Rituximab as a treatment for human immunodeficiency virus-associated nemaline myopathy: What does the literature have to tell us?

Abstract

We presented a letter about a case of a 37-year-old Black female with a history of human immunodeficiency virus and an undetectable viral load. She was evaluated with weakness in the scapular (grade III) and pelvic girdles (grade II), elevation of creatine phosphokinase levels and muscle biopsy compatible with nemaline myopathy. She was treated with rituximab showing improvement of the condition.

Keywords: Case report; Human immunodeficiency virus; Nemaline myopathy; Rituximab; Rheumatology; Therapy

Core Tip: Rituximab may be a therapeutic possibility for the treatment of nemaline myopathies (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus-associated and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-associated) because it is less aggressive and has fewer side effects compared to current therapies. It may be especially helpful in cases of severe visceral involvement. However, the cost and unavailability of therapy can be a limiting factor.