Rituximab-Associated Hypersensitivity Reactions in Pediatric Patients: A Real-World Analysis of Risk Profile and Desensitization Outcomes
Öz
Data regarding the incidence, clinical phenotype, and risk factors of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) associated with rituximab in pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical phenotype, severity, timing, and management outcomes of rituximab-associated HSRs and to investigate the factors for HSR development in children. This single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients aged 0–18 years who received rituximab between March 2019 and April 2026. Demographic characteristics, atopic comorbidities, concomitant immunosuppressive therapies, pre-infusion laboratory parameters, and HSR details were recorded. Reactions were classified according to Brown’s anaphylaxis grading system and phenotyped as Type I, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), or infusion-related reaction (IRR). A total of 30 patients (56.7% female; median age 12.6 years) received 129 rituximab infusions. The per-patient HSR rate was 13.3% (n=4), and the per-infusion rate was 3.1%. Two patients experienced Type I reactions (anaphylaxis), one had CRS, and one had an IRR. All HSRs occurred within the first two treatment courses, with a significantly lower median dose number in the HSR group (2 vs. 4; p=0.044). No demographic, clinical, or laboratory parameter was significantly associated with HSR development. Rapid drug desensitization (RDD) was successfully performed in three patients (11 procedures), enabling uninterrupted treatment continuation. Immediate HSRs to rituximab occur at a notable frequency in pediatric patients, predominantly during early treatment courses. RDD under pediatric allergy guidance allows safe treatment continuation even in children with a history of anaphylaxis. These findings underscore the importance of enhanced clinical vigilance during initial infusions and the integration of a multidisciplinary risk management approach.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Destekleyen Kurum
Etik Beyan
Teşekkür
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Çocuk İmmünolojisi ve Alerji Hastalıkları
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Rüveyda Gülmez
0000-0001-5504-3516
Türkiye
İrem Kunter
0009-0001-2253-8309
Türkiye
Salih Türkmen
0000-0002-7775-6725
Türkiye
Fatma Cakir
0000-0001-9581-8128
Türkiye
Elif Karatoprak
0000-0003-2515-1764
Türkiye
Kübra Öztürk
0000-0003-2169-4489
Türkiye
Nilüfer Göknar
0000-0003-4376-1216
Türkiye
Mustafa Arga
0000-0002-0940-7398
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
26 Ağustos 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
18 Haziran 2026
Kabul Tarihi
24 Temmuz 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 48 Sayı: 5