was 1.6-8.9 years. There were 9 patients with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SDNS or FRNS), and 3 patients with SRNS. There were 7 patients with minimal change disease (MCD), 3 patients with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), 1 with focal proliferative glomerulonephritis, and 1 without renal biopsy. The total effective treatment rate of RTX was 91.67%, and for 77.78% of the patients, steroid dosage could be reduced. Six months before and after RTX infusion, the mean steroid dosage was significantly decreased (P=0.014) and the recurrence number was significantly reduced (P<0.001). The results were better in MCD patients than in FSGS patients (P=0.045). There was no significant difference between FRNS/SDNS and SRNS patients (P=0.175). During RTX administration, 3 patients developed skin rashes, 1 developed hypotension, and 1 developed a fever. One patient experienced a persistent decrease in serum immunoglobulin level but without serious infection. RTX was effective in the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome, and it could significantly reduce the use of steroid and immunosuppressants.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome in a Patient With Adult Still’s Disease Following Rituximab

Objective. To present the first case report of macrophage activation syndrome presenting as systemic inflammatory response syndrome secondary to rituximab. Design. Case report with review of the literature. Setting. Intensive care unit of university hospital. Patient. A 21-year-old female, who was diagnosed at age 19 with adult Still’s disease after having recurrent fevers, salmon-colored rash, polyarthralgias, and ferritin level of 24 000 ng/mL, was admitted to the hospital with fever, tachycardia, hypotension, leukocytosis, lethargy, and diarrhea. Intervention. The use of anakinra in the setting of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and macrophage activation syndrome. Results. The use of anakinra in patients with macrophage activation syndrome reduced inflammatory markers, lowered ferritin levels, and improved the patient’s symptoms as well as aided in recovery from cytokine-induced cardiomyopathy. Conclusions. This case illustrates this rare, but potentially life-threatening, side effect of rituximab and further adds to the growing literature that anakinra can be used in macrophage activation syndrome and suggests the possibility of other uses in the intensive care unit in the future.

Vascularite cryoglobulinémique et traitement par rituximab

Summary We reported a case of a 38-year-old woman with systemic vasculitis and mixed cryoglobulinemia in a context of auto-immune disease (Gougerot-Sjogren syndrome) and lymphoma. Different therapeutic strategies, including rituximab, have been proposed in order to control the effect of the systemic vasculitis and evolution of lymphoma. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 molecule on B cells. We discuss the possible side effects of rituximab in this case of mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis.

Erfolgreiche Behandlung einer Thrombotisch Thrombozytopenischen Purpura mit Rituximab

A 15-year-old female patient with TTP was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation after the initial treatment with IVIG and prednisone failed. With the detection of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies the acquired form of TTP could be diagnosed. Despite of therapeutic plasma exchange and high dose steroids no sustained remission could be achieved. However, application of rituximab led to a normalisation of platelet counts within one week allowing the termination of plasma exchanges and reduction of oral steroids. No side effects of rituximab were observed and the patient remained in clinical remission during the following months.

Rituximab-induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in a Young Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea 󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚󰠚 Side effects of rituximab are mild in most cases, but there have been a few cases of severe pulmonary toxicity reported in elderly patients. Here we report a case of interstitial pneumonitis following rituximab treatment in a young patient. A 35-year-old woman with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was admitted complaining of dry cough and dyspnea without fever after the 3 treatments with rituximab-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) chemotherapy. Her chest CT with highresolution CT scanning confirmed the presence of bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities. The analysis of arterial blood gases indicated hypoxemia. The pulmonary function testing showed a restrictive pattern. There were no other findings suggesting an infection. The findings were compatible with a rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis. After the patient was treated with prednisolone, the symptoms resolved. Cases with rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis develop principally in elderly patients. However, the condition also can occur in young patients. (Korean J Hematol 2007;42:423-427.) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏

Rituximab: a new monoclonal antibody therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

To review the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), specifically rituximab, in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and to describe the nursing management of patients receiving rituximab. Published articles, abstracts, book chapters, drug manufacturer, lectures, and personal experience with rituximab. NHL ranks sixth among malignancies in incidence and mortality in the United States. The most common subtype, low-grade follicular lymphoma, is considered incurable. Lack of specificity may limit the usefulness of chemotherapy for low-grade follicular NHL. However, MAb therapy may deliver a cytotoxic effect specifically to the targeted cancer cell. Rituximab is the first MAb approved for cancer therapy. Clinical trials indicate that rituximab is efficacious and safe for recurrent or chemotherapy-resistant, B-cell, low-grade NHL. Infusion-related side effects are the most common and can be managed effectively by following the infusion rate recommendations. Monoclonal antibody therapy is an effective and safe treatment modality for cancer. Infusion-related side effects are managed effectively by following infusion rate recommendations. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about MAb therapy to educate patients and families regarding the mechanism of action and side-effect profiles of these agents, which often differ from those of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Nurses should be familiar with the unique side effects of rituximab and also specific infusion-rate instructions, measures to reduce the incidence of side effects, and criteria for stopping the infusion when necessary.