Efficacy of Rituximab vs Tacrolimus in Pediatric Corticosteroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

[Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital]

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology.

METHODS

Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease.

RESULTS

The study involved 8 patients. All of them previously received immunosuppressive therapy. The Rituximab were administered as an intravenous infusion, in a dose of 375 mg/m2, and all doses were administered in a period during which the disease was in remission. The depletion of lymphocytes B (CD 19%) were confirmed after the first dose of Rituximab except for one, with a lymphocyte count of 1%. The period of depletion lasts 10.3 months (median; range 6.5-16 months), and only one of the patients registered a relapse of the disease in this period. A reduction of relapses suffered by patients has been shown after the treatment began (3.6 relapses/year in the previous year to the start of the treatment vs. 0.1 relapses/year during the first year post-rituximab). The relapse-free survival in the first year reached 83.3% in patients who suffered more than one relapse (75% of patients), and without a relapse after the treatment began in 2 cases. One or more drugs could be removed in 87.5% of patients after the first cycle of rituximab. After the rituximab treatment, we reached a 96.5% decrease in the corticosteroids doses administered (28.5 mg/m2/day during the 3 months pre-treatment vs. 1 mg/m2/day in the last 3 months of patient monitoring). Not a significant observed adverse effect attributed to the drug after the post-rituximab monitoring period (median 46.5 months, range 5-97 months).

CONCLUSION

The favorable results reported after rituximab treatment in our patients seems to confirm the effectiveness of this drug in the steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, making that therapeutic option into consideration and legitimating the use of the drug in complex cases involving pediatric patients. Even so, it seems recommendable to design pertinent studies to clarify, among others, the optimum regimen of the treatment (dose, interval and cycles), clinical repercussion and potential adverse effects in long terms.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Rituximab for Steroid-Dependent or Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of rituximab (RTX) for steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome via a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: All the literature about RTX therapy for childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS) on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Chinese biomedical literature database published before November 1, 2019, were conducted and selected according to the preset criteria. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the literature included. The outcome data were analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: There were six RCT studies that met the inclusion criteria with a moderate quality after evaluation. At the end of the treatment, the relapse rate of NS in the RTX group reduced significantly when compared with that in the control group [odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.03, 0.43), p = 0.001]. The number of patients in the RTX group used less steroid or/and calcineurin inhibitors significantly than that in the control group [OR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.01, 0.28), p = 0.0007]. For children who were steroid-dependent, RTX treatment significantly reduced the dosage of the steroid, compared with that in control [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.49, 95% CI (-2.00, -0.99), p < 0.00001]. There was no significant reduction in protein excretion between the two groups [SMD = -0.33, 95% CI (-0.71, 0.04), p = 0.08]. Fewer serious adverse reactions of RTX in the six studies were reported and most adverse events were mild. Conclusion: RTX is effective and safe for children with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier: CRD 42020150933. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. This review has been registered to the PROSPERO on 27 Feb 2020.

Pediatric idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome: diagnosis and therapy -short version of the updated German best practice guideline (S2e) - AWMF register no. 166-001, 6/2020

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most frequent glomerular disease in children in most parts of the world. Children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) generally have a good prognosis regarding the maintenance of normal kidney function even in the case of frequent relapses. The course of SSNS is often complicated by a high rate of relapses and the associated side effects of repeated glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy. The following recommendations for the treatment of SSNS are based on the comprehensive consideration of published evidence by a working group of the German Society for Pediatric Nephrology (GPN) based on the systematic Cochrane reviews on SSNS and the guidelines of the KDIGO working group (Kidney Disease - Improving Global Outcomes).

Randomized clinical trial to compare efficacy and safety of repeated courses of rituximab to single-course rituximab followed by maintenance mycophenolate-mofetil in children with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome

Background

Approximately 30% of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome develop a complicated course with frequent relapses or steroid dependency. Rituximab, a B cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is a safe and effective alternative to steroids or other immunosuppressants for achieving and maintaining remission in this population at short term. Despite the good initial response relapses inevitably occur after regeneration of B lymphocytes, necessitating either repeat courses of rituximab or addition of another steroid-sparing immunosuppressant.

