[Rituximab-induced acute thrombocytopenia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Rev Med Interne. 2017 May;38(5):344-346. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.08.008. Epub 2016 Sep 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody generally well tolerated. However, a severe but rare rituximab-related immune-toxic syndrome, associating fever, chills and thrombocytopenia can occur shortly after the infusion.

Case report: We report a case of severe acute rituximab-induced thrombocytopenia with favorable outcome in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.

Conclusion: Despite the potential initial severity of rituximab-induced thrombocytopenia in CLL, chemotherapy should not be discontinued; tolerance might increase as the hematologic disorder is controlled.

Keywords: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Cytokine release syndrome; Leucémie lymphoïde chronique; Rituximab; Syndrome de relargage des cytokines; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombopénie.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Rituximab / adverse effects*
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Rituximab