Abstract

FORTEA ORMAECHEA, José Ignacio et al. Long-term remission with rituximab in a patient with severe hepatitis C virus-induced mixed cryoglubulinemia. Rev. esp. enferm. dig. [online]. 2013, vol.105, n.8, pp.490-493. ISSN 1130-0108.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1130-01082013000800009.

Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a small-vessel systemic vasculitis characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins, immunoglobulin complexes that precipitate at low temperatures (< 37 ^oC) inducing the inflammatory process. The most frequent etiology is hepatitis C infection (HCV) (1). Rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has recently emerged as the treatment of choice for severe MC (2). We present a case of severe hepatitis C virus-induced MC that was controlled and maintained in remission with RTX for 26 months, a remarkable prolonged period of time.

Keywords : Cryoglobulinemia; Rituximab; Hepatitis C infection.

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