Combination rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of refractory vasculitic neuropathy: a case series.

Abstract

Limited evidence exists to guide treatment of refractory vasculitic neuropathy. While rituximab (RTX) and IVIG have both been proposed as individual treatment options for these patients, combination therapy has never been reported. Written informed consent was obtained from three patients with refractory vasculitic neuropathy who were treated with combination RTX and IVIG. Their electronic medical records were reviewed and clinical and functional outcomes were reported. Two male patients with non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy and one male patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis were treated with combination RTX and IVIG therapy. All three patients demonstrated clinical improvement with at least partial functional recovery and a reduction in corticosteroid dose. This combination was generally well tolerated. Combination RTX and IVIG therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with refractory vasculitic neuropathy. Further studies are needed to better characterize the risks and benefits of this combination.