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Neuropediatrics 2022; 53(05): 366-369
DOI: 10.1055/a-1819-1883
Short Communication

Successful Rituximab Therapy for Pediatric Antiphospholipid-Related Chorea: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Alexia D'hont‡   *
1   Department of Pediatrics, ZNA Jan Palfijn, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
,
Matthias De Wachter  ‡   *
2   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp University, Edegem, Belgium
,
Yentl Driesen
3   Department of Pediatrics, ZNA Jan Palfijn, Merksem, Belgium
,
Vito Sabato
4   Department of Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp University, Edegem, Belgium
,
Rik Joos
5   Department of Rheumatology, ZNA Jan Palfijn, Merksem, Belgium
,
Berten Ceulemans
2   Department of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp University, Edegem, Belgium
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Abstract

Chorea is considered a nonthrombotic manifestation of the antiphospholipid syndrome, often preceding thrombotic events in children. It can be present in up to 5% of pediatric patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. Immunomodulatory treatment regimens seem to be successful in these patients, emphasizing the underlying immunological etiology. Corticosteroids are considered first-line treatment, but chorea tends to be therapy-resistant and guidelines about second-line therapy in children are solely based on small case studies. We present a case of a therapy-resistant chorea, successfully treated with rituximab. Furthermore, we give an overview of the existing literature concerning rituximab for the treatment of chorea in children. Our findings indicate that rituximab can be considered a safe option to treat antiphospholipid syndrome-related chorea in children.

Keywords

chorea - antiphospholipid syndrome - child - rituximab

Note

A written consent for the enrolment in this case report was obtained from the patients' mother.


* Equally contributed.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 29 December 2021

Accepted: 31 March 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
06 April 2022

Article published online:
17 July 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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