A randomized controlled trial of rituximab following failure of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To perform a randomized controlled trial of rituximab in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial of rituximab (375 mg/ m(2) /week for 4 weeks) compared to the best available therapy (maintenance or increase in immunosuppressive therapy) for HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in patients in whom antiviral therapy had failed to induce remission. The primary end point was disease remission at 6 months from study entry.

Results

A total of 24 patients were enrolled (12 in each treatment group). Baseline disease activity and organ involvement were similar in the two groups. Ten patients in the rituximab group (83%) were in remission at

SUBMITTER: Sneller MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3243106 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature