https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2020.1274
Severe bullous systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with low dose rituximab: a case report from sub-Saharan Africa
Accepted: 29 April 2020
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Authors
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.
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