OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab (RTX) (<375 mg/m²) maintenance therapy in children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of PNS children who received low-dose RTX therapy at the Department of Renal Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University from July 2016 to March 2024. Remission rate, recurrence frequency, corticosteroid and tacrolimus usage, and adverse reactions before and after RTX treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, low-dose RTX maintained remission in PNS, reduced the relapse frequency, and decreased the dosage of corticosteroids and tacrolimus (P<0.05). IgG levels did not significantly decrease, and no additional preventive anti-infective treatment was required. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose RTX therapy is effective and safe for treating PNS in children.
Humans ; Nephrotic Syndrome/drug therapy* ; Rituximab/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Infant

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of ibrutinib in the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (RRDLBCL). METHODS: A total of 101 patients with RRDLBCL in Daqing People's Hospital from September 2019 to September 2022 were selected. 45 patients were received ibrutinib monotherapy, 36 patients were received a combination therapy of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide, and 20 patients were received a combination therapy of ibrutinib and lenalidomide. The clinical effects were observed. RESULTS: The median duration of treatment for all patients was 4 (2-9) months. The disease control rates(DCR) and objective response rates(ORR) in the ibrutinib monotherapy group were 46.67% and 26.67%, respectively. In the combination therapy group of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide, the DCR and ORR were 69.44% and 44.44%, respectively. In the combination therapy group of ibrutinib and lenalidomide, the DCR and ORR were 60.00% and 35.00%, respectively. The DCR and ORR in the combination therapy group of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide were significantly higher than those in the ibrutinib monotherapy group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in DCR and ORR between the combination therapy group of ibrutinib and lenalidomide and the ibrutinib monotherapy group (P >0.05). The median follow-up time of all patients was 15 (5-35) months, with a median overall survival(OS) of 21.0 (15.8-26.2) months and a median progression-free survival(PFS) of 14.0 (12.1-15.9) months. In the ibrutinib monotherapy group, the median OS and PFS were 15.0 (12.1-17.9) months and 12.0 (11.0-13.0) months, respectively. In the combination therapy group of ibrutinib and lenalidomide, the median OS and PFS were 22.0 (13.3-30.7) months and 16.0 (14.1-19.7) months, respectively. In the combination therapy group of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide, the median OS and PFS were 23.0 (19.7-26.3) months and 17.0 (14.8-19.1) months, respectively. The median OS and PFS in the combination therapy group of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide were significantly higher than those in the ibrutinib monotherapy group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in median OS and PFS between the combination therapy group of ibrutinib and lenalidomide and the combination therapy group of ibrutinib, rituximab, and lenalidomide (P >0.05). Hematological adverse reactions included neutropenia in 14 cases (13.86%), thrombocytopenia in 16 cases (15.84%), and leukopenia in 13 cases (12.87%). Non-hematological adverse reactions mainly included nausea and vomiting in 33 cases (32.67%) and fatigue in 44 cases (43.56%). CONCLUSION Ibrutinib has certain clinical effects and good safety in the treatment of RRDLBCL.
Humans ; Piperidines/therapeutic use* ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy* ; Adenine/therapeutic use* ; Rituximab/therapeutic use* ; Lenalidomide/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Adult ; Aged ; Pyrimidines/therapeutic use* ; Pyrazoles/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of serum β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) for survival and relapse of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era. METHODS: Clinical data of 92 patients with DLBCL admitted from December 2003 to July 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cutoff value of β₂-MG levels for predicting prognosis of the DLBCL patients was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. KaplanMeier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential prognostic factors associated with survival. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between various factors and relapse. RESULTS: The most discriminative cutoff value for β₂-MG level was determined to be 2.25 mg/L by the ROC curve. Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the elevated β₂-MG (＞2.25 mg/L) group had significantly worse PFS(P =0.006) and a trend toward worse OS compared with those in the low β₂-MG (≤2.25 mg/L) group(P =0.053). Univariate analysis showed that elevated β₂-MG, age>60 years, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, as well as IPI score ≥3 were associated with worse PFS. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age＞60 years and β₂-MG＞2.25 mg/L were potential influencing factors for relapse of DLBCL patients. CONCLUSION Serum β ₂-MG might be an important predictor for the survival and relapse of DLBCL patients in the rituximab era.
Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy* ; beta 2-Microglobulin/blood* ; Rituximab ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; ROC Curve