Methods

This is a prospective, single-center, open-label, two-parallel-arm randomized controlled phase III study among children with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome who are maintained in remission with oral steroids. One hundred children will be randomized to either Rituximab and maintenance Mycophenolate mofetil (A) or repeated courses of prophylactic Rituximab only (B). In arm A, mycophenolate mofetil (1200 mg/m² per day) will be started 3 months after Rituximab administration. In arm B, Rituximab infusions will be administered at 0, 8 and 16 months if B cell count normalize at the given time points. Prednisolone will be discontinued in both groups 2 weeks following first course of rituximab. Primary aim is to evaluate the difference in 24-month relapse-free survival. Main secondary endpoints are cumulative prednisolone dose, frequency of relapses and changes in anthropometry. Circulating B lymphocyte populations will be studied as biomarkers or predictors of rituximab responsiveness and adverse events will be analysed.

Discussion

The study will provide evidence as to the comparative safety and efficacy of two alternative steroid-sparing therapeutic options in children suffering from steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome. The two-year study design will address the long-term results obtained with the alternative treatment protocols.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered to the Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03899103 dated 02/04/2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/) and Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2019/04/018517 dated 09/04/2019).

Comparison of treatment options in adults with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent minimal change disease

Background

Studies comparing all treatment options for frequently-relapsing/steroid-dependent (FR/SD) minimal change disease (MCD) in adults are lacking.

Methods

Medical records of 76 adults with FR/SD MCD who were treated with corticosteroids as the first-line therapy were reviewed. Treatment options were compared for the time to relapse, change of therapy and progression (relapse on full-dose treatment).

Results

Second-line treatments included rituximab (RTX; n = 13), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 12), calcineurin inhibitors (CNI; n = 26) and cyclophosphamide (CTX; n = 16). During the second-line treatments, 48 (71.6%) patients relapsed at median 17 (range 2–100)  months. The majority of relapses occurred during dose tapering or off drug. Twenty of 65 (30.8%) changed therapy after the first relapse. The median time to relapse after the second line was 66 versus 28 months in RTX versus non-RTX groups (P = 0.170). The median time to change of treatment was 66 and 44 months, respectively (P = 0.060). Last-line treatment options included RTX (n = 8), MMF (n = 4), CNI (n = 3) and CTX (n = 2). Seven (41.2%) patients had a relapse during the last-line treatment at median 39 (range 5–112)  months. The median time to relapse was 48 versus 34 months in the RTX versus non-RTX groups (P = 0.727). One patient in the RTX group died presumably of heart failure. No major adverse event was observed. During the median follow-up of 81 (range 9–355)  months, no patients developed end-stage renal disease.

Conclusions

Relapse is frequent in MCD in adults. Patients treated with RTX may be less likely to require a change of therapy and more likely to come off immunosuppressive drugs.

Rituximab for very low dose steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) carries a high risk of toxicity from steroids or steroid-sparing agents. This open-label, randomized controlled trial was designed to test whether the monoclonal antibody rituximab is non-inferior to steroids in maintaining remission in juvenile forms of SDNS and how long remission may last (EudraCT:2008-004486-26).

METHODS

We enrolled 30 children 4-15 years who had developed SDNS 6-12 months before and were maintained in remission with low prednisone doses (0.1-0.4 mg/Kg/day). Participants were randomized following a non-inferiority design to continue prednisone alone (n 15, controls) or to add a single intravenous infusion of rituximab (375 mg/m², n 15 intervention). Prednisone was tapered in both arms after 1 month. Children assigned to the control arm were allowed to receive rituximab to treat disease relapse.

RESULTS

Proteinuria increased at 3 months in the prednisone group (from 0.14 to 1.5 g/day) (p < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the rituximab group (0.14 g/day). Fourteen children in the control arm relapsed within 6 months. Thirteen children assigned to rituximab (87%) were still in remission at 1 year and 8 (53%) at 4 years. Responses were similar in children of the control group who received rituximab to treat disease relapse. We did not record significant adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab was non-inferior to steroids for the treatment of juvenile SDNS. One in two children remains in remission at 4 years following a single infusion of rituximab, without significant adverse events. Further studies are needed to clarify the superiority of rituximab over low-dose corticosteroid as a treatment of SDNS.

