Rituximab and Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Patient with Scleromalacia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schuler, Sarah; Brunner, Matthias; Bernauer, Wolfgang
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 24:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Acute retinal necrosis -- herpes simplex virus -- necrotizing scleritis -- ocular inflammation -- rituximab; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2014.999377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

Abstract: Background : Rituximab is a widely used biologic agent, which has shown favourable results in the treatment of vasculitis. But immunosuppressive treatment also bears the risk of severe complications. Methods : A patient with rheumatoid arthritis, progressive scleromalacia, and acute retinal necrosis on therapy with rituximab is reported. Results : For the first time, a correlation between rituximab and acute retinal necrosis in a patient with progressive rheumatoid scleromalacia is shown. Conclusions : Although rituximab is a promising biologic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, it bears the risk of reactivation of viral infections, including the onset of acute retinal necrosis.