Objective. Rituximab (RTX) has been used to treat many pediatric autoimmune conditions. We investigated the safety and efficacy of RTX in a variety of pediatric autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Retrospective study of children treated with RTX. Effectiveness data was recorded for patients with at least 12 months of followup; safety data was recorded for all subjects. Results. The study included 104 children; 50 had SLE. Improvements in corticosteroid dosage, physician's global assessment of disease activity, and SLE-associated markers of disease activity were seen. The incidence of hospitalized infections was similar to previous studies of patients with childhood-onset SLE. Conclusion. RTX can be safely administered to children and appears to contribute to decreased disease activity and steroid burden.
