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A case of refractory vasculitic ulcers in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient responding to rituximab and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Author(s) -
LUI NaiLee,
THUMBOO Julian,
FONG KokYong
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of rheumatic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1756-185X
pISSN - 1756-1841
DOI - 10.1111/j.1756-185x.2009.01438.x
Subject(s) - medicine , rituximab , refractory (planetary science) , concomitant , prednisolone , methotrexate , cd20 , monoclonal , combination therapy , surgery , dermatology , monoclonal antibody , immunology , antibody , physics , astrobiology
Large refractory vasculitic ulcers are not commonly seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We report a case of refractory vasculitic ulcers responding to rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 cells leading to prolonged B cell depletion. This treatment was initiated after treatment with high‐dose steroids and other immunosuppressants were ineffective/associated with significant side‐effects. Following treatment with rituximab, there was sustained clinical improvement and subsequent reduction of prednisolone dose. Rituximab was well‐tolerated. Concomitant methotrexate therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may have aided the recovery of the patient’s vasculitic ulcers. This case and anecdotal reports have illustrated the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of refractory SLE‐related vasculitic ulcers. Further studies to determine the long‐term efficacy and side‐effects would be useful.