Rituximab Administration in Third Trimester of Pregnancy Suppresses Neonatal B-Cell Development

Abstract EN

We describe the effect on the neonate of administration of rituximab to a woman with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, was given weekly for 4 weeks to a woman with ITP in her third trimester of pregnancy.

One month after the last rituximab administration a healthy girl was born.

She had normal growth and development during the first six months.

At birth, B-lymphocytes were not detectable.

Rituximab levels in mother and neonate were 24000 and 6700 ng/mL, respectively.

Only 7 cases of rituximab administration during pregnancy were described.

No adverse events are described for fetus and neonate.

We demonstrate that rituximab passes the placenta and inhibits neonatal B-lymphocyte development.

However, after 6 months B-lymphocyte levels normalized and vaccination titres after 10 months were adequate.

No infection-related complications occurred.

Rituximab administration during pregnancy appears to be safe for the child but further studies are warranted.