Rituximab Improves Atopic Dermatitis

Rituximab is a synthesized monoclonal antibody to CD20, a nonglycosylated phosphoprotein expressed on the surface of pre–B cells and mature B cells but not on . . .

Rituximab is a synthesized monoclonal antibody to CD20, a nonglycosylated phosphoprotein expressed on the surface of pre–B cells and mature B cells but not on plasma cells. These authors treated six adult patients with atopic dermatitis (mean Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI] score before treatment, 29) with 1000 mg of rituximab administered by intravenous infusion and repeated 2 weeks later.

Symptoms in all six patients improved within 4 weeks and continued to improve; by 8 weeks, the mean EASI score was 8 (P<0.001). Peripheral blood B-cell levels were “undetectable,” and skin-infiltrating B-cell levels decreased by 50%. Total IgE levels were only slightly reduced, and allergy-specific IgE levels remained unchanged. The authors assessed…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)