The long-term remission of rheumatoid arthritis with a single cycle of rituximab

The long-term remission of rheumatoid arthritis with a single cycle of rituximab

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Introduction.Rituximab selectively targets CD20+ B cells and presumably protects joints in rheumatoid arthritis.Complete remissions after a single treatment with rituximab, in some cases for longer than 1 year, are observed in only click here the minority of patients.We reported a patient suffering from refractory rheumatoid arthritis who responded to rituximab with sustained remission.Case report.

A 78-yearold woman was diagnosed with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in 2001.The disease remained active despite conventional disease modifying drugs.In February 2007 the disease read more was highly active.Two infusions of rituximab 1 000 mg on days 1 and 15 were performed.Concomitant treatment consisted of metotrexate 10 mg/week and prednisolone 5 mg/day.

The patients were assessed every month after receiving rituximab.Remission was achieved three months later.The patient was retreated with a second cycle of rituximab in December 2009 due to arthritic flare.Conclusion.This case report showed that the rituximab treatment was feasible and led to a clinically relevant and long lasting improvement in disease activity.