Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42098995›Full record

ReviewThe American journal of case reports2026

Reversible Rituximab-Induced Bronchiectasis: A Pediatric Case Report and Literature Review.

Nasser AlHarbi, Ahmed AlEidan, Masheal A AlZanbagi

Abstract readCase ReportsReview
In one paragraph

Review in The American journal of case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Nasser AlHarbiPulmonology Division, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed AlEidanDepartment of Paediatric Pulmonology, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0003-0038-7703
Masheal A AlZanbagiDepartment of Paediatric Pulmonology, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric IgG monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen expressed on normal and malignant B cells. It is used for treating a variety of neoplastic, autoinflammatory, and autoimmune pathologies, including disorders occurring in the pediatric population. It has been proven that rituximab can induce pulmonary complications including interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis and pulmonary toxicities, predominantly in adults. By describing this case, we aim to raise awareness among pediatricians given the limited literature on rituximab-induced bronchiectasis in pediatrics, aiding in early recognition for better outcomes. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 12-year-old girl with relapsing steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome who was diagnosed at age 6 years. When rituximab was introduced, remission was achieved. A year later, she developed a persistent wet cough. Initial imaging suggested pneumonia, and subsequent admissions revealed recurrent respiratory infections. Workup showed hypogammaglobulinemia, attributed to rituximab-induced humoral immunosuppression. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed segmental atelectasis and bronchiectatic changes. Pulmonology testing diagnosed chronic suppurative lung disease, likely secondary to immunosuppression. Rituximab was discontinued, and the patient was started on azithromycin and airway clearance therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was initiated due to persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Repeated HRCT showed complete resolution of bronchiectasis, with minimal residual scarring. CONCLUSIONS While it is a more common complication in adults, it is important to recognize rituximab as a culprit in pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms after prolonged use for various indications. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial for mitigating further lung damage and perhaps full recovery. Pediatricians are encouraged to monitor for rituximab-induced pulmonary complications, particularly in naive lungs.

Indexed as

BronchiectasisImmunologic FactorsRituximabChildFemaleHumansNephrotic SyndromeTomography, X-Ray ComputedImmunologic FactorsRituximab

Identifiers

PMID42098995
PMCPMC13170395

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.