Short-term absolute B-cell counts monitoring in systemic sclerosis patients treated with rituximab

Objective. To evaluate B-cell counts in circulation of SS patients prior to initiation and one year after completion of RTM therapy.Subjects and methods. The study included 71 patients. Median follow up was 13,2±2,0 months (11-18 Mo.). Average cumulative RTM dose during the follow up period was 1,43±0,60 g, with 48 patients receiving < 2 g RTM (Group 1, mean dose 1,1±0,1 g) and 23 patients receiving ≥ 2 g RTM (Group 2, mean dose 2,2±0,6 g). CD19+ lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood were determined using flow cytometry in PSS patients and 20 healthy volunteers matched by sex and age. In SS patients B-cell counts were obtained before initiating RTM, within first month after first administration, then after 6 months and at the end of this study.Results. Baseline absolute and proportional В-lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood was almost similar in SS patients and healthy subjects. Highest counts were observed in SS patients with