Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with rituximab in patients presenting autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura and haemolytic anaemia.
Method: A check was carried out of the medical records of the patients starting treatment with rituximab for compassionate use in 2004 at doses of 375 mg/m2 per week for 4 weeks. The rate of patients achieving full response in accordance with the best criteria found in the bibliography was assessed. All adverse reactions described in the medical records were gathered.
Results: Six patients with thrombocytopenic purpura were candidates for treatment. Five began treatment, four of them completed treatment, and three of these patients achieved full response. This response was achieved at different times and was sustained for at least six months. Two patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia were treated and both achieved full response again at different times and in this case, it was sustained for at least 8 months. One patient suffered mild adverse reactions to treatment.
Conclusions: Rituximab is a new perspective for the treatment of refractory autoimmune cytopenias, and has a good safety profile.