ABSTRACT
We report an 11-yr-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with recurrent flares of skin and systemic manifestations, which were poorly controlled with conventional therapy. Treatment with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20, was associated with remission of symptoms and a steroid sparing effect that persisted for more than 9 months. Therapy with rituximab appears promising in subjects with SLE.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Child , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage , Infusions, Intravenous , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The renal tubule plays an important role in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Renal tubular disorders may affect multiple ( e.g., Fanconi syndrome) or specific (e.g., nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal glucosuria) tubular functions. Most conditions are primary and monogenic but occasionally are secondary to other disorders (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, cystinosis, Lowe syndrome). Tubular dysfunction should be considered in all children with failure to thrive, polyuria, refractory rickets, hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis. Careful clinical and laboratory evaluation is essential for appropriate diagnosis and specific management of these conditions.