Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
Efficacy and safety of belimumab versus rituximab for refractory immune thrombocytopenia in patients with connective tissue disease
Authors' conclusion
BLM may be a safe and effective alternative to RTX for CTD-ITP refractory to GCs plus ISAs.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with immune thrombocytopenia secondary to connective tissue disease refractory to glucocorticoids (GCs) plus immunosuppressant agents
- Participants
- 11 vs 15
- Exposure
- Belimumab vs rituximab for CTD-ITP refractory to GCs plus immunosuppressants
- Belimumab (BLM)n = 11
- Rituximab (RTX)n = 15reference
- Outcome
- Overall response
- Follow-up
- Week 2
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
P = 0.045
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Overall response (excluding three deceased patients) · week 24
P = 1.000
GC withdrawal to <15 mg prednisone among responders · week 24
P = 0.608
| Outcome | BLM | RTX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall response, weeks 4, 8 and 12 | 72.7% | 60.0% (9/15), 66.7% (10/15) and 73.3% (11/15) at week 4, 8 and 12 |
- Overall response, weeks 4, 8 and 12: BLM remained at 72.7% (8/11) during week 4-12
- Overall response (excluding three deceased patients): RTX 8/13; BLM 7/10
- GC withdrawal to <15 mg prednisone among responders: RTX 4/10; BLM 4/6
Serum C3 and IgG · weeks 4, 8 and 12
- Serum C3 did not significantly change; serum IgG significantly decreased at week 4, 8 and 12 in both groups
Safety
Serious adverse effects: death from severe pneumonia · weeks 12-24
- Patients with serious adverse effects who died of severe pneumonia
- 3
Original publication
Efficacy and safety of belimumab versus rituximab for refractory immune thrombocytopenia in patients with connective tissue disease. Lupus Sci Med. Published 12 May 2025. doi:10.
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