Rituximab Treatment for Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis, a systemic autoimmune disease, involves the muscles, skin, and, occasionally, the lungs. Because B-lymphocytes can be found in muscle biopsy samples, because up to 40% of patients develop myositis-specific antibodies, and because the membrane attack complex of the complement system is deposited in the microvasculature of the involved skin and muscle, B cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. Recent case reports have suggested that rituximab, a B-cell–depleting monoclonal antibody, may be an effective treatment.

The investigators enrolled eight adult dermatomyositis patients in this single-arm, open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of rituximab for the myositis and cutaneous manifestation…