Related Experiment Videos
Treatment options for refractory Wegener's granulomatosis: a role for rituximab?
1Gr T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Division of Pulmonary Disease, 30 Dr I Cihac Str, Iasi 700115, Romania. saantoniu@pneumo.umfiasi.ro
Abstract:
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a small-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology, involving mainly the upper airways, lungs and kidneys. Organ inflammatory damage is mediated by anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies, and their detection is a component of the diagnostic work-up as well as clinical signs and symptoms, and histopathological biopsy abnormalities. Conventional therapeutic regimens, such as cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids, can be used to induce and maintain disease remission. Alternatively, other cytotoxic agents (eg, methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil), anti-TNFalpha agents (eg, infliximab or etanercept) or anti-lymphocyte antibodies (eg, rituximab) can be used. Rituximab, a mAb which targets CD20+ B-cells, is currently used in the treatment non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis, and is being investigated for refractory WG therapy and other autoimmune diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Tumor Immunotherapy
Myocarditis III: Medical Management