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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Case report

A rare association of rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis treated with rituximab: a case report

Authors: Faiza Lazrak, Fatima Ezzahra Abourazzak, Khadija Berrada, Nadira Kadi, Samia Manssouri, Taoufik Harzy

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Introduction

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease that tends to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis with hepatic failure. Primary biliary cirrhosis is often associated with other non- hepatic autoimmune diseases. An association with rheumatoid arthritis has been suggested to coexist in 1.8% to 5.6% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, but data supporting this association are scarce. The etiologic and pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully understood and several factors have been implicated. The therapeutic management must consider the two pathologies.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 60-year-old Moroccan woman with severe erosive rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis treated with rituximab. During treatment, we observed a good clinical and biological response of her rheumatoid arthritis but persistent abnormal liver function tests.

Conclusion

B cells seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of both rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis. Additional studies are necessary to better determine the therapeutic role of rituximab in both diseases.

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Title: A rare association of rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis treated with rituximab: a case report
Authors: Faiza Lazrak
Fatima Ezzahra Abourazzak
Khadija Berrada
Nadira Kadi
Samia Manssouri
Taoufik Harzy
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-7-99

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A rare association of rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis treated with rituximab: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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