Rituximab-induced urticarial dermatitis during the treatment of membranous nephropathy

Abstract

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against B cells and is being increasingly used for various renal indications. Acute dermatologic manifestations such as urticaria are well known to occur during rituximab infusion. Here, we report the case of a 53- year-old female who was treated with rituximab for membranous nephropathy and developed an exanthematous rash, which progressed with a further dose of rituximab and was diagnosed as urticarial dermatitis. A review of literature showed that urticarial dermatitis following rituximab therapy has been seldom reported and identification of this complication is very important to avoid giving further doses and thus, increasing the severity of lesions.