1
|
Yan P, Fang X, Ke B. Optimized rituximab regimen versus recommended regimen for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A single-center retrospective cohort study. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111718. [PMID: 38377859 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) has become the first-line treatment for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Compared with conventional therapy, rituximab therapy has a more favorable safety profile. However, the recommended RTX dose as a flux may have its limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of three regimens, including a cyclic corticosteroid-cyclophosphamide regimen and two different doses of RTX regimens, for the treatment of IMN. METHODS We recruited 58 patients with IMN confirmed by renal biopsy. 20 patients were treated with a cycle regimen, 22 patients were received RTX with 500 mg per week, totaling a dose of 2000 mg (optimized RTX group), and 16 patients received RTX with 1000 mg at day 1 and day 15 (recommended RTX group). Treatment responses, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), and outcome adverse events such as steroid diabetes, infections and a drop in white blood cell count, were compared among the three groups after 9 months of follow-up. RESULTS At 9-month follow-up, the composite remission rates (CR + PR) were 90 %, 72.7 %, and 75 % for the cycle regimen group, optimized RTX group, and recommended RTX group, respectively, with CR of 35 %, 22.7 %, and 25 %, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the three groups on CR and composite remission. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed no significant differences in cumulative CR rates and cumulative composite remission rates among the three groups (P = 0.632, P = 0.258). The cycle regimen group had a higher risk of steroid diabetes (35 %). Compared with the recommended RTX regimen, the optimized regimen reduced the incidence of adverse events of infection (9.1 % vs. 37.5 %, P = 0.049), especially in patients older than 60 years of age (P = 0.026). A lower anti-PLA2R at baseline may be associated with a higher risk of infection (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS The efficiency of low-dose and long-course of RTX regiment is not inferior to the recommended treatment regimen, and this regimen can effectively reduce the incidence of infection in patients with IMN. Moreover, we recommend a low-dose, long course of RTX treatment for the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangdong Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ben Ke
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Choi N, Min J, Kim JH, Kang HG, Ahn YH. Efficacy and safety of long-term repeated use of rituximab in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:771-780. [PMID: 37682369 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated use of rituximab (RTX) in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). METHODS Retrospective review of 50 patients with steroid-dependent NS (SDNS) who had received more than three cycles of RTX was conducted; each consisted of one to four infusions until B lymphocytes were depleted. RESULTS The median age of starting the first RTX cycle was 12.4 years (interquartile ranges (IQR) 10.2-14.6). During a median follow-up period of 6.3 (IQR 3.6-8.6) years, patients received a median of 5.0 RTX cycles (IQR 4.0-7.3). The number of relapses decreased from a median of 2.0 relapses per year (IQR 1.0-3.0) to 0.2 relapses per year (IQR 0.0-0.5) after long-term RTX treatments (P < 0.001). Longer relapse-free periods were associated with more than four RTX cycles, longer B-cell depletion, older age at each RTX treatment, and lower cholesterol levels. B lymphocytes recovered to 1% at a median of 5.9 months (95% confidence interval 5.7-6.1) after RTX administration. Factors related to a longer period of B-cell depletion included more than five RTX cycles, a higher dose of RTX, older age at treatment, and concurrent use of antimetabolites. During repeated RTX treatments, 8.0%, 6.0%, and 2.0% of patients developed hypogammaglobulinemia, severe infection, and severe neutropenia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Long-term repeated use of RTX may be effective and safe in pediatric NS patients. Furthermore, the redosing of RTX could be chosen by considering predictive factors for relapse-free and B-cell depletion periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naye Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeesu Min
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Gyung Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo Han Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Y, Shen Q, Xiong Y, Dong M, Xu H, Li Z. Using real-world data to inform dosing strategies of rituximab for pediatric patients with frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a prospective pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1319744. [PMID: 38264525 PMCID: PMC10803641 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1319744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Rituximab is frequently used off-label for the treatment of frequent-relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). However, the optimal dosing schedules remain undetermined. The objective of this study was to establish a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model in pediatric patients with FRNS/SDNS, and to investigate dosing regimens that provide adequate suppression of B lymphocytes. Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-center study was conducted in Nephrology Department at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and a two-compartment PK model of rituximab in pediatric FRNS/SDNS has been developed previously by our group. CD19+ lymphocyte count profiles were obtained from these patients. The presence of anti-rituximab antibodies was assessed prior to medication in children who had previously received rituximab or during follow-up at the last sampling point for PK analysis. PK-PD analyses were performed to describe the changes of CD19+ lymphocytes, with rituximab assumed to increase their death rate. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to evaluate different dosing regimens. Results: In total, 102 measurements of CD19+ lymphocyte counts were available for PK-PD analysis. No detectable levels of anti-rituximab antibodies were observed during the PK follow-up period. A turnover model with saturable stimulatory action of rituximab on the removal of lymphocytes best characterized the relationship between rituximab concentration and CD19+ lymphocyte counts, where the Emax and EC50 were estimated to be 99.6*106/L and 5.87 μg/mL, respectively. Simulations indicated that a single infusion of 750 mg/m2 and 2 infusions of 375 mg/m2 both yielded a 10-week suppression of CD19+ lymphocytes. Conclusion: This study represents a first attempt to quantitatively describe the PK-PD relationship of rituximab in pediatric patients with FRNS/SDNS, and provide a potential pathway for future precision dosing strategy for rituximab therapy. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different dosing schemes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yewei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Xiong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Min Dong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Affes R, Lapeyraque AL, Laroche C, Labrosse R, Cambier A, Demers E, Flahault A. Determinants of the duration of B-cell depletion after rituximab in a pediatric population. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 39:159-162. [PMID: 37433571 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Affes
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Lapeyraque
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Camille Laroche
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roxane Labrosse
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandra Cambier
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emile Demers
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacy, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Adrien Flahault
- CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Service de Néphrologie, CHRU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dossier C, Bonneric S, Baudouin V, Kwon T, Prim B, Cambier A, Couderc A, Moreau C, Deschenes G, Hogan J. Obinutuzumab in Frequently Relapsing and Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome in Children. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:1555-1562. [PMID: 37678236 PMCID: PMC10723910 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B-cell depletion with rituximab induces sustained remission in children with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. However, most patients relapse after B-cell recovery, and some patients do not achieve B-cell depletion. Obinutuzumab is a second-generation anti-CD20 antibody designed to overcome such situations in B-cell malignancies and was recently reported to be safe and effective in other autoimmune diseases affecting the kidneys. METHODS We retrospectively report 41 children with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome treated with a single low-dose infusion of obinutuzumab at Robert-Debre Hospital between April 2018 and December 2020. Participants were treated because of rituximab resistance or relapse after rituximab and received a single infusion of 300 mg/1.73 m 2 obinutuzumab with cessation of oral immunosuppressors within 2 months. RESULTS B-cell depletion was achieved in all participants and lasted a median of 8.3 months (interquartile range, 6.4-11.1), a duration exceeding that for last rituximab treatment. At 12 and 24 months, 92% (38/41) and 68% (28/41) of patients, respectively, were in sustained remission. Mild infusion reactions occurred in five participants (12%) and neutropenia in nine (21%). No significant decrease in IgG level was reported during treatment, and whereas IgM levels decreased in 34 patients (83%), they were normal at last follow-up in 32 (78%). CONCLUSIONS These results identified low-dose obinituzumab as a promising treatment option in children with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome, including those resistant to rituximab. The tolerance profile of obinutuzumab was similar to that of rituximab, but hemogram and immunoglobulin levels should be monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Dossier
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Bonneric
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Baudouin
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Thérésa Kwon
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Prim
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Cambier
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Couderc
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Georges Deschenes
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Julien Hogan
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMR-S970, PARCC, Paris Translational Research Center for Organ Transplantation, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pouransiri Z, Assadi F, Mohkam M, Hooman N, Rostami Z, Mazaheri M, Azarfar A, Sharbaf FG. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Rituximab-Associated Infections Among Children and Adolescents With Glomerular Disease: Focus on the Risk of Infections. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2023; 28:308-315. [PMID: 37795285 PMCID: PMC10547046 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-28.4.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore rituximab (RTX) associated infectious complications in children with glomerular disease. METHODS We performed an electronic search of PubMed, International Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, and EMBASE between January 2010 and July 2021. Infection rates and total drug-related adverse events were the outcomes. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by using the I2 statistic. When there was statistical evidence of heterogeneity (I2 > 50%, p > 0.1), a random-effect model was adopted. Data analysis was performed with Stata17.0 software. RESULTS A total of 7 studies with 668 patients (136 with lupus nephritis [LN] and 532 with nephrotic syndrome were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled risk ratio showed that the administration of RTX was significantly associated with lower risk of infectious complications in patients with LN and nephrotic syndrome (0.72 [95% CI 0.58, 0.85]) when compared with population data of patients without glomerular disease (p = 0.2). There was no significant difference between the LN and nephrotic syndrome groups in terms of total serious adverse events or the occurrence of infections. There was significant heterogeneity among the reported studies (Q = 42.39, p < 0.001, I2 = 81%). CONCLUSION Administration of RTX in children with glomerular disease is associated with a lower rate of infections when compared with population data of patients without LN or nephrotic syndrome. Additional high-quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to identify the long-term potential complications. Trial registration PROPERO ID: CRD42021274869 (https://www.crd.york.ac/prospero/display_record.php?).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhara Pouransiri
- Pediatric Nephrology Research Center (ZP, MaM), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnak Assadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology (FA), Rush University of Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Masoumeh Mohkam
- Pediatric Nephrology Research Center (MM), Shahid Beheshi University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nakysa Hooman
- Aliasghar Clinical Research Development Center NH), Aliasghar Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rostami
- Education Development Center (ZR), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mazaheri
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nephrology (MoM), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Anoush Azarfar
- Kidney Transplantation Complications Research Center (AA), Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, and
| | - Fatemeh Ghane Sharbaf
- Kidney Transplantation Complications Research Center (AA, FGS), Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
朱 颖, 吴 琳, 王 云, 朱 亚, 彭 寅, 方 韶, 张 罗, 邓 芳. [Efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:606-611. [PMID: 37382130 PMCID: PMC10321428 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2301026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the efficacy and safety of repeated application of rituximab (RTX) at a low dose (200 mg/m2) versus the recommended dose (375 mg/m2) for remission maintenance in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted for 29 children with FRNS/SDNS who received systemic treatment in the Department of Nephrology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, from September 2020 to December 2021. These children were divided into a recommended dose group (n=14) and a low dose group (n=15) using a random number table. The two groups were compared in terms of general characteristics, changes in CD19 expression after RTX treatment, number of relapses, glucocorticoid dose, adverse reactions of RTX, and hospital costs. RESULTS After RTX treatment, both the low dose group and the recommended dose group achieved B-lymphocyte depletion and had significant reductions in the number of relapses and glucocorticoid dose (P<0.05). The low dose group had a comparable clinical effect to the recommended dose group after RTX treatment (P>0.05), and the low dose group had a significant reduction in hospital costs for the second, third, and fourth times of hospitalization (P<0.05). There were no serious adverse reactions in either group during RTX treatment and late follow-up, and there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Repeated RTX treatment at a low dose has comparable clinical efficacy and safety to that at the recommended dose and can significantly reduce the number of FRNS/SDNS relapses and the amount of glucocorticoids used, with little adverse effect throughout the treatment cycle. Therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rheault MN, Amaral S, Bock M, Chambers ET, Chavers B, Ters ME, Garro R, Gbadegesin R, Govil A, Harshman L, Amer H, Hooper DK, Israni AK, Riad S, Sageshima J, Shapiro R, Seifert M, Smith J, Sung R, Thomas CP, Wang Q, Verghese PS. A randomized controlled trial of preemptive rituximab to prevent recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis post-kidney transplant (PRI-VENT FSGS): protocol and study design. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2023; 3:1181076. [PMID: 37675355 PMCID: PMC10479749 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1181076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of end-stage kidney disease requiring kidney transplantation and can recur in the allograft in 30-80% of recipients resulting in reduced graft survival. Plasmapheresis has shown efficacy in treating some cases of recurrent FSGS but isolated plasmapheresis has not demonstrated efficacy in preventing recurrent FSGS. Rituximab has had anecdotal success in preventing recurrence in a single center study but has not been studied in combination with plasmapheresis for preventing FSGS recurrence. Methods We are conducting a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial of adult and pediatric kidney transplant recipients with primary FSGS to assess whether plasmapheresis in combination with rituximab prevents recurrent disease post-transplantation. Discussion Rituximab combined with plasmapheresis is a promising, novel therapy to prevent recurrent FSGS, a disease with limited therapeutic options and no consensus guidelines for prevention or treatment. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03763643, identifier NCT03763643.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle N. Rheault
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Margret Bock
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | | | - Blanche Chavers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mireile El Ters
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Rouba Garro
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Amit Govil
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Lyndsay Harshman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Hatem Amer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - David K. Hooper
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ajay K. Israni
- The Kidney Center at Hennepin Healthcare, Hennepin Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Samy Riad
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Junichiro Sageshima
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ron Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Seifert
- Heersink School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jodi Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Randall Sung
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health, Ann, Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Christie P. Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Priya S. Verghese
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chan EYH, Yap DYH, Colucci M, Ma ALT, Parekh RS, Tullus K. Use of Rituximab in Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:533-548. [PMID: 36456193 PMCID: PMC10103321 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.08570722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab is an established therapy in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome to sustain short- to medium-term disease remission and avoid steroid toxicities. Recent trials focus on its use as a first-line agent among those with milder disease severity. Rituximab is used in multidrug refractory nephrotic syndrome and post-transplant disease recurrence, although the evidence is much less substantial. Available data suggest that the treatment response to rituximab depends on various patient factors, dosing regimen, and the concomitant use of maintenance immunosuppression. After repeated treatments, patients are found to have an improving response overall with a longer relapse-free period. The drug effect, however, is not permanent, and 80% of patients eventually relapse and many will require an additional course of rituximab. This underpins the importance of understanding the long-term safety profile on repeated treatments. Although rituximab appears to be generally safe, there are concerns about long-term hypogammaglobulinemia, especially in young children. Reliable immunophenotyping and biomarkers are yet to be discovered to predict treatment success, risk of both rare and severe side effects, e.g. , persistent hypogammaglobulinemia, and guiding of redosing strategy. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the use of rituximab for childhood nephrotic syndrome and how the therapeutic landscape is evolving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Yu-hin Chan
- Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Desmond Yat-hin Yap
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Manuela Colucci
- Renal Diseases Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alison Lap-tak Ma
- Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Rulan S. Parekh
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Women's College Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kjell Tullus
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Trautmann A, Boyer O, Hodson E, Bagga A, Gipson DS, Samuel S, Wetzels J, Alhasan K, Banerjee S, Bhimma R, Bonilla-Felix M, Cano F, Christian M, Hahn D, Kang HG, Nakanishi K, Safouh H, Trachtman H, Xu H, Cook W, Vivarelli M, Haffner D. IPNA clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:877-919. [PMID: 36269406 PMCID: PMC9589698 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most frequent pediatric glomerular disease, affecting from 1.15 to 16.9 per 100,000 children per year globally. It is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and/or concomitant edema. Approximately 85-90% of patients attain complete remission of proteinuria within 4-6 weeks of treatment with glucocorticoids, and therefore, have steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Among those patients who are steroid sensitive, 70-80% will have at least one relapse during follow-up, and up to 50% of these patients will experience frequent relapses or become dependent on glucocorticoids to maintain remission. The dose and duration of steroid treatment to prolong time between relapses remains a subject of much debate, and patients continue to experience a high prevalence of steroid-related morbidity. Various steroid-sparing immunosuppressive drugs have been used in clinical practice; however, there is marked practice variation in the selection of these drugs and timing of their introduction during the course of the disease. Therefore, international evidence-based clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) are needed to guide clinical practice and reduce practice variation. The International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) convened a team of experts including pediatric nephrologists, an adult nephrologist, and a patient representative to develop comprehensive CPRs on the diagnosis and management of SSNS in children. After performing a systematic literature review on 12 clinically relevant PICO (Patient or Population covered, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) questions, recommendations were formulated and formally graded at several virtual consensus meetings. New definitions for treatment outcomes to help guide change of therapy and recommendations for important research questions are given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Trautmann
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivia Boyer
- grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Reference Center for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children and Adults, Imagine Institute, Paris University, Necker Children’s Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Hodson
- grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XCochrane Kidney and Transplant, Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arvind Bagga
- grid.413618.90000 0004 1767 6103Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Debbie S. Gipson
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Susan Samuel
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jack Wetzels
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Khalid Alhasan
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sushmita Banerjee
- grid.414710.70000 0004 1801 0469Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajendra Bhimma
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Melvin Bonilla-Felix
- grid.267034.40000 0001 0153 191XDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Francisco Cano
- grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Luis Calvo Mackenna Children’s Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Christian
- Children’s Kidney Unit, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Deirdre Hahn
- grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XDivision of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hee Gyung Kang
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital & Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Koichi Nakanishi
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hesham Safouh
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Howard Trachtman
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Hong Xu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wendy Cook
- Nephrotic Syndrome Trust (NeST), Somerset, UK
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School Children's Hospital, Hannover and Center for Rare Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Assadi F, Mazaheri M, Sadeghi‐Bodj S. Randomized controlled trial to compare safety and efficacy of mycophenolate vs. cyclosporine after rituximab in children with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 42:690-696. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.2721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farahnak Assadi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics Rush University Medical Center Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Mojgan Mazaheri
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics Semnan University of Medical Science Semnan Iran
| | - Simin Sadeghi‐Bodj
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Zahedan Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ertesvåg NU, Sakkestad ST, Zhou F, Hoff I, Kristiansen T, Jonassen TM, Follesø E, Brokstad KA, Dyrhovden R, Mohn KGI. Persistent Fever and Positive PCR 90 Days Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Rituximab-Treated Patient: A Case of Late Antiviral Treatment. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081757. [PMID: 36016378 PMCID: PMC9414720 DOI: 10.3390/v14081757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Persistent fever after SARS-CoV-2 infection in rituximab-treated patients has been reported. Due to reduced sensitivity in conventional sampling methods and unspecific symptoms in these patients, distinguishing between low-grade viral replication or hyperinflammation is challenging. Antiviral treatment is recommended as prophylactic or early treatment in the at-risk population; however, no defined treatment approaches for protracted SARS-CoV-2 infection exist. Results: We present a case of 96 days of persistent fever and SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient receiving B cell depletion therapy for multiple sclerosis. Migratory lung infiltrates and positive PCR tests from serum (day-58 post infection) and lower airways (day-90 post infection) confirmed continuous viral replication. The dominant symptoms were continuous high fever, dyspnea and mild to moderate hypoxemia, which never developed into severe respiratory failure. The patient was hospitalized three times, with transient improvement after late antiviral treatment and full recovery 6 months post-rituximab infusion. Conclusions: A strategy for securing samples from lower airways and serum should be a prioritization to strengthen diagnostic certainty in immunocompromised patients. B-cell-deprived patients could benefit from late treatment with SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies and antivirals. Importantly, increased intervals between immunosuppressive therapy should be considered where feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Urke Ertesvåg
- Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
| | - Sunniva Todnem Sakkestad
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Fan Zhou
- Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Hoff
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Trygve Kristiansen
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Elisabeth Follesø
- Radiology Department, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Karl Albert Brokstad
- Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Safety, Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruben Dyrhovden
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin G.-I. Mohn
- Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chan E, Yu E, Angeletti A, Arslan Z, Basu B, Boyer O, Chan CY, Colucci M, Dorval G, Dossier C, Drovandi S, Ghiggeri GM, Gipson D, Hamada R, Hogan J, Ishikura K, Kamei K, Kemper M, Ma ALT, Parekh R, Radhakrishnan S, Saini P, Shen Q, Sinha R, Subun C, Teo S, Vivarelli M, Webb H, Xu H, Yap HK, Tullus K. Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Rituximab to Maintain Remission in Idiopathic Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: An International Study. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:1193-1207. [PMID: 35354600 PMCID: PMC9161790 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Long-term outcomes following multiple rituximab courses among children with frequently-relapsing, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRSDNS) are unknown. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at 16 pediatric nephrology centers from 10 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America included children with FRSDNS who received ≥2 rituximab courses. Primary outcomes were relapse-free survival and adverse events. Results: 346 children (age 9.8 years, IQR 6.6-13.5; 73% boys) received 1149 rituximab courses. 145, 83, 50, 28, 22, and 18 children received 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and ≥7 courses, respectively. Median follow-up was 5.9 years (IQR, 4.3-7.7). Relapse-free survival differed by treatment courses (clustered log-rank test p<0.001). Compared to the first course (10.0 months, 95% CI, 9.0-10.7), relapse-free period and relapse risk progressively improved following subsequent courses (12.0-16.0 months; HRadj, 0.03-0.13; 95% CI, 0.01-0.18; ps<0.001). B-cell depletion duration remained similar with repeated treatments (6.1 months, 95% CI, 6.0-6.3). Adverse events were mostly mild, most commonly hypogammaglobulinemia (50.9%), infection (4.5%), and neutropenia (3.7%). Side effects did not increase with more treatment courses nor higher cumulative dose. Only 78 of the 353 episodes of hypogammaglobulinemia were clinically significant. Younger age at presentation (2.8 vs 3.3 years; p=0.05) and at first rituximab (8.0 y vs 10.0 years; p=0.01) and history of steroid resistance (28% vs 18%; p=0.01) were associated with significant hypogammaglobulinemia. All 53 infective episodes resolved, except one patient with hepatitis B infection and another with EBV infection. There were 42 episodes of neutropenia, associated with history of steroid resistance (30% vs 20%, p=0.04). Upon last follow-up, 332 children (96%) had normal kidney function. Conclusion: Children receiving repeated rituximab for FRSDNS experience an improving clinical response. Side effects appear acceptable but significant complications can occur. These findings support repeated rituximab use in FRSDNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Chan
- E Chan, Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ellen Yu
- E Yu, Clinical Research Center, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- A Angeletti, Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, Instituto di ricovero e cura a carattere scientifico (IRRCS), Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Zainab Arslan
- Z Arslan, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Biswanath Basu
- B Basu, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Olivia Boyer
- O Boyer, Néphrologie pédiatrique, centre de référence du syndrome néphrotique de l'enfant et de l'adulte, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, France
| | - Chang-Yien Chan
- C Chan, Department of Paediatrics, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manuela Colucci
- M Colucci, Renal Diseases Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Guillaume Dorval
- G Dorval, Néphrologie pédiatrique, centre de référence du syndrome néphrotique de l'enfant et de l'adulte, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, France
| | - Claire Dossier
- C Dossier, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre de Référence Syndrome Néphrotique de l'Enfant et de l'Adulte (CMR SNI), Hopital Universitaire Robert-Debre, Paris, France
| | - Stefania Drovandi
- S Drovandi, Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, Instituto di ricovero e cura a carattere scientifico (IRRCS), Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- G Ghiggeri, Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, Instituto di ricovero e cura a carattere scientifico (IRRCS), Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Debbie Gipson
- D Gipson, Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Riku Hamada
- R Hamada, Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Fuchu, Japan
| | - Julien Hogan
- J Hogan, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre de Référence Syndrome Néphrotique de l'Enfant et de l'Adulte (CMR SNI), Hospital Robert Debré, Amboise, France
| | - Kenji Ishikura
- K Ishikura, Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan, Japan
| | - Koichi Kamei
- K Kamei, Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Japan
| | - Markus Kemper
- M Kemper, Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Medical School GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alison Lap-Tak Ma
- A Ma, Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rulan Parekh
- R Parekh, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Seetha Radhakrishnan
- S Radhakrishnan, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital For Sick Children, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Priya Saini
- P Saini, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qian Shen
- Q Shen, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rajiv Sinha
- R Sinha, Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India
| | - Chantida Subun
- C Subun, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sharon Teo
- S Teo, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- M Vivarelli, Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Hazel Webb
- H Webb, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Hong Xu
- H Xu, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Kim Yap
- H Yap, Department of Paediatrics, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kjell Tullus
- K Tullus, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Guzmán Morais B, Ordóñez Álvarez FÁ, Santos Rodríguez F, Martín Ramos S, Fernández Novo G. Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: A tertiary hospital. ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 96:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
15
|
Bazargani B, Noparast Z, Khedmat L, Fahimi D, Esfahani ST, Moghtaderi M, Abbasi A, Afshin A, Mojtahedi SY. Efficacy of rituximab therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome: a 10-year experience from an Iranian pediatric hospital. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:36. [PMID: 35022016 PMCID: PMC8753871 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There are controversy results in the optimal management of children with steroid-dependent and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SDNS, SRNS). This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in these pediatric patients.
Methods
Medical records of 1–18-year-old Iranian children with SDNS (n = 26) and SRNS (n = 22) with a follow-up for at least 24 months were included from 2009 to 2019. The short- and long-term responses to RTX were respectively evaluated to determine the random protein-to-creatinine ratio after 6 and 24 months and classified as complete (CR) and partial (PR) remission or no response.
Results
Male patients (n = 26) were slightly predominate. The median age of patients at the time of RTX therapy was 8.6 ± 4.01 years. At the end of the 6-month follow-up, CR and PR occurred in 23 (47.9%) and 12 (25%) patients, respectively. Of 23 patients with CR, 18 (69.2%) and 5(22.7%) had SDNS and SRNS, respectively (p < 0.005). However, only 18 (37.5%) of patients after 24 months had been in CR. No significant difference in the CR rate was found between the two groups. RTX was more effective when administered during the proteinuria-free period (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
In the short term, RTX significantly was efficient in inducing complete or PR in SDNS and SRNS patients. However, the favorable response rate in a long-term follow-up was insignificantly lower between the two groups.
Collapse
|
16
|
COVID-19 outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103371. [PMID: 35158435 PMCID: PMC8579699 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Outcomes of COVID-19 in PwMS (persons with Multiple Sclerosis) on immunosuppressive therapies, particularly B-cell depletors, can be unpredictable. There has been a concern for postponing or avoiding use of Rituximab (RTX) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report the course and outcomes of COVID-19 in PwMS receiving RTX. Methods PwMS receiving RTX who contracted COVID-19 were closely monitored by tele-consultation and/or evaluated during hospital visits. Those requiring hospitalization for oxygen therapy or admission to ICU or expiring due to COVID-19 were considered to have severe disease. Those without desaturation and manageable at home were considered to have mild disease. Disease course and outcomes were noted. Results Twelve out of 62 (19.4%) PwMS on RTX therapy developed COVID-19. Four (age 35–49 years; mean 43.5) had severe COVID; three of whom had Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS). One PwMS expired. Two had prolonged fever lasting >1 month. One demonstrated features of SARS-CoV-2 reactivation. Interval from last RTX infusion (average dose 750 mg) to COVID-19 onset ranged 1–4 (mean 3.7) months. Eight PwMS had mild COVID-19 (age 26–54 years; mean 37.7); six had RRMS and two SPMS. RTX dose was lower (average dose 625 mg) and infusion to COVID-19 onset duration was longer, ranging 4–20 (mean 9.5) months. Four patients, two each from mild and severe COVID-19 groups had neurological deterioration, but none had true relapses. Conclusion RTX treated PwMS may have unpredictable disease outcomes if they contract COVID-19, but may be at risk of severe disease and persistent infection. In our series higher age, SPMS, shorter interval from RTX infusion to COVID-19 onset and higher dose of RTX were noted amongst those developing severe disease. RTX should be use cautiously during the COVID-19 pandemic and if unavoidable, less frequent and lower doses should be considered. Patients receiving RTX must be counselled to follow strict COVID-19 preventive measures.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang E, Wu Y, Chen C, Wei R, Zhang J, Xie H, Wei C, Ma L, Dong X, Li R, Zhou Y, Cui Y, Wu Y. Effect of different initial rituximab regimens on B cell depletion in children with autoimmune neurological diseases. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 59:103510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
18
|
Del Vecchio L, Allinovi M, Rocco P, Brando B. Rituximab Therapy for Adults with Nephrotic Syndromes: Standard Schedules or B Cell-Targeted Therapy? J Clin Med 2021; 10:5847. [PMID: 34945143 PMCID: PMC8709396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. It acts mainly through complement-dependent cytotoxicity on B cells expressing the CD20 marker. In this review, we analyse the efficacy and possible pitfalls of rituximab to treat nephrotic syndromes by taking into account pharmacological considerations and CD19 marker testing utility. Despite the fact that the drug has been in use for years, efficacy and treatment schedules in adults with nephrotic syndrome are still a matter of debate. Clinical trials have proven the efficacy and safety of rituximab in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Data from observational studies also showed the efficacy of rituximab in minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Rituximab use is now widely recommended by new Kidney Disease Improved Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines in membranous nephropathy and in frequent-relapsing, steroid-dependent minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, rituximab response has a large interindividual variability. One reason could be that rituximab is lost in the urine at a higher extent in patients with nonselective nephrotic proteinuria, exposing patients to different rituximab plasma levels. Moreover, the association between CD19+ levels and clinical response or relapses is not always present, making the use of this marker in clinical practice complex. High resolution flow cytometry has increased the capability of detecting residual CD19+ B cells. Moreover, it can identify specific B-cell subsets (including IgG-switched memory B cells), which can repopulate at different rates. Its wider use could become a useful tool for better understanding reasons of rituximab failure or avoiding unnecessary retreatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Del Vecchio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant’Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, 22042 Como, Italy
| | - Marco Allinovi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Paolo Rocco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Colombo, 71-20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Bruno Brando
- Haematology Laboratory and Transfusion Centre, Legnano General Hospital (Milan), 20025 Milan, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sinha R, Agrawal N, Xue Y, Chanchlani R, Pradhan S, Raina R, Marks SD. Use of rituximab in paediatric nephrology. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:1058-1065. [PMID: 34112638 PMCID: PMC8543203 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-321211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody capable of depleting B cell populations by targeting the CD20 antigen expressed on the cell surface. Its use in oncology, initially in B cell lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, predates its current utility in various fields of medicine wherein it has become one of the safest and most effective antibody-based therapies. It was subsequently found to be effective for rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Over the past decade, rituximab has generated a lot of interest in nephrology and has become an emerging or accepted therapy for multiple renal conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, vasculitis, nephrotic syndrome and in different scenarios before and after kidney transplantation. This review outlines its current use in paediatric nephrology practice, focusing on the knowledge required for general paediatricians who may be caring for children prescribed this medication and reviewing them on a shared care basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Sinha
- ICH, Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India
| | - Nirav Agrawal
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Yuanxin Xue
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahul Chanchlani
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subal Pradhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics(SVPPGIP), Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Rupesh Raina
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen D Marks
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK .,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen Y, Shen Q, Dong M, Xiong Y, Xu H, Li Z. Population Pharmacokinetics of Rituximab in Pediatric Patients With Frequent-Relapsing or Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:725665. [PMID: 34539407 PMCID: PMC8443776 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.725665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Rituximab is frequently used off-label for the treatment of frequent-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), but the relapse rate remained high and the dosing regimen varied widely. The objective of this study was to characterize rituximab pharmacokinetics (PK) in pediatric patients with FRNS/SDNS, and to investigate the differences in rituximab PK between patients with FRNS/SDNS and other disease populations. Methods: Fourteen pediatric patients received rituximab for FRNS/SDNS treatment were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, single-center PK study. A population PK model of rituximab was developed and validated, and PK parameters were derived for quantitative evaluation. Results: A two-compartment PK model best described the data. Body surface area was the most significant covariate for both central clearance (CL) and apparent central volume of distribution (V1). Patients with FRNS/SDNS exhibited a clinically relevant increase in rituximab CL compared to patient population with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Conclusion: This pilot study indicated that higher doses or more frequent regimens of rituximab may be required for optimal therapeutic effects in patients with FRNS/SDNS. Further clinical studies with more patients are warranted to confirm this result.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yewei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Dong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ye Xiong
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chan EYH, Tullus K. Rituximab in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome: in quest of the optimal regimen. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:1397-1405. [PMID: 32577808 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab has emerged as an effective and important therapy in children with complicated frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome to induce long-term disease remission and avoid steroid toxicities. The optimal rituximab regimen is not totally well defined, and there are many varying practices worldwide. We will in this review describe how patient factors, rituximab dose, and use of maintenance immunosuppression affect treatment outcomes. Specifically, low-dose rituximab without concomitant immunosuppression is associated with shorter relapse-free duration while other regimens have comparable outcomes. Patients with more severe disease generally have worse response to rituximab. Although rituximab appears to be generally safe, there are growing concerns of chronic hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired immunity especially in young children. Reliable prognostications and biomarkers for guiding subsequent treatments to avoid excessive treatments are yet to be identified. In this review, we will outline the, as we see it, best approach of rituximab in childhood steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome at the present state of knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Yu-Hin Chan
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK.
- Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Kjell Tullus
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Okutsu M, Kamei K, Sato M, Kanamori T, Nishi K, Ishiwa S, Ogura M, Sako M, Ito S, Ishikura K. Prophylactic rituximab administration in children with complicated nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:611-619. [PMID: 32995922 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab is effective for maintaining remission in patients with complicated nephrotic syndrome, although a history of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a risk factor for early relapse. We investigated the efficacy of prophylactic rituximab treatment for maintaining remission after B cell recovery. METHODS Patients with complicated steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome with history of SRNS who received a single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m2) and continued immunosuppressive agents were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: a prophylaxis group, which received additional rituximab treatment at B cell recovery and a non-prophylaxis group. The relapse-free period from the last rituximab infusion (the second treatment in prophylaxis group and the first treatment in non-prophylaxis group) was compared between two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors for early relapse were calculated using multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Sixteen patients in the prophylaxis group and 45 in the non-prophylaxis group were enrolled. Fifty-percent relapse-free survival after the last rituximab treatment was 667 days in the former and 335 days in the latter (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that additional rituximab treatment was the only significant negative factor for early relapse, with a hazard ratio of 0.40 (p = 0.02). Fifty-percent relapse-free survival after B cell recovery was much longer in the prophylaxis group (954 vs. 205.5 days, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Additional rituximab treatment at B cell recovery can maintain prolonged remission even after B cell recovery in patients with complicated nephrotic syndrome with history of SRNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Okutsu
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kamei
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Mai Sato
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Toru Kanamori
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nishi
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Sho Ishiwa
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masao Ogura
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sako
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ito
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Ishikura
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guzmán Morais B, Ordóñez Álvarez FÁ, Santos Rodríguez F, Martín Ramos S, Fernández Novo G. [Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 96:S1695-4033(20)30529-4. [PMID: 33518484 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Guzmán Morais
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España.
| | | | - Fernando Santos Rodríguez
- Servicio de Nefrología Infantil, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España
| | - Silvia Martín Ramos
- Servicio de Nefrología Infantil, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España
| | - Gema Fernández Novo
- Servicio de Nefrología Infantil, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wennmann M, Kathemann S, Kampmann K, Ohlsson S, Büscher A, Holzinger D, Della Marina A, Lainka E. A Retrospective Analysis of Rituximab Treatment for B Cell Depletion in Different Pediatric Indications. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:651323. [PMID: 34917554 PMCID: PMC8669827 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.651323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rituximab (RTX) is used in cancer therapy as well as in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and alloimmune responses after transplantation. It depletes the disease-causing B cells by binding to the CD (cluster of differentiation) 20 antigen. We evaluate different pediatric treatment protocols (via fixed treatment schedule, B cell- or symptom-controlled) and their therapeutic effects. Methods: Demographic information, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and special laboratory values such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), CD19 positive B cells and Epstein-Barr viral load were retrospectively analyzed in children treated with RTX between 2008 and 2016. Results: Seventy-six patients aged 1 to 19 (median 13) years were treated with 259 RTX infusions. The spectrum of diseases was very heterogeneous. RTX led to a complete depletion of the B cells. The reconstitution time varied between patients and was dependent on the application schedule (median 11.8 months). Fourteen out of 27 (52%) patients developed hypogammaglobulinaemia. The risk of IgG deficiency was 2.6 times higher in children under 4 years of age than in olderones. In the last group IgG deficiency developed in only 38% of the cases (n = 8). Recurrent and severe infections were observed each in 11/72 (15%) patients. Treatment-related reactions occurred in 24/76 (32%) cases; however, treatment had to be discontinued in only 1 case. In 16/25 (76%), the Epstein-Barr viral load dropped below the detection limit after the first RTX infusion. Conclusion: RTX is an effective and well-tolerated drug for the treatment of oncological diseases as well as autoimmune and alloimmune conditions in children. B cell depletion and reconstitution varies both intra- und interindividually, suggesting that symptom-oriented and B cell-controlled therapy may be favorable. Treatment-related reactions, IgG deficiency and infections must be taken into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Wennmann
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Kathemann
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Kristina Kampmann
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Sinja Ohlsson
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Büscher
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Holzinger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Adela Della Marina
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Lainka
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Efficacy of repeat-dose rituximab maintenance therapy for minimal change disease in adults. Clin Exp Nephrol 2020; 24:1132-1139. [PMID: 32761467 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-020-01943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) has been reported to effectively treat minimal change disease (MCD) in adults. However, the efficacy of RTX as maintenance therapy, especially in older patients, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of repeat-dose RTX maintenance therapy regardless of age. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses of 13 biopsy-proven adult MCD patients receiving RTX and evaluated the relapse rate, concomitant steroid and immunosuppressant use, relationship between B-cell depletion time and relapse, and adverse events. RESULTS Mean patient age at start of RTX therapy was 51.5 ± 20.1 years. Each RTX induction consisted of a single 375 mg/m2 dose. One patient received two RTX doses with a 1-year interval. The remaining 12 patients received RTX at 6-month intervals up to four times after RTX introduction. The median observation period was 28 (16-60) months after RTX induction, median relapse frequency was significantly decreased from 0.83 (0.18-1.92) to 0 (0-0.71) times/year (P < 0.001), and median prednisolone dose was reduced from 25 (5-40) mg to 2.5 (0-10) mg (P < 0.001). CD19-positive B cells remained depleted during RTX administration in 6-month intervals. No serious adverse events were observed after RTX administration. CONCLUSIONS Repeat-dose RTX as maintenance therapy efficiently prevented recurrence and was well tolerated in adult MCD patients including older. This regimen has the potential to maintain prolonged remission. Future studies in larger cohorts are needed to identify the optimal dose and frequency and evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of this regimen.
Collapse
|
26
|
George J, Alex S, Thomas ETA, Gracious N, Vineetha NS, Kumar S. Clinical Response and Pattern of B cell Suppression with Single Low Dose Rituximab in Nephrology. KIDNEY360 2020; 1:359-367. [PMID: 35369364 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000072020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background There is no consensus regarding dose and frequency of rituximab in nephrology with extrapolation of doses used in treating lymphoproliferative disorders. There are no guidelines on targeting initial and subsequent doses on the basis of CD19+ B cells. Methods Initially, 100 mg rituximab was given to 42 adults with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) and frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS), idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN), and high-immunologic-risk kidney transplantation. Absolute and percentage levels of CD19 B cells and clinical status were assessed at baseline, days 30, 90, and 180, and at 1 year. Subsequent doses of rituximab were on the basis of CD19 B cell reconstitution and clinical response. Results CD19 B cell percentage decreased from 16.3 ± 7.6 to 0.3 ± 0.3 (P≤0.001), 1.9 ± 1.7 (P≤0.001), and 4.0 ± 4.5 (P=0.005) by 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Suppression of CD19 B cell count below 1% at days 30, 90, and 180 was seen in 40 of 42 (95.2%), 18 of 42 (42.9%), and 7 of 42 (16.7%) patients, respectively. Of 30 with SDNS and FRNS followed up for 1 year, 29 (96.7%) went into remission at day 30. Remission was sustained in 23 (76.6%) at day 180 and 21 (70%) at 1 year. There was a significant decrease (P<0.001) in the dose of steroids needed to maintain remission at 180 days after rituximab (0.27 ± 0.02 mg/kg to 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg). CD19 B cell percentage at 90 days correlated with relapse (P=0.001; odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 2.57). Eighteen (60%) required an additional dose. Of five with MN, four achieved remission by 6 months, which was sustained in three by 1 year. Of the seven kidney transplant recipients, two had antibody-mediated rejections, although CD19 B cells were suppressed even at 1 year. Conclusions Low-dose rituximab induces sustained depletion of CD19 B cells for up to 90 days. Its role in preventing relapses in SDNS, FRNS, MN, and rejection needs further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob George
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sunu Alex
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - E T Arun Thomas
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Noble Gracious
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Nalanda S Vineetha
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sajeev Kumar
- Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nishikawa M, Shimada N, Kawazoe T, Sawaki R, Ikuta H, Kanzaki M, Fukuoka K, Fukushima M, Asano K. Long-term Successful Treatment of Rituximab for Steroid-resistant Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Intern Med 2020; 59:983-986. [PMID: 31866629 PMCID: PMC7184077 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3837-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A 22-year-old woman had been diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) 5 years earlier. After undergoing splenectomy, she relapsed frequently following prednisolone tapering. She was complicated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) while taking 20 mg of prednisolone. Despite treatment with prednisolone, cyclosporin and low-density lipoprotein-apheresis, MCNS and ITP did not improve. We added rituximab in 4 weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2. MCNS and ITP were in complete remission. After administering rituximab once, all medicines were discontinued. No relapse had occurred by 50 months following the first rituximab administration. Rituximab affects steroid-resistant MCNS and ITP for a long time without complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mana Nishikawa
- Department of Nephrology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | - Ryo Sawaki
- Department of Nephrology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Haruka Ikuta
- Department of Nephrology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Motoko Kanzaki
- Department of Nephrology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Kosuke Fukuoka
- Department of Nephrology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukushima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shigei Research Institute Hospital, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Parmentier C, Delbet JD, Decramer S, Boyer O, Hogan J, Ulinski T. Immunoglobulin serum levels in rituximab-treated patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:455-462. [PMID: 31705306 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) is efficient in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) in pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study is to describe hypogammaglobulinemia as a side effect of RTX treatment. METHODS All pediatric patients (< 18 years old) of four French pediatric nephrology centers who received RTX for SDNS between 2010 and 2015 have been included. Clinical and biological data have been analyzed retrospectively before, during, and after RTX treatment. Hypogammaglobulinemia was defined as an IgG level < - 2 standard deviations for patient age. RESULTS A total of 107 pediatric patients have been included, 65.9% were boys, median age at nephrotic syndrome diagnosis was 3.1 interquartile range [IQ 2.24-5.45] years and age at RTX introduction was 11.7 [IQ 8.6-14.2] years. Twenty-one patients had hypogammaglobulinemia before the initiation of RTX. Of the patients, 25/86 had at least one hypogammaglobulinemia during B cell depletion or after B cell recovery while IgG levels at initiation were normal with a persisting hypogammaglobulinemia for 13 patients 1 year after B cell recovery. Patients who developed hypogammaglobulinemia were younger at RTX initiation with a median age of 8.2 years [IQ 6.3-12.4]. Among all the 46 patients with hypogammaglobulinemia during follow-up, 13 had a concomitant infection. CONCLUSIONS Hypogammaglobulinemia is a frequent complication of RTX treatment in younger children treated for SDNS. The use of RTX in children has to be carefully evaluated and their clinical and biological follow-up should be adapted to the age-dependent risk profile for hypogammaglobulinemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyrielle Parmentier
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Armand Trousseau Hospital, APHP.6, 75012, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy, DHU i2b, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Delbet
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Armand Trousseau Hospital, APHP.6, 75012, Paris, France
- Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy, DHU i2b, Paris, France
| | | | - Olivia Boyer
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Julien Hogan
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Tim Ulinski
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Armand Trousseau Hospital, APHP.6, 75012, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
- Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy, DHU i2b, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chan EYH, Webb H, Yu E, Ghiggeri GM, Kemper MJ, Ma ALT, Yamamura T, Sinha A, Bagga A, Hogan J, Dossier C, Vivarelli M, Liu ID, Kamei K, Ishikura K, Saini P, Tullus K. Both the rituximab dose and maintenance immunosuppression in steroid-dependent/frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome have important effects on outcomes. Kidney Int 2019; 97:393-401. [PMID: 31874801 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Yu-Hin Chan
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK; Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong; Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Hazel Webb
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Ellen Yu
- Clinical Research Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation and Laboratory on Molecular Nephrology, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Markus J Kemper
- Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alison Lap-Tak Ma
- Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong; Paediatric Nephrology Centre, Department of Paediatrics, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Aditi Sinha
- Department of Pediatrics, Indian Council of Medical Research Center for Advanced Research in Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arvind Bagga
- Department of Pediatrics, Indian Council of Medical Research Center for Advanced Research in Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Julien Hogan
- Service de néphrologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-debré, Paris, France
| | - Claire Dossier
- Service de néphrologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert-debré, Paris, France
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Ospedale Pediatrico "Bambino Gesù" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carettere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Isaac Desheng Liu
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Koichi Kamei
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ishikura
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Priya Saini
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kjell Tullus
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Solomon N, Lalayiannis AD. Rituximab is more effective than tacrolimus in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2019; 104:279-280. [PMID: 30709941 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Solomon
- Paediatric Nephrology, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alex D Lalayiannis
- Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Risk factors for early B cell recovery following single-dose rituximab therapy in Japanese children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:359-360. [PMID: 30196382 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
32
|
How to improve response to rituximab treatment in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: answer to Drs. Fujinaga and Nishino. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:361-362. [PMID: 30406369 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
33
|
Maxted AP, Dalrymple RA, Chisholm D, McColl J, Tse Y, Christian MT, Reynolds BC. Low-dose rituximab is no less effective for nephrotic syndrome measured by 12-month outcome. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:855-863. [PMID: 30564878 PMCID: PMC6424916 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Maxted
- Nottingham Children’s Hospital Renal and Urology Unit, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rebecca A. Dalrymple
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF UK
| | - Denise Chisholm
- 0000 0004 4904 7256grid.459561.aGreat North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - John McColl
- 0000 0001 2193 314Xgrid.8756.cSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yincent Tse
- 0000 0004 4904 7256grid.459561.aGreat North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ben C. Reynolds
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kallash M, Smoyer WE, Mahan JD. Rituximab Use in the Management of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:178. [PMID: 31134169 PMCID: PMC6524616 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Kallash
- Division of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - William E Smoyer
- Division of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - John D Mahan
- Division of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|