Adrenal steroidogenesis after B lymphocyte depletion therapy in new-onset Addison's disease.

ABSTRACT:

Context

A diagnosis of Addison's disease means lifelong dependence on daily glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as a risk of unexpected adrenal crisis.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine whether immunomodulatory therapy at an early stage of autoimmune Addison's disease could lead to preservation or improvement in adrenal steroidogenesis.

Design and intervention

This was an open-label, pilot study of B lymphocyte depletion therapy in new-onset idiopathic primary adrenal failure. Doses of iv rituximab (1 g) were given on d 1 and 15, after pretreatment with 125 mg iv methylprednisolone.

Patients and main outcome measures

Six patients (aged 17-47 yr; four females) were trea

SUBMITTER: Pearce SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3462934 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature