B cell depletion with rituximab in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Objective To determine the safety of rituximab, to provide preliminary data regarding the potential efficacy of rituximab, and to investigate the effects of rituximab on autoimmunity and fibrosis in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Methods Fifteen patients with dcSSc, all of whom experienced their first non–Raynaud's disease–associated disease manifestation within 18 months of trial entry, were recruited to receive 2...