Steroid-resistant autoimmune thrombocytopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus treated with rituximab

• Main Authors: Vasudha V Sardesai, Vidyadhar R Sardesai, Trupti D Agarwal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dermatology
• Subjects: Rituximab; systemic lupus erythematous; thrombocytopenia
• Online Access: http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2015;volume=60;issue=1;spage=106;epage=106;aulast=Sardesai

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by production of numerous autoantibodies, some of which have pathogenic consequences and result in considerable morbidity. Herein, we present a case of 48-year-old female with SLE having autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, renal involvement, and recurrent flares of skin manifestations. She did not respond to the conventional therapy and was controlled and treated with Rituximab, a chimeric, monoclonal antiCD20 antibody, which specifically depletes B lymphocytes.