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TL;DR
This case report describes two pediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis refractory to standard therapy who were successfully treated with rituximab, leading to significant improvement in liver enzymes and clinical symptoms.
JPGN Reports · 3 authors, 1 centre
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This case report describes two pediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis refractory to standard therapy who were successfully treated with rituximab, leading to significant improvement in liver enzymes and clinical symptoms.
This case report details the use of rituximab, a B-cell depleting monoclonal antibody, in two pediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) refractory to conventional immunosuppression. Rituximab (375 mg/m²) followed by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered. Both patients demonstrated a marked improvement in aminotransferase levels and clinical symptoms, such as joint pain and energy levels, following treatment. The authors highlight the role of B-cells in AIH pathogenesis and present this as a potential salvage therapy for refractory cases. The findings suggest rituximab may be a viable option for a subset of difficult-to-treat pediatric AIH patients, warranting further study.