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Is Rituximab Infusions Or Splenectomy Better For Treatment Of Autoimmune Disease?
Hi, I was diagnosed last year as having an autoimmune disease, my platelets go very low and in the past my neutraphils have been as low as one.I also have had two heart attacks, one 12 years ago and another last year. I also have an enlarged spleen.
I have had large doses of steroids last year and my haematologist is very reluctant to prescribe these again as I had very bad side effects last time. I have in the past month had two lots of two day courses of Immunoglobulin as my platelets have again gone down. I've now been told I have two choices, either Rituximab infusions or a Splenectomy. I have read up on both and I am very confused and concerned about side effects, infections etc.
What are your views on this?
Thank You
I have had large doses of steroids last year and my haematologist is very reluctant to prescribe these again as I had very bad side effects last time. I have in the past month had two lots of two day courses of Immunoglobulin as my platelets have again gone down. I've now been told I have two choices, either Rituximab infusions or a Splenectomy. I have read up on both and I am very confused and concerned about side effects, infections etc.
What are your views on this?
Thank You
posted on
Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 May 2014
Answered on
Tue, 6 May 2014
Last reviewed on
Dear,
splenectomy will be a better choice as it will reduce the burden in your body and also if after splenectomy there is still recurrence at least there will be another choice for Rituximab infusion.
I hope you have got your bone marrow studies done to rule out what is the actual problem.
Truly,
dr. J. Ticku
splenectomy will be a better choice as it will reduce the burden in your body and also if after splenectomy there is still recurrence at least there will be another choice for Rituximab infusion.
I hope you have got your bone marrow studies done to rule out what is the actual problem.
Truly,
dr. J. Ticku
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