Rituximab in treatment of collapsing FSGS-A case series

BACKGROUND

Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (cFSGS) is an aggressive glomerular disease presenting as a nephrotic syndrome that has lower rates of remission with conventional immunosuppressive therapy and rapidly progresses to end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD). We report eight cases of HIV-negative cFSGS treated with rituximab.

METHODS

The current report is a retrospective case series of cFSGS treated with rituximab from January 2011 to March 2020, at varying phases of the disease.

RESULTS

Eight out of the 70 cFSGS patients received rituximab. The median age of patients was 30 years (IQR 24.25-37.5); five patients were males. The median serum creatinine, mean serum albumin and median 24 hours urinary protein at presentation was 0.9 (IQR 0.66-1.27) mg/dL, 2.95 ± 1.15 g/dL, 4.87 (IQR 1.64-5.75) g/day, respectively. Two patients were steroid-resistant, one steroid and tacrolimus dependent, one steroid and cyclosporine dependent, two steroids and tacrolimus resistant, one steroid, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil resistant and one steroid-resistant and tacrolimus dependent before rituximab therapy. Rituximab was given either as targeted therapy (after an initial dose of 375 mg/m² ; patients having CD-19 levels >5/μL or >1% at 1 month received additional low-dose [100 mg] of rituximab), or weekly regimen. Five patients received CD-19 targeted rituximab; three received weekly doses of 375 mg/m² , cumulative doses being 820 ± 228.03 mg, and 1800 ± 721.11 mg, respectively. At the end of median follow-up of 15 months, five (62.5%) patients were in remission (three partial, two complete remissions), two (25%) were resistant to therapy; one (12.5%) progressed to ESRD.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab is reasonably safe and achieves/maintains remission in 60% of cFSGS cases.

Rituximab in maintaining remission in adults with podocytopathy

Rituximab is currently used after the conventional agents have failed in the management of steroid-dependent (SD)/ steroid-resistant (SR) podocytopathies and have a safer toxicity profile. We report 53 adults with podocytopathies who were managed effectively with CD19-targeted rituximab therapy.

METHODS

This was a prospective study carried out at a tertiary care centre in India between January 2014 and June 2019. Adults between 16 and 60 years with SD, frequently relapsing (FR), and SR nephrotic syndrome (NS) due to podocytopathy received rituximab in a CD19-targeted approach.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Percentage of patients who were in remission at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcome: Percentage of patients in remission at the last follow-up, rituximab dose and adverse events of rituximab therapy.

RESULTS

Fifty-three adults with SD/FR/SR NS received CD19-targeted rituximab. The median age at the time of first rituximab injection was 30.09 ± 13.21 (16.53) years. At the time of first rituximab infusion, all patients were in remission with steroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). Fifty (94.33%) patients were in remission at the end of 6 and 12 months and the last follow-up (median: 36 months). The mean total dose of rituximab at 1 year was 788.7 ± 128.1 (6 001 100) mg. At last follow-up (median 36 months), 42 (79%) patients did not require any additional CNI or steroids therapy. No serious adverse events to rituximab were noted.

CONCLUSION

CD19-targeted rituximab therapy is safe and efficacious in the management of SD/SR adult podocytopathy. Also, rituximab is effective in maintaining remission in treatment naïve adult SD or FR podocytopathy.

Low-dose ofatumumab for multidrug-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Children with multidrug-resistant nephrotic syndrome (MRNS) are exposed to drug toxicity (steroids/calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)) and have an increased risk of kidney disease progression. In small case series, the fully humanized anti-CD20 antibody ofatumumab (OFA) induced remission in children with MRNS when at high dose (10,300 mg/1.73 m²) and partial remission at standard dose (1000 mg/1.73 m²).

