The role of autoantibody-producing plasma cells in immune thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to rituximab

Am J Hematol. 2007 Sep;82(9):846-8. doi: 10.1002/ajh.20951.

Abstract

Rituximab is becoming popular as a treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report here a patient with ITP, who initially responded to rituximab, but later became refractory. In this patient, the appearance of plasma cells producing anti-platelet autoantibodies is likely to be one of the mechanisms for rituximab resistance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Plasma Cells / immunology*
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism
  • Platelet Count
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / blood
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab