[Analysis of factors influencing the occurrence of infusion reaction after initial treatment with rituximab].

We investigated factors influencing the occurrence of infusion reactions after initial treatment with rituximab. We included patients who were administered rituximab for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the Gifu Municipal Hospital Hematology from February 2010 to March 2013. Fifty-one patients were included; their median age was 72(44-87)years, and 31 were men and 20 were women. We defined the index of infusion reaction as the maximal change in body temperature within 24 hours from the administration of rituximab and evaluated the correlation with change in body temperature and each factor, and differences of change in body temperature between the upper and lower groups divided by standard value of each factor by using the t test without correspondence. The "2,000 U/mL or less group"of soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL- 2R)levels and the "over 2,000 U/mL group"showed significant different(p=0.014). The "double value or less group"of a standard value(211 IU/L)and "over double value group"showed significantly different lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels (p=0.017). The "lower limit or less group"of the standard value(men: 13 g/dL, women: 12 g/dL)and the "over lower limit group"showed significantly different hemoglobin(Hb)levels(p=0.020). In conclusion, the levels of sIL-2R, LDH, and Hb may predict the occurrence of infusion reaction after the initial administration of rituximab in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.