METHODS

This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial tested the efficacy of single infusion OFA in children with proven MRNS and initial chronic renal failure (eGFR [median/range] 119/38-155 ml/min/1.73 m² in Placebo arm vs. 65/19-103 ml/min/1.73 m² Intervention). Children who had been resistant to a combination of CNI and steroids, with or without MMF or rituximab, were randomized to receive single infusion OFA (1500 mg/1.73 m²) (Intervention arm) or normal saline (Placebo arm). We assessed complete or partial remission of proteinuria after 3 months (primary outcome), and after 6 and 12 months (secondary outcomes), as well as progression to end-stage kidney disease.

RESULTS

After 13 of the planned 50 children (25%) were randomized, the data safety and monitoring board recommended study termination for futility. All 13 children remained nephrotic. Renal function worsened in 5 children (2 in Intervention arm, 3 in Placebo arm) who required renal replacement therapy during the study period. Circulating CD20 was reduced following OFA infusion and remained low for > 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

OFA given in one single infusion of 1500 mg/1.73 m² doses does not induce remission in MRNS. Regimens based on higher OFA doses should be tested in clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02394106.

Non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications for steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children

BACKGROUND

About 80% of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) have relapses. Of these children, half relapse frequently, and are at risk of adverse effects from corticosteroids. While non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications prolong periods of remission, they have significant potential adverse effects. Currently, there is no consensus about the most appropriate second-line agent in children who are steroid sensitive, but who continue to relapse. In addition, these medications could be used with corticosteroids in the initial episode of SSNS to prolong the period of remission. This is the fourth update of a review first published in 2001 and updated in 2005, 2008 and 2013.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications in SSNS in children with a relapsing course of SSNS and in children with their first episode of nephrotic syndrome.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 10 March 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs were included if they involved children with SSNS and compared non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications with placebo, corticosteroids (prednisone or prednisolone) or no treatment; compared different non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications or different doses, durations or routes of administration of the same non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias of the included studies and extracted data. Statistical analyses were performed using a random-effects model and results expressed as risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 43 studies (91 reports) and included data from 2428 children. Risk of bias assessment indicated that 21 and 24 studies were at low risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment respectively. Nine studies were at low risk of performance bias and 10 were at low risk of detection bias. Thirty-seven and 27 studies were at low risk of incomplete and selective reporting respectively. Rituximab (in combination with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and prednisolone) versus CNI and prednisolone probably reduces the number of children who relapse at six months (5 studies, 269 children: RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.43) and 12 months (3 studies, 198 children: RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.93) (moderate certainty evidence). At six months, rituximab resulted in 126 children/1000 relapsing compared with 548 children/1000 treated with conservative treatments. Rituximab may result in infusion reactions (4 studies, 252 children: RR 5.83, 95% CI 1.34 to 25.29). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and levamisole may have similar effects on the number of children who relapse at 12 months (1 study, 149 children: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.16). MMF may have a similar effect on the number of children relapsing compared to cyclosporin (2 studies, 82 children: RR 1.90, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.46) (low certainty evidence). MMF compared to cyclosporin is probably less likely to result in hypertrichosis (3 studies, 140 children: RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.50) and gum hypertrophy (3 studies, 144 children: RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.42) (low certainty evidence). Levamisole compared with steroids or placebo may reduce the number of children with relapse during treatment (8 studies, 474 children: RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.82) (low certainty evidence). Levamisole compared to cyclophosphamide may make little or no difference to the risk for relapse after 6 to 9 months (2 studies, 97 children: RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.81) (low certainty evidence). Cyclosporin compared with prednisolone may reduce the number of children who relapse (1 study, 104 children: RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.83) (low certainty evidence). Alkylating agents compared with cyclosporin may make little or no difference to the risk of relapse during cyclosporin treatment (2 studies, 95 children: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.48) (low certainty evidence) but may reduce the risk of relapse at 12 to 24 months (2 studies, 95 children: RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.74), suggesting that the benefit of the alkylating agents may be sustained beyond the on-treatment period (low certainty evidence). Alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil) compared with prednisone probably reduce the number of children, who experience relapse at six to 12 months (6 studies, 202 children: RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.60) and at 12 to 24 months (4 studies, 59 children: RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.46) (moderate certainty evidence). IV cyclophosphamide may reduce the number of children with relapse compared with oral cyclophosphamide at 6 months (2 studies, 83 children: RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88), but not at 12 to 24 months (2 studies, 83 children: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.29) and may result in fewer infections (2 studies, 83 children: RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.72) (low certainty evidence). Cyclophosphamide compared to chlorambucil may make little or no difference in the risk of relapse after 12 months (1 study, 50 children: RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.13) (low certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

