| Literature DB >> 26255570 |
Marco A Alba1, Luis Felipe Flores-Suárez2.
Abstract
ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and destruction of small vessels. Rituximab is now licensed for use as a remission-induction agent in the treatment of these disorders. During recent years, several non-controlled studies have suggested that rituximab may be of value in maintaining disease remission in AAV. In these series, 3 techniques have been tried: "watch-and-wait", repeated cycles in fixed intervals, or administration based on proposed biomarkers. More importantly, the results of the MAINRITSAN trial showed that this anti-CD20 agent is superior to azathioprine for preventing major relapses in AAV. This review summarizes current information regarding the effectiveness, timing, dosing, duration and safety of rituximab as a valid option for remission maintenance.Entities:
Keywords: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; Anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo; Granulomatosis con poliangitis; Granulomatosis with polyangiitis; Maintenance; Mantenimiento; Microscopic polyangiitis; Poliangitis microscópica; Rituximab; Tratamiento; Treatment
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Year: 2015 PMID： 26255570 DOI： 10.1016/j.reuma.2015.06.002
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Reumatol Clin ISSN： 1699-258X