The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association  2005;12(4):251-262

Rituximab Treatment for the Patient with Refractory Lupus Nephritis.

Ji Youn YOUM 1 ; Yoon Kyoung SUNG ; Wan Sik UHM ; Jae Bum JUN ; Dae Hyun YOO ; Sang Cheol BAE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Rituximab; SLE; Lupus nephritis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine preliminary evidence for the safety and efficacy of B lymphocyte depletion therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Four female lupus nephritis patients who had been refractory to steroid and one or more immunosuppressive therapy were treated on an open-label basis. During a 4-week period, each patient received two 500-mg infusions of rituximab and two 750-mg infusions of cyclophosphamide. RESULTS: Patient 1, 2, and 3 were responded with rituximab treatment with improvements in SLEDAI and laboratory parameters such as C3/C4 and 24 hour urine protein. However, patient 4 had not improved with rituximab. The variation in the level of anti-double-stranded DNA antibody was different in individual patients. No significant adverse events were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study provides an evidence for the safety and possible efficacy of B lymphocyte depletion therapy in refractory lupus nephritis. However a further randomized trial is needed to confirm the efficacy and durability of remission.