Effect Of Treatment With Rituximab In Patients With Refractory Autoimmune Cytopenias.

The autoimmune cytopenias encompass the disorders of immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), autoimmune neutropenia (AIN), pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and various combinations of these conditions. We describe 34 patients with severe autoimmune cytopenias resistant to standard immunosuppression treated with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Rituximab. 17 patients had ITP, 6 AIN, 2 AIHA, 2 PRCA, 4 AIHA and ITP (Evan's syndrome), 1 AIHA and AIN, 1 PRCA and ITP, and 1 AIN and ITP. 28 patients had primary autoimmune cytopenias and in 6 patients, the cytopenia was secondary to an underlying disorder (3 B-NHL, 1 T-NHL, 1 B-CLL and 1 SLE).