Journal
EXPERT REVIEW OF ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
Volume 9, Issue 4, Pages 313-317Publisher
ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1586/17446651.2014.913979
Keywords
antibodies to platelets; antipituitary antibodies; autoimmune hypophysitis; autoimmune hypopituitarism; immune thrombocytopenia
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Funding
- University Research Grants
- Second University of Naples
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Rituximab, a B-cell depleting antibody, has been used for treatment of several autoimmune diseases. We report the effect of rituximab therapy on pituitary and platelet autoimmunity in a 36-yr old patient, positive for antiplatelet and antipituitary (APA) antibodies. The behavior of pituitary function and of APA by immunofluorescence, as well antibodies to platelets and platelet count, were investigated at start and subsequently every six months during Rituximab treatment. Rituximab treatment determined disappearance of antiplatelet antibodies with recovery of normal platelet count and disappearance of APA with recovery of pituitary-gonadal function. Rituximab determined a remission of both autoimmune processes, likely through a T cell inactivation and a depletion of autoreactive B-cells generation responsible for antiplatelet and antipituitary antibody production.
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