Arthritis Drug Shows Promise for Severe Vasculitis

An additional three were in partial remission, with BVAS scores of zero but persistent lung nodules, and two failed to respond.

Constitutional and vasculitis-related symptoms resolved more quickly than granulomatous manifestations, which regressed slowly over several months, Dr. Aouba said.

Rituximab was well tolerated, with the only adverse event being an urticarial rash in one patient, which developed after the third infusion.

In conclusion, the addition of rituximab to conventional treatment for relapsing Wegener's granulomatosis improved clinical outcome, Dr. Aouba said.

Necrotizing skin ulcers (above) developed in association with severe mixed cryoglobulinemia. Photos courtesy Dr. Dario Roccatello