Rituximab Therapy for Multisystem Autoimmune Diseases in Pediatric Patients

Bryce A. Binstadt, Alvaro M.C. Caldas, Stuart E. Turvey, Howard J. Weinstein, Jean Jackson, Robert C. Fuhlbrigge, Robert P. Sundel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) on the disease course in pediatric patients with multisystem autoimmune diseases. Methods: Four patients with multisystem autoimmune diseases refractory to conventional immunosuppressive medications, each with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, were treated with four weekly infusions of rituximab. Their clinical and laboratory responses were evaluated. Results: Each of the patients had improvement in clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters. One patient with autoimmune cytopenias and autoimmune CNS and peripheral nervous system disease had resolution of the cytopenias and marked improvement in neurologic symptoms; he currently receives no immunosuppressive medications. Two half-siblings with lymphoplasmacytic colitis, pulmonary nodules, and CNS disease had improvement of their symptoms. A fourth patient with chorea and seizures secondary to primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome had improvement in fine and gross motor function and reduced seizure frequency. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusions: The biologic response modifier rituximab, designed to eliminate B lymphocytes, was safe and effective in four pediatric patients with multisystem autoimmune disorders. It appears to be beneficial in autoimmune conditions presumably mediated by a variety of B-cell-related mechanisms, and may decrease or eliminate the need for other immunosuppressive medications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)598-604
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume143
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2003

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Supported in part by the Samara Jan Turkel Center for Pediatric Autoimmune Disease.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rituximab Therapy for Multisystem Autoimmune Diseases in Pediatric Patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this