Transient effect of anti-CD20 therapy in a child with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and severe steroid refractory cytopenias: a case report

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 May;35(4):311-4. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e31828be602.

Abstract

We report on the development of steroid-refractory recurrent cytopenias in a child with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. His first hematological complication was autoimmune hemolytic anemia at 3 months of age. Thereafter, he developed severe autoimmune cytopenias of all 3 hematological lineages with poor response to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. At the age of 2½ years, a course of anti-CD20 therapy (Rituximab) was given with transient hematological recovery. Because of persistent symptoms, bone marrow transplantation from a matched unrelated donor was performed. Although the data in the use of anti-CD20 therapy in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and autoimmune cytopenias are limited, our experience suggests its potential benefit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / blood*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • DiGeorge Syndrome / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pancytopenia / blood
  • Pancytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Pancytopenia / surgery
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab