Can We Expect Any Effect of Rituximab on Fatigue in Primary Sjögren Syndrome?: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

J Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Dec 1;27(8):e510-e515. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001217.

Abstract

Introduction: Fatigue is a major determinant of impaired quality of life in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients. Effective therapeutic strategies are lacking.

Objectives: To review the potential benefit of rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, in the treatment of fatigue in pSS.

Methods: A systematic review on the effect of rituximab on fatigue-related outcome measures was conducted, retrieving evidence from CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Scopus.

Results: No benefit of rituximab over placebo on any fatigue-related outcome measure could be demonstrated in the included trials. Significant effects were only observed when compared with baseline, but not when compared with placebo.

Conclusions: The use of rituximab for the treatment of pSS-related fatigue cannot be supported by the currently available evidence.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Fatigue / drug therapy
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / complications
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Rituximab