Abstract

Rasmussen’s syndrome is a neuroimmune disease characterized by progressive unilateral cerebral dysfunction, for which hemispherectomy remains the definitive treatment. We report a 9-year-old right handed Filipino girl with drug-resistant focal seizures, epilepsia partialis continua, and progressive right hemiparesis due to left hemispheric involvement. Epilepsy surgery was not immediately feasible because of parental concerns and logistical constraints in this resource-limited setting. Despite treatment with multiple antiseizure medications, seizures remained uncontrolled, prompting initiation of immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin followed by rituximab. Rituximab was associated with marked seizure reduction and functional improvement, highlighting its potential role in the management of Rasmussen’s syndrome when surgery is not feasible.

Keywords: Rasmussen’s syndrome, epilepsia partialis continua, IVIG, rituximab

Herpes zoster is a clinical syndrome associated with reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), often occurring years after VZV infection, and characterized typically by painful grouped vesicles in a dermatomal distribution. Bullous herpes zoster, an atypical presentation of herpes zoster, is a relatively rare phenomenon; to the authors’ knowledge, there have only been eight reports in worldwide literature. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with lupus nephritis who presented with multiple grouped vesicles evolving into large tender bullae filled with serosanguinous fluid on the lateral aspect of the right leg, and dorsal and medial aspects of the right foot, four days after the first dose of 1g of rituximab therapy. The diagnosis of bullous herpes zoster along L4-L5 dermatomes was made based on the clinical presentation and the presence of multinucleated giant cells on Tzanck smear. The giant bullae were drained and dressed, and the patient was treated with valacyclovir at the renally adjusted dose of 1g once a day for seven days and pregabalin 150 mg once daily. After seven days of antiviral treatment, there were no new bullae or vesicles, and the pain improved. Recognizing this atypical presentation of a common disease, especially in patients with an immunocompromised state, highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.
Human ; herpes zoster ; lupus nephritis ; rituximab ; diagnosis, differential

Pemphigus is a rare, chronic, life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease characterized by blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes. Rituximab has been approved as a first-line treatment for moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris. Despite of its efficacy in achieving remission, Rituximab can also lead to serious complications such as Hepatitis B reactivation.

We present a case of a 42-year-old Filipino male with severe pemphigus vulgaris on chronic immunosuppressive therapy. He had a 10-month history of multiple bullae and crusted erosions associated with pruritus and burning pain on the mouth resulting to odynophagia and dysphagia. He is a known case of chronic Hepatitis B with unrecalled vaccination status. On physical examination, Nikolsky and Asboe-Hansen signs were positive. Histopathology show intraepidermal split and row of suprabasal keratinocytes pattern. ELISA showed very high levels (>200 RU/ml) for both anti-desmoglein 1 & 3. DIF was positive for IgG & C3. Prior to Rituximab administration, Tenofovir 300 mg/tab/day was started as pre-emptive therapy. To lessen the dependence on systemic corticosteroids, two infusions of Rituximab 1g 2 weeks apart were then given. Notable improvement was seen, evidenced by absence of new bullae, reduction of affected BSA, from 19% to 5.3% and decreased PDAI (78 to 1) and ABSIS (46.5 to 2.75) four months after treatment. Maintained remission and undetectable Hepatitis B viral load 4 months following the last dose of Rituximab were noted, indicating a positive treatment response to both Rituximab and Tenofovir.

