Rituximab for the treatment of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease

Abstract

Background Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) is a severe complication with a poor prognosis. No clinical trials have supported the use of rituximab in AE-ILD associated with connective tissue disease.Methods We present a series of four cases in which administration of rituximab was associated with appropriate clinical, radiological and functional progress.Results The four patients were alive 30 days after discharge following their exacerbation.Conclusions Given the speed of action, safety and efficacy profile observed for rituximab, we believe that this agent should be further investigated in clinical trials so that it could be included in the daily clinical management of this severe condition.