Long-term follow-up of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with rituximab |
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Authors: | Jens Marcus Chemnitz Jens Uener Michael Hallek Christof Scheid |
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Institution: | (1) Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany;(2) Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany |
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Abstract: | Rituximab may be used to treat patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) refractory to plasma exchange or recurrent
disease. While initial response rates are reported to be high, long-term follow-up data of patients treated with rituximab
are not available to date, however important to estimate the safety and benefit of this treatment. Twelve patients with non-familial
idiopathic TTP refractory to plasma exchange or with recurrent disease treated with rituximab between 2000 and 2008 were reexamined.
The median follow-up was 49.6 months, ranging from 11 to 97 months. All patients achieved initial complete remission after
application of rituximab. During follow-up, nine patients remained disease-free and three patients suffered from recurrent
disease. All patients with recurrent disease responded to subsequent rituximab therapy. No long-term side effects were noted
during the follow-up period. In conclusion, rituximab represents an effective second-line treatment option in relapsing or
refractory TTP. Still, patients need to be closely monitored for relapses with extended follow-up. |
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