Rituximab therapy in severe connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease: A retrospective single-centre observational study.

Background: Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) that progresses despite first-line immunosuppressive therapy is a clinical challenge. Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeted to CD20+ B cells, resulting in B-cell depletion, and has been used as a salvage therapeutic modality in severe disease.

Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of RTX in patients with severe CTD-ILD.

Post-primary pulmonary TB haemoptysis - When there is more than meets the eye.

Haemoptysis is concerning for both patient and healthcare provider and points to the presence of severe underlying lung disease warranting investigation. Approximately 8% of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection will experience haemoptysis at some point during their life . The aetiology of haemoptysis in the setting of PTB is diverse and may occur during active or following prior PTB infection due to pulmonary complications.