A case of selective immunoglobulin a deficiency as a complication of rituximab treatment

Moskalets Oxana Vladimirovna

The article presents a clinical case of selective IgA deficiency which gradually developed in patient with primary Sjogren’s syndrome and MALT-lymphoma treated by rituximab for several years. It was associated with increased frequency of acute respiratory infections. The molecular mechanisms of secondary antibody deficiencies followed by immunisupressive therapy are virtually unknown and are likely to be heterogenous. Assessment of serum immunoglobulin levels before rituximab and follow-up during several years after discontinuation of treatment are recommended.

Keywords:rituximab, complications, antibody deficiency, immunoglobulin A, Sjogren’s syndrome, lymphoma.