FRI0202 LATE ONSET NEUTROPAENIA IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AFTER RITUXIMAB TREATMENT

Background: Late onset neutropaenia (LON) is a recognised complication of rituximab (RTX) treatment in patients with haematological malignancies. There is increasing evidence that LON can also complicate B-cell depletion in patients with rheumatological conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 Objectives: To identify the frequency of LON occurring after RTX therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: Retrospective review of patients with RA treated with RTX between October 2007 and July 2011. Patients were identified from the day unit records, case notes and haematology results were reviewed. LON was defined as absolute neutrophil count <1.5×109/l occurring at least 4 weeks after RTX.For each patient we recorded demographics, serology, concurrent DMARDs, number of cycles of RTX, neutrophil count pre treatment and up to one year after the last cycle. RTX regime was 1g IV given 2 weeks apart. Repeated as clinically needed but not less than 6 monthly. FBC was monitored according to DMARD guidelines or 3 monthly, or at the time of clinical review