Effect of Immunosuppressive Diseases and Rituximab Infusions on Allowing COVID-19 Infection to Relapse
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Relapsing COVID-19 infections have been reported, but their etiology and severity are still unknown. In addition, there have been no cases in the literature that associate relapsing infection with immunosuppression, either from a disease course or medications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case series illustrates two patients who developed a relapsed infection, likely from recent rituximab infusions. In addition, both cases depicted a severe form of infection than the initial one. Laboratory investigations revealed these patients were unable to produce COVID-19 antibodies, even though one of the patients received convalescent plasma. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of relapsing COVID-19, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Because rituximab induces B-cell depletion, it can also decrease the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, these patients should receive the vaccine before their scheduled rituximab infusion.
Source: The Permanente Journal
DOI: 10.7812/tpp/21.035
Institutions: Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4200434816