Abstract
Severe cases of the new COVID-19 are being reported in immunosuppressed patients. The risk seems to depend on the type of immunosuppressive agents used and it is particularly important in patients under the long-lasting effect of rituximab. Information regarding the best therapeutic approach to these patients is scarce and further studies are needed. We present a case of a young woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab (last administration 4 months before her admission). She presented with a deteriorating and prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection, with persistent fever, significant elevation of inflammatory markers and radiological progression. Glucocorticoids and antibiotic therapy were initiated, with no response. Intravenous immunoglobulin was then used with a rapid and exuberant response, anticipating a promising role of this therapy in immunosuppressed patients with COVID-19 under the effect of rituximab.
Keywords: COVID-19; biological agents; rheumatoid arthritis.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, Biological agents, 【초록키워드】 therapy, SARS-COV-2 infection, risk, rheumatoid arthritis, Immunoglobulin, Fever, Patient, Inflammatory marker, Admission, immunosuppressed patients, administration, Therapeutic approach, Antibiotic therapy, radiological progression, reported, treated, long-lasting, initiated, immunosuppressive agent, immunosuppressed patient, with COVID-19, 【제목키워드】 Immunoglobulin, Patient, therapeutic option, worsening,