Rituximab alleviates pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus associated refractory immune thrombocytopenia: a case-based review.

A complication of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Although corticosteroids and immunoglobulins are frequently used as preliminary treatments, some patients do not respond to them. Rituximab has been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of pSLE complicated with refractory ITP. Research is currently underway to determine the optimal rituximab dose for these individuals. We report a case of a child with SLE-associated ITP (SLE-ITP) who was successfully treated with rituximab. Rituximab is likely the most viable therapeutic option for refractory SLE-ITP. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature was performed and a concise overview of the pathogenesis and available treatment modalities for pediatric patients diagnosed with SLE and concurrent ITP was provided.