Rituximab for refractory digital infarcts and ulcers in systemic sclerosis

Clin Rheumatol. 2014 Jul;33(7):1019-20. doi: 10.1007/s10067-014-2579-1. Epub 2014 Apr 12.

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is an uncommon connective tissue disease characterised by excessive deposition of collagen and vasculopathy which affects the skin and multiple internal organs. It is associated with autoimmunity, inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. Managing Raynaud's phenonemon, digital infarcts and ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients is often a challenge particularly among rheumatologists. We report a case of systemic sclerosis patient with refractory digital infarcts and ulcers responded successfully with rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmunity
  • Blood Sedimentation
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Fingers / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Rituximab
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Ulcer / complications
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Rituximab
  • C-Reactive Protein