Rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis in the setting of severe infection

The combination of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and severe infection presents a challenge because current therapies with high-dose glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide (CYC) are immunosuppressive and increase the risk of infection. Thus, coincident infection delays and complicates the introduction of treatment. Rituximab (RTX) is an alternative to CYC in AAV and may be preferable in the setting of severe infection.

From 2005 to July 2011, 100 patients with AAV were treated with RTX at our institution and those who received RTX instead of CYC because of concomitant infection were studied.

Eight patients were identified. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range 6-30 months). All patients achieved remission by 6 months that was sustained to the end of follow-up. There were no deaths or further severe infections.

RTX can be considered for patients with generalized AAV and concomitant severe infection.