Successful treatment with belimumab for immune thrombocytopenia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A report of two cases

Abstract

ABSTRACT Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Glucocorticoids (GCs) and hydroxychloroquine are first-line therapy for SLE-associated ITP (SLE-ITP). SLE-ITP in most of patients is less severe and well controlled with GCs, but some of the patients are GC resistant and require additional immunosuppressants including calcineurin inhibitors, azathioprine, and rituximab. We present two cases of SLE-ITP patients treated with belimumab who were resistant to GCs and achieved remission. For severe SLE-ITP, belimumab has emerged as a novel induction therapeutic option.