Rituximab represents a viable treatment option even for patients with chronic Hepatitis B. Pre-emptive therapy may be done prior to infusion to prevent hepatitis reactivation. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy and safety of Rituximab in this case where preventive measures are taken.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are two distinct autoimmune diseases. Compared with the general population, the incidence of RA is notably higher among patients with MG. Similarly, the rate of MG in patients diagnosed with RA is also significantly increased. In this report, we presented an elderly female patient with a history usage of long-term glucocorticoid and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), whose RA symptoms remained inadequately controlled. She later exhibited drooping of the right eyelid and double vision, leading to a diagnosis of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). Then, we made a literature review and found that the RA patients with co-existing MG were relatively more common in middle-aged and elderly women, and most of them did not have thymoma. Thymoma wasn ' t found in our patient, which was consistent with the cli-nical characteristics of RA complicated with MG reported in previous reports. In addition, there was li-mited treatment experience in patients with both RA and MG. The treatment stratergies for RA or MG included glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Among the 18 patients we analyzed, 8 patients expe-rienced relief after csDMARDs, while other 8 patients received biologics or targeted DMARDs, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in 5 cases, JAK inhibitors in 2 cases, and B-cell depletion therapy (rituximab) in 2 cases. What called for special attention was that one RA patient was diagnosed with MG after using 23 months of methotrexate and 6 weeks of etanercept (TNFi), with rituximab 1 000 mg for the first time, followed by 500 mg every 6 months, and finally both RA and MG were well controlled. For the patient in this study, MG symptoms improved with increased dosage of prednisone. In order to tapper the dose of glucocorticoid, it was necessary for more potent immunosuppressant for both RA and MG. Given her history of cardiac conditions, JAK inhibitors were not considered, and due to the uncertain efficacy of TNFi, we chose to administer low-dose rituximab (100 mg). Subsequent follow-up revealed stable conditions for both RA and MG, allowing for discontinuance of glucocorticoid after 5 months. It reflected the potential efficacy and cost-effectiveness of low-dose, long-interval rituximab in treating RA patients combined with MG, while it also minimized infection risks. However, the duration for subsequent infusions remained uncertain and required further observation. In conclusion, RA combined with MG is rare. For patients exhibiting poor responses to csDMARDs, low-dose, long-interval rituximab might be a promising treatment option.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Rituximab/administration & dosage* ; Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy* ; Female ; Antirheumatic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Aged ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is clinically severe, with a high mortality rate and rare neuropsychiatric symptoms. In the course of diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to actively determine whether the neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients are caused by neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) or macrophage activation syndrome. This paper retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 2 cases of SLE associated MAS with neuropsychiatric lesions, Case 1: A 30-year-old female had obvious alopecia in 2019, accompanied by emaciation, fatigue and dry mouth. In March 2021, she felt weak legs and fell down, followed by fever and chills without obvious causes. After completing relevant examinations, she was diagnosed with SLE and given symptomatic treatments such as hormones and anti-infection, but the patient still had fever. The relevant examinations showed moderate anemia, elevated ferritin, elevated triglycerides, decreased NK cell activity, and a perforin positivity rate of 4.27%, which led to the diagnosis of "pre-hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS)". In May 2021, the patient showed mental trance and babble, and was diagnosed with "SLE-associated MAS"after completing relevant examinations. After treatment with methylprednisolone, anti-infection and psychotropic drugs, the patient's temperature was normal and mental symptoms improved. Case 2: A 30-year-old female patient developed butterfly erythema on both sides of the nose on her face and several erythema on her neck in June 2019, accompanied by alopecia, oral ulcers, and fever. She was diagnosed with "SLE" after completing relevant examinations, and her condition was relieved after treatment with methylprednisolone and human immunoglobulin. In October 2019, the patient showed apathy, no lethargy, and fever again, accompanied by dizziness and vomiting. The relevant examination indicated moderate anemia, decreased NK cell activity, elevated triglycerides, and elevated ferritin. The patient was considered to be diagnosed with "SLE, NPSLE, and SLE-associated MAS". After treatment with hormones, human immunoglobulin, anti-infection, rituximab (Mabthera), the patient's condition improved and was discharged from the hospital. After discharge, the patient regularly took methylprednisolone tablets (Medrol), and her psychiatric symptoms were still intermittent. In November 2019, she developed symptoms of fever, mania, and delirium, and later turned to an apathetic state, and was given methylprednisolone intravenous drip and olanzapine tablets (Zyprexa) orally. After the mental symptoms improved, she was treated with rituximab (Mabthera). Later, due to repeated infections, she was replaced with Belizumab (Benlysta), and she was recovered from her psychiatric anomalies in March 2021. Through the analysis of clinical symptoms, imaging examination, laboratory examination, treatment course and effect, it is speculated that the neuropsychiatric symptoms of case 1 are more likely to be caused by MAS, and that of case 2 is more likely to be caused by SLE. At present, there is no direct laboratory basis for the identification of the two neuropsychiatric symptoms. The etiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms can be determined by clinical manifestations, imaging manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid detection, and the patient's response to treatment. Early diagnosis is of great significance for guiding clinical treatment, monitoring the condition and judging the prognosis. The good prognosis of the two cases in this paper is closely related to the early diagnosis, treatment and intervention of the disease.
Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Rituximab/therapeutic use* ; Macrophage Activation Syndrome/etiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy* ; Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use* ; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System ; Fever/drug therapy* ; Erythema/drug therapy* ; Hormones/therapeutic use* ; Anemia ; Alopecia/drug therapy* ; Triglycerides/therapeutic use* ; Ferritins/therapeutic use*

