M Piga1, A Gabba, A Cauli, P Garau, A Vacca, A Mathieu. 1. Chair of Rheumatology and Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. matteopiga@alice.it
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab in patients suffering from rhupus unresponsive to therapy with non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS: Six patients fulfilling criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and with a DAS28 score >5.1 were enrolled to receive two fortnightly 1000 mg rituximab doses at baseline and after 28 weeks. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and power- Doppler (PD) ultrasonographic (US) assessment at baseline and after 14, 28 and 56 weeks. RESULTS: A sustained improvement in DAS28, SLEDAI, HAQ, laboratory markers and ultrasound indices together with a significant reduction in the daily dose of prednisone were observed throughout follow-up. CONCLUSION: Rituximab may be a safe and effective therapeutic option in refractory rhupus patients.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab in patients suffering from rhupus unresponsive to therapy with non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS: Six patients fulfilling criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and with a DAS28 score >5.1 were enrolled to receive two fortnightly 1000 mg rituximab doses at baseline and after 28 weeks. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and power- Doppler (PD) ultrasonographic (US) assessment at baseline and after 14, 28 and 56 weeks. RESULTS: A sustained improvement in DAS28, SLEDAI, HAQ, laboratory markers and ultrasound indices together with a significant reduction in the daily dose of prednisone were observed throughout follow-up. CONCLUSION:Rituximab may be a safe and effective therapeutic option in refractory rhupus patients.