Abstract Number: 1374 • ACR Convergence 2022
Real-World Effectiveness and Steroid Sparing Effect of Belimumab in Pediatric Lupus: A Single Center Retrospective Study
Background/Purpose: Belimumab is the only targeted therapy approved for pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE), although use remains limited in children. While clinical trials and studies…Abstract Number: L03 • ACR Convergence 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Antibody Responses in Patients Treated with B-Cell Agents Depend on B-Cell Counts at Time of Vaccine
Background/Purpose: Optimal COVID-19 vaccine responses are necessary to protect against severe infection. Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD) are at risk for not mounting adequate…Abstract Number: L13 • ACR Convergence 2021
Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Belimumab (BEL) and Rituximab (RTX) Sequential Therapy in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled BLISS-BELIEVE Study
Background/Purpose: Disease control remains an unmet need in SLE. The rationale for sequential BEL and RTX therapy in SLE was previously published.1 This study evaluated…Abstract Number: L21 • ACR Convergence 2021
Rituximab versus Conventional Therapeutic Strategy for Remission Induction in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Background/Purpose: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is an eosinophilic ANCA-associated vasculitis.Glucocorticoids, alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide in severe forms, induce remission in most patients…Abstract Number: 0004 • ACR Convergence 2021
Unappreciated Systemic Metabolic Functions of the Canonical B Cell Cytokines, BAFF and APRIL: Regulation of Lipolysis and Non-shivering Thermogenesis and Protection from Obesogenic Diet Induced Weight Gain
Background/Purpose: The impact of immune mediators on weight homeostasis and systemic metabolism remains underdefined. Interrogation of resistance to diet-induced obesity in mice lacking a negative…Abstract Number: 0496 • ACR Convergence 2021
Safety and Efficacy of Rituximab for Systemic Sclerosis: A Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparison, Investigators Initiated Confirmatory Randomized Clinical Trial (DESIRES Study)
Background/Purpose: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease belonging to collagen diseases, characterized by fibrosis of various organs including the skin and lungs, and…Abstract Number: 0648 • ACR Convergence 2021
Improving Post-Rituximab Hypogammaglobulinemia Risk Assessments: A Fellows’ Quality Improvement Initiative
Background/Purpose: Hypogammaglobulinemia following rituximab therapy is a potentially severe complication that can lead to infection-related morbidity and mortality. If recognized, clinicians may prevent infections by…Abstract Number: 0964 • ACR Convergence 2021
Rituximab Treatment Dramatically Reduces Neutralizing Humoral Response to mRNA SARS-COV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Background/Purpose: The global COVID-19 pandemic is starting to be controlled by massive vaccination. Some immunosuppressed patients have already paid a high price to the pandemic…Abstract Number: 1391 • ACR Convergence 2021
Rituximab Is Superior to Placebo in Polymyalgia Rheumatica Patients: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Proof of Principle Trial
Background/Purpose: Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of polymyalgia rheumatica treatment, but their use has several disadvantages such as long treatment duration and glucocorticoid-related adverse events.1,2 Data…Abstract Number: 1443 • ACR Convergence 2021
Long-term Effectiveness of Ultra-Low Doses of Rituximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Background/Purpose: The optimal rituximab (RTX) dose for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear. RTX treatment of 1000mg per 6 months and 2000mg per 6…Abstract Number: 1528 • ACR Convergence 2021
Clinical Consequences of Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positivity After IVIG Administration
Background/Purpose: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a blood product created by pooling of donor plasma that is used for a wide range of indications. IVIG is…Abstract Number: 1732 • ACR Convergence 2021
Effects of B Cell Activating Factors/B Lymphocyte Stimulator Inhibitors Added to Standard of Care on Infection in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Background/Purpose: The efficacy of B cell activator factor/B lymphocyte stimulator inhibitors (BAFFi/BLySi) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been proven in clinical trials. However, it…Abstract Number: 1905 • ACR Convergence 2021
CD11c+ Expression Associates with IFN-λ Responsiveness in Human B Cells with Clinical Implications for SLE
Background/Purpose: Type I interferon (IFN), namely IFN- α, and B cell aberrations are long recognized in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Type I IFN receptor…Abstract Number: 1578 • ACR Convergence 2020
Rituximab Hypersensitivity in Rheumatic and Inflammatory Diseases: Role of Skin Testing
Background/Purpose: Infusion-related reactions have been reported with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B cells, and may result in discontinuation of the…Abstract Number: 1693 • ACR Convergence 2020
Evaluation of B-cell Depletion with Rituximab and IVIG Concurrent Treatment in Pediatric Autoimmune Brain Disease
Background/Purpose: Rituximab is standard therapy for autoimmune brain disease (ABD) including autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease (NMOSD). Recommendations for continuing concurrent intravenous…
