Successful rituximab treatment of refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

High-dose steroids, immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine, and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin have all been used to control hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, some patients are refractory to treatment. Rituximab has successfully resolved many of the refractory manifestations of SLE. Here, we report a case of HLH and AIHA associated with SLE that was refractory or intolerable to conventional therapy, but was successfully treated with rituximab.

Keywords: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; Refractory; Rituximab; Systemic lupus erythematosus.