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| Authors | P J Cassar K Cassar B Coleiro L Azzopardi D Aquilina C Mallia |
| Abstract | Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 surface markers present on B cells resulting in B cell depletion. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) the loss of B-cell tolerance is a central feature. Rituximab has been used for several years to treat certain types of B-cell lymphomas. In more recent years, it has been used in patients with SLE and other autoimmune diseases and the results have been encouraging. We present a 23 year old girl with WHO Class IV lupus nephritis showing marked activity affecting all glomeruli but with minimal chronic damage. The nephritis was refractory to cyclophosphamide and the patient could not tolerate mycophenolate mofetil. She was treated successfully with Rituximab. This is the first case of Lupus Nephritis treated with Rituximab in Malta. The literature is reviewed. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | case report, rituximab, lupus nephritis |