Central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is less common and usually presents as white matter lesions, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or transverse myelitis. NMOSD is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with a high rate of relapse and significant disability. Studies have shown that patients with pSS combined with NMOSD have more severe symptoms and poorer prognosis. Here, we present a case of critical illness in pregnancy-associated NMOSD combined with Sjögren's syndrome. The patient was a 30-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Sjögren's syndrome who was diagnosed with NMOSD. She received combination therapy with steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy, resulting in partial resolution of numbness below the waist. However, due to irregular medication adherence outside the hospital setting, she developed weakness in her right lower limb accompanied by inability to move it, while her left lower limb still had some mobility but occasional numbness along with urinary and fecal incontinence. Ten days later, she was admitted to the emergency department where an emergency cesarean section was performed to deliver a healthy baby boy. However, her condition worsened postpartum as she developed high fever accompanied by bilateral lower limb paralysis and weakness along with loss of voluntary control over urination and defecation. The patient underwent ano-ther course of treatment consisting of steroids and IVIG; however there was limited improvement in symptoms observed after this intervention. Following administration of rituximab for the first time, the patient developed urinary tract infection which was successfully managed before continuing regular infusions. In later stages the patient could walk slightly with a limp and regained control over urination and defecation, allowing her to resume normal activities. This case suggests that combination therapy with steroids, IVIG, and hydroxychloroquine should be considered for the patients with pregnancy-associated NMOSD combined with Sjögren's syndrome. Rituximab can significantly improve symptoms such as postpartum paralysis in patients with NMOSD, however, there may be a risk of infection associated with its use.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Cesarean Section/adverse effects* ; Critical Illness ; Hydroxychloroquine/therapeutic use* ; Hypesthesia/complications* ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use* ; Inflammation/complications* ; Neuromyelitis Optica/diagnosis* ; Paralysis/complications* ; Pregnancy Complications/therapy* ; Rituximab/therapeutic use* ; Sjogren's Syndrome/complications* ; Steroids/therapeutic use* ; Vision Disorders

Objective: To analyze the detection rate, clinical significance, and prognosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1100 patients who underwent the CSF virus test after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Peking University People's Hospital between January 2017 and June 2022. Among them, 19 patients were screened positive for EBV in their CSF, and their clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Among 19 patients with EBV-positive cerebrospinal fluid, 12 were male and 7 were female, with 5 patients aged <18 years and 12 aged ≥18 years, with a median age of 27 (5-58) years old. There were 7 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 8 of acute lymphocytic leukemia, 2 of aplastic anemia, 1 of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 1 of hemophagocytic syndrome. All 19 patients underwent haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including 1 secondary transplant. Nineteen patients had neurological symptoms (headache, dizziness, convulsions, or seizures), of which 13 had fever. Ten cases showed no abnormalities in cranial imaging examination. Among the 19 patients, 6 were diagnosed with EB virus-related central nervous system diseases, with a median diagnosis time of 50 (22-363) days after transplantation. In 9 (47.3%) patients, EBV was detected in their peripheral blood, and they were treated with intravenous infusion of rituximab (including two patients who underwent lumbar puncture and intrathecal injection of rituximab). After treatment, EBV was not detected in seven patients. Among the 19 patients, 2 died from EBV infection and 2 from other causes. Conclusion: In patients who exhibited central nervous system symptoms after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, EBV should be screened as a potential pathogen. EBV detected in the CSF may indicate an infection; however, it does not confirm the diagnosis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications* ; Rituximab/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Clinical Relevance ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Lymphoproliferative Disorders/drug therapy*