Severe bullous systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with low dose rituximab: a case report from sub-Saharan Africa

Reumatismo. 2020 Jul 23;72(2):115-119. doi: 10.4081/reumatismo.2020.1274.

Abstract

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a blistering skin condition occurring in lupus patients. Although cutaneous manifestations are common in lupus (59-85%), BSLE is rare, affecting <5% of lupus patients with very few reported cases among Africans. Dapsone is effective in mild to moderate cases, but off-label standard-dose rituximab (1,000 mg 2 weeks apart) has led to good outcomes in refractory cases. We report the case of a 39-yearold African lady with BSLE, who was successfully treated with low-dose rituximab (500 mg 2 weeks apart), healing her skin lesions at one year post-treatment. Low-dose rituximab may be as effective as standard dosing for the treatment of severe bullous SLE and is recommended in low resource settings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab / administration & dosage*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Rituximab