Vaccination antigrippe A (H1N1) : analyse rétrospective 2009

The occurrence of the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic was the opportunity to set an appropriate vaccination campaign, effective and well tolerated within the shortest period of time. Thanks to a strong experience in the development of seasonal influenza vaccines and recent experimental knowledge on potential vaccines against H5N1 strain, pharmaceutical companies developed a new vaccine suited for the pandemic A H1N1 California July 2009 strain. This vaccine was produced with and without adjuvant, taking into account safety controls and evolution of scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, this campaign got a poor reception from the general and medical population due to the concomitant spread of the pandemics, an insufficient communication program, organization that was felt as unsuited, too complex and not well understood. Despite that, effectiveness and tolerance of the vaccination campaign have been observed with may be a positive effect on the epidemic.     

Efficacity of rituximab in hemolytic anemia with cold autoantibodies case

Introduction

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with cold autoantibodies or cold agglutinin disease is a rare chronic disorder in which no treatment has, until now, evidence of its effectiveness.

Clinical case

We report a patient who successfully responded to rituximab for a cold agglutinin disease refractory to conventional therapy with very good tolerance and a complete remission.

Conclusion

There are only few observations that have been reported in the literature regarding the efficacity of rituximab in the treatment of cold agglutinin disease. This promising therapy could, in the future, constitute a real alternative.