Rapid rituximab infusion is safe and well tolerated in malignant and benign disease

Abstract

Introduction Although the safety and feasibility of rapid rituximab administration has been demonstrated for B-cell malignancies, there is scant data in the literature to support its use in patients with benign diseases. Objective To identify the incidence of infusion-related reaction with rapid rituximab administration in malignant and benign disease. Secondary objective was to determine the infusion time saved between standard administration and rapid rituximab administration. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing electronic medical records from December 2018 to April 2020. Adult patients who received at least one dose of rapid rituximab were included. Results A total of 63 patents were included. The incidence of an infusion-related reaction with rapid rituximab was 1.6%. The one patient who reacted had a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. The mean infusion time saved was 2.9 hours (95% CI: 2.7-3.1; P-value <0.001). Conclusion The use of the rapid rituximab administration is safe and well tolerated in both benign and malignant disease.