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Induced psoriasis after rituximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Rituximab is a human/murine monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes surface. Although it has been licensed for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nowadays it is also a novel therapy for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Despite the increasing evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of rituximab in these conditions, many cutaneous adverse events have been reported. Here, we describe the case of a 69-year-old patient, affected by rheumatoid arthritis, who developed psoriatic lesions on her trunk and arms, three months after the second course of rituximab. Similar cases appearing in the literature will also be briefly mentioned.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Siena University, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy

    G. M. Guidelli & A. Fioravanti

  2. Dermatology section, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Siena University, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy

    P. Rubegni & L. Feci

Authors
  1. G. M. Guidelli
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  2. A. Fioravanti
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  3. P. Rubegni
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  4. L. Feci
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Correspondence to G. M. Guidelli.

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Guidelli, G.M., Fioravanti, A., Rubegni, P. et al. Induced psoriasis after rituximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and review of the literature. Rheumatol Int 33, 2927–2930 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2581-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-012-2581-3

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