Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis treated with Mepolizumab and Rituximab combination therapy – a case report
Authors
Ana Catarina Moniz; Laura Gago; Mariana Emília Santos; Daniel Melim; Sara Dias Rodrigues; Paula Araújo; Jaime Cunha Branco; Maria João Gonçalves;
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a disease characterized by vasculitis affecting small blood vessels, primarily in the lungs, skin, and peripheral nervous system. Both rituximab and mepolizumab are recommended for EGPA treatment, but their combined use is uncommon. There have been only a few reported cases of using both drugs together.
We present a 46-year-old man with a history of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis presented with dyspnea, numbness in the feet, and skin lesions. He was diagnosed with ANCA-negative EGPA and treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Despite initial improvement, he developed respiratory symptoms and osteoporosis. Treatment with mepolizumab helped reduce corticosteroid dosage but was not effective in joint involvement. A combination of mepolizumab and rituximab was then initiated, resulting in significant improvement in joint symptoms and overall disease control.
This case demonstrates the challenges of managing EGPA and the need for tailored treatment approaches. The combination of rituximab and
mepolizumab proved effective in controlling different disease manifestations. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy in EGPA.
Ana Catarina Moniz
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Laura Gago
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Mariana Emília Santos
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Daniel Melim
Centro Hospitalar do Funchal, SESARAM E.P.E
Sara Dias Rodrigues
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Paula Araújo
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Jaime Cunha Branco
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Maria João Gonçalves
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Laura Gago
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Mariana Emília Santos
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Daniel Melim
Centro Hospitalar do Funchal, SESARAM E.P.E
Sara Dias Rodrigues
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Paula Araújo
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Jaime Cunha Branco
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental
Maria João Gonçalves
Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental