Case report: successful treatment of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder and quiescence of dermatomyositis with rituximab and sirolimus

Transplant Proc. 2008 Jun;40(5):1744-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.11.072.

Abstract

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) remains one of the most important complications of intensive immunosuppressive therapy. A 65-year-old Caucasian woman received a primary en bloc kidney transplant from a deceased 2-year-old donor. After antithymocyte globulin induction she was treated with a maintenance regimen including cyclosporine and mycophenylate mofetil (MMF). She had a history of recurrent dermatomyositis, suggesting a flawed immune system. After a benign course for 9 months and after an increase in MMF from 2 to 3 g daily, she presented with pneumonia owing to Candida albicans, which was responsive to antibiotics, as was the PTLD. Persistent fever led to a diagnosis of PTLD. The immunosuppressive regimen was converted to sirolimus (SRL) and rituximab, with over 90% necrosis of the neoplasm at 1 month. However, owing to concern at exploration, the allografts were extirpated. This case documented the benefit of the rituximab-SRL combination to treat PTLD while maintaining dermatomyositis in remission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Appendectomy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dermatomyositis / drug therapy*
  • Dermatomyositis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation / physiology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Ovariectomy
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab
  • Sirolimus