SF-36 scores, baseline levels (0–100) and maximum changes (%) during follow-up, for patients in the Rituximab and Placebo groups.

a: p-values from Student's t-test for independent samples.b: two patients in the Rituximab group did not fill in baseline SF-36 form, one with major response and one non-responder.c: range for baseline SF-36 scores is 0–100 (lower score denotes increasing symptoms).d: maximum change (%) in SF-36 scores during follow-up, as compared to baseline. The patients filled in SF-36 forms at baseline and then every month until 10 months after intervention. Five out of 143 forms were missing (not filled in) in the Rituximab group (excluding the two patients with no baseline scheme), and nine out of 161 forms were missing in the Placebo group (one patient withdrawn after 28 weeks due to pregnancy).