New studies incorporated in this review indicate that rituximab is a valuable additional agent for managing children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. However, the treatment effect is temporary, and many children will require additional courses of rituximab. The long-term adverse effects of this treatment are not known. Comparative studies of CNIs, MMF, levamisole and alkylating agents have demonstrated little or no differences in efficacy but, because of insufficient power; clinically important differences in treatment effects have not been completely excluded.

The efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The evidence from epidemiological research on whether the efficacy of rituximab in treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS) is better than other agents is inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of NS compared with other immunosuppressive agents.

METHODS

Relevant literatures were identified and evaluated for quality before October 2019 through multiple search strategies on PubMed and EMBASE. Statistical evidence of the symmetry of the funnel plot obtained from Begg's test was indicated by Egger's linear regression and a sensitivity analysis identified heterogeneity. A fixed- or a random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled SMDs and RRs.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies, involving 383 patients and 354 controls, were included. Compared with other agents, rituximab significantly improved complete remission both in children and adults [Overall: RR = 1.313, 95% CI = 1.170-1.475, P < 0.001; Adult: RR = 1.359, 95% CI = 1.053-1.753, P = 0.019 Children: RR = 1.354, 95% CI = 1.072-1.709, P < 0.001], and dramatically decreased the relapse rate in children [Overall: RR = 0.349, 95% CI = 0.166-0.732, P < 0.001; Children: RR = 0.286, 95% CI = 0.176-0.463, P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab might be a promising treatment for refractory NS. Compared with other agents, rituximab significantly improves the complete remission and decreased the relapse rate. However, to confirm the efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of refractory NS, more high-quality, large sample, and multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed.

Treatment of nephrotic syndrome: going beyond immunosuppressive therapy

It is indisputable that immunosuppressive therapy and pathological diagnosis of renal biopsy have greatly improved the prognosis of childhood nephrotic syndrome. Unfortunately, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach for precise patient stratification and treatment when facing the huge challenges posed by steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). But genomic medicine has brought a glimmer of light, and the cognition of SRNS has entered a new stage. Based on this, identification of single genetic variants of SRNS has recognized the key role of podocyte injury in its pathogenesis. Targeted treatment of podocyte injury is paramount, and immunosuppressant with podocyte-targeted therapy seems to be more suitable as the first choice for SRNS, that is, we need to pay attention to their additional non-immunosuppressive effects. In the same way, other effect factors of nephrotic syndrome and the related causes of immunosuppressive therapy resistance require us to select reasonable and targeted non-immunosuppressive therapies, instead of only blindly using steroids and immunosuppressants, which may be ineffective and bring significant side effects. This article provides a summary of the clinical value of identification of genetic variants in podocytes and non-immunosuppressive therapy for nephrotic syndrome in children.

Off-label use of tacrolimus in children with glomerular disease: Effectiveness, safety and pharmacokinetics

Glomerular diseases are leading causes of end-stage renal disease in children. Tacrolimus is frequently used off-label in the treatment of glomerular diseases. The effectiveness, safety and pharmacokinetic data of tacrolimus in the treatment of glomerular diseases in children are reviewed in this paper to provide evidence to support its rational use in clinical practice. The remission rates in previously published studies were different. In 19 clinical trials on children with nephrotic syndrome, the overall remission rate was 52.6-97.6%. In four clinical trials on children with lupus nephritis, the overall remission rate was 81.8-89.5%. In a pilot study with paediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis patients, the overall remission rate was 100.0%. Infection, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal symptoms and hypertension are the most common adverse events. Body weight, age, CYP3A5 genotype, cystatin-C and daily dose of tacrolimus may have significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in children with glomerular disease. More prospective controlled trials with long follow-up are needed to demonstrate definitely the effectiveness, safety and pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in children with glomerular diseases.

