Rituximab and its therapeutic potential in catastrophic antiphospolipid syndrome. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez-Pintó, Ignasi; Cervera, Ricard; Espinosa, Gerard
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease. Volume 7:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: anti-CD20 -- catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome -- refractory -- rituximab; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.1177/1759720X14554793
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-720X

Abstract

The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is characterized by thrombosis in more than three organs or systems developing over a short period of time. Despite conventional treatment with a combination of anticoagulation plus corticosteroids plus plasma exchange, and/or intravenous immunoglobulin, mortality remains high and some patients suffer from recurrent CAPS episodes. In selected patients, new therapies such as rituximab may be a treatment option. In this review, the rationale for using rituximab in CAPS is discussed.