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01-02-2017 | Therapeutic Aspects in Autoimmunity

Rituximab therapy for IgA-vasculitis with nephritis: a case series and review of the literature

Authors: Roberta Fenoglio, Carla Naretto, Bruno Basolo, Giacomo Quattrocchio, Michela Ferro, Paola Mesiano, Giulietta Beltrame, Dario Roccatello

Published in: Immunologic Research | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Henoch–Schonlein purpura, also called IgA-vasculitis, is a systemic small vessels vasculitis with immunoglobulin A1-dominant immune deposits. The optimal treatment remains controversial. Because IgA-vasculitis is characterized by leukocyte infiltration of the blood vessel walls along with immunoglobulin A deposition, and because glucocorticosteroids inhibit inflammatory processes, early administration of glucocorticosteroids has been postulated to be effective, but this indication remains controversial. Immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mycophenolate) have been used in combination with glucocorticosteroids without definitive evidence of effectiveness. The efficacy of rituximab in adult IgA-vasculitis has been reported in few cases. We described a monocentric experience on the use of rituximab in adult IgA-vasculitis with biopsy-proven nephritis. The patients achieved a complete remission of nephritis and syndromic manifestations, and no patients experienced adverse reactions. These data have been compared with the limited literature nowadays available.

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Title: Rituximab therapy for IgA-vasculitis with nephritis: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Roberta Fenoglio
Carla Naretto
Bruno Basolo
Giacomo Quattrocchio
Michela Ferro
Paola Mesiano
Giulietta Beltrame
Dario Roccatello
Publication date: 01-02-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Immunologic Research / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0257-277X
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-016-8827-5

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Rituximab therapy for IgA-vasculitis with nephritis: a case series and review of the literature

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