A Case of Frequently Relapsing Minimal-Change Nephrotic Syndrome with Steroid-Induced Psychiatric Syndrome Treated by Low-Dose, Short-Term Steroid Therapy in Combination with Cyclosporine

Adults with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) generally receive oral prednisolone (PSL) at an initial dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day for a minimum of 4 weeks, with 80% of patients achieving clinical remission. However, relapses are frequent, necessitating repeated treatment with high-dose PSL. Long-term treatment with high-dose steroids increases the risk of steroid toxicities, such as diabetes mellitus, gastric complications, infections, osteoporosis, and steroid-induced psychiatric syndrome (SIPS), which may compromise the patient's quality of life. Strategies are therefore needed to reduce the dosage and duration of steroid therapy for frequently relapsing MCNS (FRNS). Here, we suggest a new combination therapy of low-dose and short-term steroid with cyclosporine (CsA). We encountered an adult patient who developed recurrence of FRNS with depression arising from SIPS and was treated using low-dose, short-term PSL combined with CsA. He was successfully treated with PSL at an initial dosage of 0.3 mg/kg/day (20 mg/day) for just 2 weeks combined with CsA, allowing earlier induction of complete remission. We then promptly reduced the dose of PSL to below a physiological dosage (5 mg/day) over 3 weeks without relapse after episodes of SIPS and quickly resolved psychiatric symptoms. CsA in combination with PSL can reduce the initial dosage of PSL, shorten the time to remission, and easily maintain clinical remission. This protocol appears clinically useful and potentially applicable as a future treatment strategy for FRNS troubled by SIPS.

Both the rituximab dose and maintenance immunosuppression in steroid-dependent/frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome have important effects on outcomes

Rituximab is an effective treatment for steroid-dependent/ frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SDFRNS) in children. However, the optimal rituximab regimen remains unknown. To help determine this we conducted an international, multicenter retrospective study at 11 tertiary pediatric nephrology centers in Asia, Europe and North America of children 1-18 years of age with complicated SDFRNS receiving rituximab between 2005-2016 for 18 or more months follow-up. The effect of rituximab prescribed at three dosing levels: low (375mg/m²), medium (750mg/m²) and high (1125-1500mg/m²), with or without maintenance immunosuppression (defined as concurrent use of corticosteroids, mycophenolate motile or calcineurin inhibition at first relapse or for at least six months following the rituximab treatment) was examined. Among the 511 children (median age 11.5 year, 67% boys), 191, 208 and 112 received low, medium and high dose rituximab, respectively. Within this total cohort of 511 children, 283 (55%) received maintenance immunosuppression. Renal biopsies were performed in 317 children indicating the predominant histology was minimal change disease (74%). Without maintenance immunosuppression, low-dose rituximab had a shorter relapse-free period and a higher relapse risk (8.5 months) than medium (12.7 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.62) and high dose (14.3 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.50; all significant). With maintenance immunosuppression, the relapse-free survival in low-dose rituximab (14 months) was similar to medium (10.9 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.23) and high dose (12.0 months; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.92; all non-significant). Most adverse events were mild. Thus, children receiving low-dose rituximab without maintenance immunosuppression had the shortest relapse-free survival. Hence, both rituximab dose and maintenance immunosuppression have important effects on the treatment outcomes.

Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of Rituximab in Treating Immune-Mediated Disorders

Background: During the past years biologic agents (also termed biologicals or biologics) have become a crucial treatment option in immunological diseases. Numerous articles have been published on biologicals, which complicates the decision making process on the use of the most appropriate biologic for a given immune-mediated disease. This systematic review is the first of a series of articles assessing the safety and efficacy of B cell-targeting biologics for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Objective: To evaluate rituximab's safety and efficacy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders compared to placebo, conventional treatment, or other biologics.

Methods: The PRISMA checklist guided the reporting of the data. We searched the PubMed database between 4 October 2016 and 26 July 2018 concentrating on immune-mediated disorders.

Results: The literature search identified 19,665 articles. After screening titles and abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessing full texts, 105 articles were finally included in a narrative synthesis.

Conclusions: Rituximab is both safe and effective for the treatment of acquired angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency, ANCA-associated vasculitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Behçet's disease, bullous pemphigoid, Castleman's disease, cryoglobulinemia, Goodpasture's disease, IgG4-related disease, immune thrombocytopenia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, nephrotic syndrome, neuromyelitis optica, pemphigus, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, and systemic sclerosis. Conversely, rituximab failed to show an effect for antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, IgA nephropathy, inflammatory myositis, primary-progressive multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis. Finally, mixed results were reported for membranous nephropathy, primary Sjögren's syndrome and Graves' disease, therefore warranting better quality trials with larger patient numbers.

Study protocol: multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of rituximab for the treatment of childhood-onset early-stage uncomplicated frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (JSKDC10 trial)

Background

Eighty percent of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond well to steroid therapy, but up to 50% of patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome exhibit frequently relapsing (FRNS) or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). Several studies identified the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab as an effective treatment for patients with complicated FRNS/SDNS. Recent studies suggested that rituximab could also be a first-line treatment for early-stage uncomplicated FRNS/SDNS, although further studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Methods/design

We are conducting a multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab for the treatment of childhood-onset early-stage uncomplicated FRNS/SDNS. Patients will be allocated to receive two 375 mg/m² doses (maximum dose: 500 mg) of either rituximab or placebo. Investigators are permitted to request the disclosure of a subject’s allocation code if he or she exhibits treatment failure. Additionally, if placebo-treated subjects display early relapse (a sign of treatment failure), they have the option to receive rituximab in an unblinded phase. The primary endpoint is relapse-free survival during the observation period.

Discussion

The results will provide important data on the use of rituximab for patients with uncomplicated FRNS/SDNS. In the future, rituximab treatment will enable most patients with uncomplicated FRNS/SDNS to discontinue or reduce steroid therapy without relapse, and it is possible that rituximab could represent an immunosuppressive therapy for these diseases.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered to the JMACCT Clinical Trials Registry on September 6, 2018 (Trial ID: JMA-IIA00380).

Rituximab for Children With Difficult-to-Treat Nephrotic Syndrome: Its Effects on Disease Progression and Growth

Background: Since the early 2000s rituximab (RTX) has been thought of as an alternative treatment for steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of RTX treatment on disease outcome and growth in pediatric SSNS and SRNS patients. Materials and Methods: The medical records of pediatric SSNS and SRNS patients that began RTX treatment at the mean age of 10.8 ± 5.1 years between 2009 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, the effect of RTX on growth was evaluated based on patient height, weight, and BMI z scores. Results: The study included 41 children, of which 21 had SSNS and 20 had SRNS. Mean age at diagnosis of NS was 5.8 ± 4.7 years. Mean duration of post-RTX treatment follow-up was 2.3 ± 1.6 years. Among the SSNS patients, 6 and 11 patients were steroid free and calcineurin inhibitor free at the last follow-up visit, respectively. The 1-year cumulative steroid and calcineurin inhibitor doses both decreased after RTX treatment, as compared to before RTX (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). The median height z-score at the time of RTX initiation was -1.2 and the median height z-score at the last follow-up visit was -0.6 (P = 0.044). The median BMI z-score decreased from 1.6 (IQR; 0.9-3.0) at the time RTX was initiated to 1.1 IQR; [(-0.7)-2.5] at the last follow-up visit (P = 0.007). At the last follow-up visit 4 SRNS patients had complete remission and 4 had partial remission. The 1-year cumulative steroid dosage in the SRNS patients decreased significantly after RTX, as compared to before RTX (P = 0.001). The median height z-score at the time of RTX initiation was -0.8 and the median height z-score at the last follow-up visit was -0.7 (P = 0.81). The median BMI z-score decreased from 0.3 at the time RTX was initiated to -0.1 at the last follow-up visit (P = 0.11). Conclusion: RTX has a more positive effect on disease outcome and growth in SSNS patients than in those with SRNS.

