Sustained Remission After Treatment with Rituximab in CIDP Without Nodal/Paranodal Antibodies

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Authors: So Okubo, Yuki Nagasako, Fumiko Kusunoki Nakamoto, Riku Saito, Ryoei Suzuki, Yusuke Sugiyama, Minako Yamada, Taro Bannai, Tomonari Seki, Masahiro Kawada, Ayumi Uchibori, Kei Funakoshi
+3 more Yuki Fukami, Masahisa Katsuno, Yasushi Shiio
Cited by: 1
References: 28

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a heterogeneous immune-mediated neuropathy with up to 30% of such patients refractory to standard treatments. Rituximab, a B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody, has shown promising efficacy in antibody-positive autoimmune diseases, but its efficacy in seronegative CIDP remains uncertain. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with severe refractory seronegative CIDP who experienced a rapid deterioration two weeks after rituximab initiation, while developing tetraplegia and respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. The patient subsequently achieved a full recovery and sustained remission for over 2.5 years. This highlights the therapeutic potential of rituximab in seronegative refractory CIDP, warranting further studies to identify the responsive subtypes and underlying mechanisms.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Autoimmune Bullous Skin Diseases Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research IgG4-Related and Inflammatory Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Internal Medicine
Publisher
Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN