Rapid infusion of rituximab is well tolerated in children with hematologic, oncologic, and rheumatologic disorders

Abstract

Traditional administration of rituximab requires careful titration and may involve many hours to minimize the risk of reactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of rapid infusions of rituximab in a pilot group of children with hematologic, oncologic, and rheumatologic disorders, and to determine the incidence of rate-related infusion reactions. Twenty patients enrolled in the study. All patients tolerated the rapid infusion of rituximab and no patient had an infusion-related reaction. We conclude that rapid infusions of rituximab are well tolerated and safe in our pilot group of patients.

Keywords: immune thrombocytopenia; pediatric hematology; rituximab.