Changing paradigms in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

SLE poses formidable therapeutic challenges due to its heterogeneity and treatment decisions often cannot be guided by data of high quality. In this review, we attempt to provide insights regarding the treatment of SLE in everyday clinical practice, based on contemporary evidence and our own personal experience. We focus on common therapeutic issues and dilemmas arising in routine care, including monitoring for retinal toxicity associated with hydroxychloroquine, handling of glucocorticoid regimens in order to minimise their adverse events, choice of immunosuppressive medications based on prevailing disease manifestations and optimal use of available biological agents (belimumab and rituximab). We also provide our view on the position of calcineurin inhibitors in the management of lupus nephritis and conclude with remarks on the future perspectives for this challenging disease.

Low-dose rituximab is no less effective for nephrotic syndrome measured by 12-month outcome

OBJECTIVE

Rituximab is an effective treatment for children with steroid dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. The optimum dosing schedule for rituximab has not been established. We hypothesized that a single low dose of 375 mg/m² would have comparable outcomes to higher doses in reducing the frequency of relapse and time to B cell reconstitution.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study of children with steroid-sensitive frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Data were extracted from clinical records including the dates of diagnosis, treatment, relapses, the use of concomitant immunosuppression, and lymphocyte subset profiling. Patients treated earlier received variable doses of rituximab, although typically two doses of 750 mg/m². Later, patients received the current regimen of a single dose of 375 mg/m². The primary outcome was an absence of clinically confirmed relapse 12 months following rituximab administration. Secondary outcomes were median time to relapse, probability of being relapse-free at 6 and 24 months and time to reconstitution of CD19⁺ B cells.

RESULTS

Sixty patients received 143 courses of rituximab. Seven different dosing regimen strategies were used, ranging between 375 and 750 mg/m² per dose, with administration of 1-4 doses. There was no significant difference in event-free survival at 12 months between dosing strategies. The median time to reconstitution of B cells was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a single low-dose regimen of rituximab in the management of frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome does not affect the probability of relapse at 12 months or time to B cell reconstitution compared to a conventional higher dose.

Rituximab Use in the Management of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

Childhood nephrotic syndrome is a challenging and often persistent renal disorder, and its incidence varies between different ethnicities and regions. Corticosteroids have been the main treatment for decades and are effective in most children with idiopathic NS, although 10-15% of these children become steroid resistant. Furthermore, some initially steroid sensitive children follow a steroid dependent or frequently relapsing course and are therefore at increased risk for developing steroid toxicity. In such children, alternative immunosuppressive medications are used to induce and/or maintain remission of NS. One such drug, rituximab, is a monoclonal antibody directed against the B lymphocyte CD20 marker which induces depletion of B cells, and has shown promising results in the management of NS in children. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the different types of childhood nephrotic syndrome, the known and potential mechanisms of action of rituximab, its possible complications and side effects, and the available and potential biomarkers of rituximab activity.

B cell phenotype in pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

A pathogenic role of B cells in non-genetic nephrotic syndrome has been suggested by the efficacy of rituximab, a B cell depleting antibody, in maintaining a prolonged remission. However, little information is available on B cell homeostasis in nephrotic syndrome patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed by flow cytometry the distribution of different B cell subpopulations in 107 steroid-sensitive and in 6 genetic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome pediatric patients, compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

Fifty-one steroid-sensitive patients at disease onset, before starting immunosuppression, presented significantly increased levels of total, transitional, memory, and switched memory B cells compared to controls. Oral immunosuppression strongly affected transitional and mature B cell levels in 27 patients in relapse and also in 29 patients in remission, whereas memory B cells were significantly higher compared to controls during relapse, despite the immunosuppressive treatment, and were normalized only in patients in remission. Children with genetic forms of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome presented no differences in B cell profile from controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that memory B cells, more than other B cell subsets, are increased and appear to be pathogenically relevant in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome pediatric patients.