Experience with rituximab in scleroderma: results from a 1-year, proof-of-principle study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in SSc.

Methods

Fourteen patients with SSc were evaluated. Eight patients were randomized to receive two cycles of RTX at baseline and 24 weeks [each cycle consisted of four weekly RTX infusions (375 mg/m(2))] in addition to standard treatment, whereas six patients (control group) received standard treatment alone. Lung involvement was assessed by pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and chest high-resolution CT (HRCT). Skin involvement was assessed both clinically and histologically.

Results

There was a significant increase of forced vital capacity (FVC) in the RTX group compared with baseline (mean +/- s.d.: 68.13 +/- 19.69 vs 75.63 +/- 19.73, at baseline vs 1-year, respectively, P = 0.0018). The median percentage of im

SUBMITTER: Daoussis D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2806066 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature