1
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Angeletti A, Bin S, Magnasco A, Bruschi M, Cravedi P, Ghiggeri GM. Efficacy of combined rituximab and daratumumab treatment in posttransplant recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:688-692. [PMID: 38101474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the leading causes of kidney failure and it is characterized by a high rate of recurrence after kidney transplant. Moreover, FSGS recurrence is worsened by an increased risk of graft failure. Common therapies for FSGS recurrence mostly consist of plasma exchange treatments, also for prolonged time, and rituximab, with variable efficacy. We report 5 cases of early FSGS recurrence after kidney transplant, resistant to plasma exchange and rituximab treatment that subsequently resolved after combined therapy with rituximab and daratumumab. All cases were negative for genetic FSGS. The combined treatment induced a complete response in all the cases and was well tolerated. We also performed a comprehensive flow cytometry analysis in 2 subjects that may suggest a mechanistic link between plasma cells and disease activity. In conclusion, given the lack of viable treatments for recurrent FSGS, our reports support the rationale for a pilot trial testing the safety/efficacy profile of combined rituximab and daratumumab in posttransplant FSGS recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeletti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sofia Bin
- Translational Transplant Research Center and Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alberto Magnasco
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Translational Transplant Research Center and Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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2
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Raina R, Jothi S, Haffner D, Somers M, Filler G, Vasistha P, Chakraborty R, Shapiro R, Randhawa PS, Parekh R, Licht C, Bunchman T, Sethi S, Mangat G, Zaritsky J, Schaefer F, Warady B, Bartosh S, McCulloch M, Alhasan K, Swiatecka-Urban A, Smoyer WE, Chandraker A, Yap HK, Jha V, Bagga A, Radhakrishnan J. Post-transplant recurrence of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis: consensus statements. Kidney Int 2024; 105:450-463. [PMID: 38142038 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.10.017] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is 1 of the primary causes of nephrotic syndrome in both pediatric and adult patients, which can lead to end-stage kidney disease. Recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation significantly increases allograft loss, leading to morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no consensus guidelines for identifying those patients who are at risk for recurrence or for the management of recurrent FSGS. Our work group performed a literature search on PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane, and recommendations were proposed and graded for strength of evidence. Of the 614 initially identified studies, 221 were found suitable to formulate consensus guidelines for recurrent FSGS. These guidelines focus on the definition, epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and management of recurrent FSGS. We conclude that additional studies are required to strengthen the recommendations proposed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Raina
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA; Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Swathi Jothi
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Somers
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guido Filler
- Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prabhav Vasistha
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronith Chakraborty
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA; Department of Nephrology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Ron Shapiro
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Parmjeet S Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, Thomas E Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rulan Parekh
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Licht
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy Bunchman
- Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sidharth Sethi
- Pediatric Nephrology, Kidney Institute, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Guneive Mangat
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Joshua Zaritsky
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bradley Warady
- Division of Nephrology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Sharon Bartosh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mignon McCulloch
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khalid Alhasan
- Nephrology Unit, Pediatrics Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Pediatric Kidney Transplant Division, Organ Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Agnieszka Swiatecka-Urban
- University of Virginia Children's Hospital, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William E Smoyer
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Division of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anil Chandraker
- Transplantation Research Center, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hui Kim Yap
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), New Delhi, India; School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK; Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Arvind Bagga
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jai Radhakrishnan
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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Angeletti A, Bruschi M, Kajana X, La Porta E, Spinelli S, Caridi G, Lugani F, Verrina EE, Ghiggeri GM. Biologics in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome in childhood: review and new hypothesis-driven treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213203. [PMID: 37705972 PMCID: PMC10497215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome affects about 2-7 per 100,000 children yearly and accounts for less than 15% of end stage kidney disease. Steroids still represent the cornerstone of therapy achieving remission in 75-90% of the cases The remaining part result as steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, characterized by the elevated risk of developing end stage kidney disease and frequently presenting disease recurrence in case of kidney transplant. The pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome is still far to be elucidated, however, efficacy of immune treatments provided the basis to suggest the involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Based on these substrates, more immune drugs, further than steroids, were administered in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, such as antiproliferative and alkylating agents or calcineurin inhibitors. However, such treatments failed in inducing a sustained remission. In last two decades, the developments of monoclonal antibodies, including the anti-CD20 rituximab and inhibitor of B7-1 abatacept, represented a valid opportunity of treatment. However, also the effectiveness of biologics resulted limited. We here propose a new hypothesis-driven treatment based on the combining administration of rituximab with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab (NCT05704400), sustained by the hypothesis to target the entire B-cells subtypes pool, including the long-lived plasmacells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeletti
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Xhuliana Kajana
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Edoardo La Porta
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Lugani
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Eugenio Verrina
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Burke GW, Mitrofanova A, Fontanella A, Ciancio G, Roth D, Ruiz P, Abitbol C, Chandar J, Merscher S, Fornoni A. The podocyte: glomerular sentinel at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1201619. [PMID: 37564655 PMCID: PMC10410139 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1201619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common glomerular disorder that manifests clinically with the nephrotic syndrome and has a propensity to recur following kidney transplantation. The pathophysiology and therapies available to treat FSGS currently remain elusive. Since the podocyte appears to be the target of apparent circulating factor(s) that lead to recurrence of proteinuria following kidney transplantation, this article is focused on the podocyte. In the context of kidney transplantation, the performance of pre- and post-reperfusion biopsies, and the establishment of in vitro podocyte liquid biopsies/assays allow for the development of clinically relevant studies of podocyte biology. This has given insight into new pathways, involving novel targets in innate and adaptive immunity, such as SMPDL3b, cGAS-STING, and B7-1. Elegant experimental studies suggest that the successful clinical use of rituximab and abatacept, two immunomodulating agents, in our case series, may be due to direct effects on the podocyte, in addition to, or perhaps distinct from their immunosuppressive functions. Thus, tissue biomarker-directed therapy may provide a rational approach to validate the mechanism of disease and allow for the development of new therapeutics for FSGS. This report highlights recent progress in the field and emphasizes the importance of kidney transplantation and recurrent FSGS (rFSGS) as a platform for the study of primary FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W. Burke
- Division of Kidney−Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alla Mitrofanova
- Research, Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Antonio Fontanella
- Research, Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Gaetano Ciancio
- Division of Kidney−Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - David Roth
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and the Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Phil Ruiz
- Transplant Pathology, Department of Surgery, Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Carolyn Abitbol
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jayanthi Chandar
- Division of Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sandra Merscher
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alessia Fornoni
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Baskın E, Avcı B, Gülleroğlu K, Akdur A, Moray G, Haberal M. Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Recurrence After Pediatric Renal Transplantation. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2022; 20:55-60. [PMID: 35384808 DOI: 10.6002/ect.mesot2021.o24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence after renal transplant occurs frequently in pediatric patients and is associated with poor graft survival when patients reach adulthood. We investigated recurrence rates, recurrence risk factors, management strategies, and long-term graft function among pediatric renal transplant recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as primary disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated medical records of 34 pediatric patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis who had undergone renal transplant between 2004 and 2019 at our center. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence was diagnosed by the presence of nephrotic range proteinuria after transplant and confirmed by graft biopsy. Preoperative prophylactic plasma exchange was administered to pediatric renal transplant recipients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Plasma exchange was also used to treat focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence, with rituximab added if the patient did not respond to plasma exchange. RESULTS All patients (male-to-female ratio of 19:15) in our group underwent renal transplant. Mean patient age at the time of transplant was 12.72 ± 5.46 years. Twenty-nine patients received living- related donor allografts (85.3%) and 5 received organs from deceased donors (14.7%). We identified focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence in 5 recipients (14.7%). Time from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis diagnosis to end-stage renal disease and duration of dialysis were shorter in the recurrence group than in the nonrecurrence group (48.4 months [range, 2-90 mo] vs 65.1 months [range, 8-123 mo] and 1.41 ± 0.82 vs 3.18 ± 1.88 years, respectively; P < .05). Donor type and transplant age were similar in both groups. Of those with recurrence who had received plasma exchange and rituximab, 3 patients (75%) had complete remission and 1 patient (25%) had partial remission. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic plasma exchange and the combined plasma exchange-rituximab regimen for treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence resulted in low recurrence and good remission rates in our pediatric cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Baskın
- From the Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
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6
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Basu B, Angeletti A, Islam B, Ghiggeri GM. New and Old Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies for Nephrotic Syndrome. Where We Are? Front Immunol 2022; 13:805697. [PMID: 35222385 PMCID: PMC8873567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.805697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic proteinuria is the hallmark of several glomerulonephritis determined by different pathogenetic mechanisms, including autoimmune, degenerative and inflammatory. Some conditions such as Minimal Change Nephropathy (MCN) and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are of uncertain pathogenesis. Chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have been used with success in a part of proteinuric conditions while some are resistant. New human and humanized monoclonal anti-CD 20 antibodies offer some advantages based on stronger effects on CD20 cell subtypes and have been already administered in hematology and oncology areas as substitutes of chimeric molecules. Here, we revised the literature on the use of human and humanized anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibodies in different proteinuric conditions, resulting effective in those conditions resistant to rituximab. Literature on the use of human anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibodies in different proteinuric diseases is mainly limited to ofatumumab, with several protocols and doses. Studies already performed with ofatumumab given in standard doses of 1,500 mg 1.73m2 suggest no superiority compared to rituximab in children and young adults with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome. Ofatumumab given in very high doses (300 mg/1.73m2 followed by five infusion 2,000 mg/1.73 m2) seems more effective in patients who are not responsive to common therapies. The question of dose remains unresolved and the literature is not concordant on positive effects of high dose ofatumumab in patients with FSGS prior and after renal transplantation. Obinutuzumab may offer some advantages. In the unique study performed in patients with multidrug dependent nephrotic syndrome reporting positive effects, obinutuzumab was associated with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab proposing the unexplored frontier of combined therapies. Obinutuzumab represent an evolution also in the treatment of autoimmune glomerulonephritis, such as membranous nephrotahy and lupus nephritis. Results of randomized trials, now in progress, are awaited to add new possibilities in those cases that are resistant to other drugs. The aim of the present review is to open a discussion among nephrologists, with the hope to achieve shared approaches in terms of type of antibodies and doses in the different proteinuric renal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswanath Basu
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Nilratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IstitutoGianninaGaslini Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory on Molecular Nephrology, IstitutoGianninaGaslini Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Bilkish Islam
- Department of Pediatrics, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IstitutoGianninaGaslini Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory on Molecular Nephrology, IstitutoGianninaGaslini Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gian Marco Ghiggeri,
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Hladunewich MA, Cattran D, Sethi SM, Hayek SS, Li J, Wei C, Mullin SI, Reich HN, Reiser J, Fervenza FC. Efficacy of Rituximab in Treatment-Resistant Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis With Elevated Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor and Activation of Podocyte β3 Integrin. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:68-77. [PMID: 35005315 PMCID: PMC8720804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe, nonresponsive, primary focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) can progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in <5 years. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) may contribute to podocyte effacement by activating podocyte β3 integrin. It has been reported as a potential permeability factor and biomarker for primary FSGS. Rituximab was found to have efficacy in case reports and small series. Whether rituximab is efficacious in patients with treatment-resistant FSGS in the context of high suPAR levels and evidence of podocyte B3 integrin activation remains unknown. Methods In this nonblinded, open-label pilot study, the safety and efficacy of rituximab were evaluated in treatment-resistant adult patients with primary FSGS and a suPAR level > 3500 pg/ml with evidence of β3 integrin activation. Rituximab (1 g) was given on days 1 and 15. The primary outcome was proteinuria at 12 months. Results Only 13 of 38 screened patients qualified for the study, of whom 9 consented to participate. The baseline proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) levels were 7.70 ± 4.61 g/d and 67 ± 38 ml/min, respectively. A transient response at 6 months was noted in 2 patients without a parallel change in suPAR level. At 12 months, there was no statistically significant improvement in proteinuria level with all participants remaining nephrotic (7.27 ± 7.30 g/d). GFR level marginally declined to 60 ± 38 ml/min with one patient progressing to ESKD. There were 2 serious infections, an infusion-related reaction and leucopenia attributed to rituximab. Conclusion Rituximab was ineffective when administered to adult patients with treatment-resistant primary FSGS with a high suPAR and evidence of podocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Hladunewich
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dan Cattran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjeev M Sethi
- Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Salim S Hayek
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Changli Wei
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sarah I Mullin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather N Reich
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jochen Reiser
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Fernando C Fervenza
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Abbas F, El Kossi M, Jin JK, Sharma A, Halawa A. Recurrence of primary glomerulonephritis: Review of the current evidence. World J Transplant 2017; 7:301-316. [PMID: 29312859 PMCID: PMC5743867 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v7.i6.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the availability of new immunosuppression strategies, the recurrence of allograft glomerulonephritis (GN) are reported to be increasing with time post transplantation. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of the GN recurrent disease provided a better chance to develop new strategies to deal with the GN recurrence. Recurrent GN diseases manifest with a variable course, stubborn behavior, and poor response to therapy. Some types of GN lead to rapid decline of kidney function resulting in a frustrating return to maintenance dialysis. This subgroup of aggressive diseases actually requires intensive efforts to ascertain their pathogenesis so that strategy could be implemented for better allograft survival. Epidemiology of native glomerulonephritis as the cause of end-stage renal failure and subsequent recurrence of individual glomerulonephritis after renal transplantation was evaluated using data from various registries, and pathogenesis of individual glomerulonephritis is discussed. The following review is aimed to define current protocols of the recurrent primary glomerulonephritis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedaey Abbas
- Department of Nephrology, Jaber El Ahmed Military Hospital, Safat 13005, Kuwait
- Faculty of Health and Science, University of Liverpool, Institute of Learning and Teaching, School of Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
| | - Mohsen El Kossi
- Faculty of Health and Science, University of Liverpool, Institute of Learning and Teaching, School of Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
- Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster DN2 5LT, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Kim Jin
- Faculty of Health and Science, University of Liverpool, Institute of Learning and Teaching, School of Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
- Nottingham Children Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Faculty of Health and Science, University of Liverpool, Institute of Learning and Teaching, School of Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
- Royal Liverpool University Hospitals, Liverpool L7 8XP, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Halawa
- Faculty of Health and Science, University of Liverpool, Institute of Learning and Teaching, School of Medicine, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom
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9
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Roccatello D, Sciascia S, Rossi D, Alpa M, Naretto C, Radin M, Barreca A, Fenoglio R, Baldovino S, Menegatti E. High-Dose Rituximab Ineffective for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Long-Term Observation Study. Am J Nephrol 2017; 46:108-113. [PMID: 28700988 DOI: 10.1159/000477944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A beneficial effect of rituximab (RTX) on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in pediatric patients or in transplant recipients has been reported in isolated cases. However, the use of RTX in adult patients with idiopathic FSGS needs further investigation. METHODS Eight patients who had biopsy-proven FSGS (63.9 ± 14.0, range 40-81 years, 4 women, 4 men) with major risk factors precluding corticosteroids or conventional immunosuppression were treated with a high dose of RTX (8 weekly doses of 375 mg/m2) and prospectively followed up for at least 2 years (29.1 ± 8.8 months, range 24-42 months). RESULTS RTX failed to improve proteinuria in 7 out of 8 patients, who had persistent nephrotic proteinuria. In one case, a rapidly deteriorating renal function was also observed. Only one patient showed an improvement in renal function and a remarkable reduction in proteinuria. There were no differences in clinical or laboratory characteristics or in the CD20 B lymphocyte count after RTX between the responder and the 7 nonresponder patients. CONCLUSIONS Only a minority (1 of 8) in our series of adult patients with FSGS showed positive effects of high doses of RTX. Future studies are warranted to investigate more promising therapeutic options in the management of FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Roccatello
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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10
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Iijima K, Sako M, Nozu K. Rituximab for nephrotic syndrome in children. Clin Exp Nephrol 2017; 21:193-202. [PMID: 27422620 PMCID: PMC5388729 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-016-1313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common chronic glomerular disease in children. At least 20 % of children with this syndrome show frequent relapses and/or steroid dependence during or after immunosuppressive therapies, a condition defined as complicated frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). Approximately 1-3 % of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome are resistant to steroids and all immunosuppressive agents, a condition defined as refractory steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS); these SRNS children have a high risk of end-stage renal failure. Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been shown to be effective for patients with complicated FRNS/SDNS and refractory SRNS. This review describes the recent results of rituximab treatment applied to pediatric nephrotic syndrome, as well as those of our recent study, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of rituximab for childhood-onset complicated FRNS/SDNS (RCRNS01). The overall efficacy and safety of rituximab for this disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Sako
- Division for Clinical Trials, Department of Clinical Research, Center for Clinical Research and Development, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
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11
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Tran MH, Chan C, Pasch W, Carpenter P, Ichii H, Foster C. Treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Recurrence in the Renal Allograft: A Report of Two Cases. Case Rep Nephrol Dial 2016; 6:53-60. [PMID: 27099858 PMCID: PMC4836136 DOI: 10.1159/000445428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) causes glomerular lesions that can progress to end-stage renal disease. It is suspected to be caused by a circulating factor that is amenable to plasmapheresis removal and exhibits a risk for recurrence in the renal allograft. We present two patients with FSGS recurrence in their allograft kidneys diagnosed by biopsy after significant proteinuria developed in the posttransplant setting. Treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange induced long-term remission in both patients. Spot urine protein:creatinine ratios were monitored and treatment was continued until a target of <0.5 was achieved. In patient number two, a second peak in proteinuria and azotemia was ultimately attributable to ureteral stenosis and these values normalized following repair. In conclusion, therapeutic plasma exchange is an effective treatment for FSGS recurring following renal transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ha Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Irvine Health School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cynthia Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, UC Irvine Health Medical Center, Inpatient Pharmacy, Orange, Calif., USA
| | - Whitney Pasch
- UCLA Olive View, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA
| | - Philip Carpenter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Irvine Health School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA
| | - Hirohito Ichii
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UC Irvine Health School of Medicine, Orange, Calif., USA
| | - Clarence Foster
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UC Irvine Health School of Medicine, Orange, Calif., USA
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Trachtman R, Sran SS, Trachtman H. Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol 2015; 30:1793-802. [PMID: 25690943 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-015-3062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of glomerular disease in children and adolescents and nearly 50 % of affected patients will progress to end-stage kidney disease over a 5 to 10-year period. Unfortunately, there is no established treatment for disease in the native kidney. Moreover, up to 55 % of patients develop recurrent disease after receiving a kidney transplant, with a substantially higher risk in patients who have already experienced recurrent disease in a prior transplant. A number of clinical and laboratory factors have been identified as risk factors for this complication. In addition, new investigations into podocyte biology and circulating permeability factors have shed light on the cause of recurrent the disease. While a number of novel therapeutic agents have been applied in the management of this problem, there still is no proven treatment. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of recurrent FSGS in pediatric patients who have received a kidney transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Trachtman
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, NYU Langone Medical Center, CTSI, Room #733 227 E 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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13
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Abstract
In the past 10 years, many reports have suggested that rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is effective for children with complicated, frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). However, those reports were case reports, case series, retrospective surveys, and single-arm or short-term trials. Therefore, well-designed controlled trials are required to establish the value of rituximab in this condition. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in childhood-onset, complicated FRNS/SDNS, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was carried out by the Research Group of Childhood-onset Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome (RCRNS) in Japan (RCRNS01). RCRNS01 showed that rituximab is safe and effective for the treatment of childhood-onset, complicated FRNS/SDNS. In 2014, the use of rituximab for patients with complicated FRNS/SDNS was approved, first in the world, by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017 Japan
| | - Mayumi Sako
- Division for Clinical Trials, Department of Development Strategy, Center for Social and Clinical Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535 Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017 Japan
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Spinner ML, Bowman LJ, Horwedel TA, Delos Santos RB, Klein CL, Brennan DC. Single-dose rituximab for recurrent glomerulonephritis post-renal transplant. Am J Nephrol 2015; 41:37-47. [PMID: 25634230 DOI: 10.1159/000371587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Post-renal transplant recurrent glomerulonephritis (GN) contributes to allograft loss. Rituximab treatment has been used in a multidose strategy with variable efficacy and toxicity. We investigated a novel single-dose approach. METHODS A single center, retrospective, cohort study was conducted between January 1998 and April 2012 among renal allograft recipients with recurrent GN treated with rituximab (cases) or without (controls). The primary outcome was complete response (CR, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/C) <0.3). Secondary outcomes included partial response (PR >50% reduction in UP/C), response relapse, treatment-response by GN type, acute rejection incidence, time to graft loss, and infection incidence. RESULTS The median dose of rituximab was 200 mg per patient. Of 20 rituximab cases and 13 controls, CR was achieved in eight (40%) versus four (31%), respectively (p = 0.72). Three subjects in each group achieved PR (p = 0.66). Response relapse was similar between the two groups (p = 0.47). Significantly more subjects with recurrent membranous nephropathy (MN) achieved CR with rituximab treatment (p = 0.029). Acute rejection was lower in the rituximab group versus controls (n = 0 vs. 4; p = 0.046). The mean time to graft loss was much later in the rituximab group (35 months, (95% CI 33-37)) versus controls (29 months, (95% CI 24-35)) at 36 months (p = 0.04). There was no infection increase in rituximab-treated subjects (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION Single-dose rituximab for treatment of recurrent GN was associated with less subsequent rejection and longer time to graft loss without increased infection, but was no more effective than regimens not using rituximab at 36-months except those with recurrent membranous GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Spinner
- Department of Pharmacy, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Mo., USA
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15
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Rituximab in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: does it make sense? Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:1313-9. [PMID: 23793923 PMCID: PMC3856183 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) includes three different entities: minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Historically, this condition has been attributed to a T-cell disorder resulting in the secretion of a circulating factor that increases glomerular permeability to plasma proteins. The therapeutic approach to control the proteinuria of INS remains the use of drugs that have been considered to suppress the production of the "circulating factor" secreted by T cells. Recently, rituximab (RTX), a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 cell surface receptor expressed on B cells, has emerged as potential therapeutic agent. The number of publications reporting clinical experience with RTX in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome has greatly increased in the last few years. However, there is currently no good evidence from clinical or experimental studies that support a role of RTX in the treatment of MCD and FSGS proteinuria. In summary, there is the need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the proteinuria in INS and the potential role of RTX in this condition.
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Abstract
The first successful kidney transplantation between monozygotic identical twins did not require any immunosuppressive drugs. Clinical application of azathioprine and glucocorticosteroids allowed the transfer of organs between genetically disparate donors and recipients. Transplantation is now the standard of care, a life-saving procedure for patients with failed organs. Progress in our understanding of the immunobiology of rejection has been translated to the development of immunosuppressive agents targeting T cells, B cells, plasma cells, costimulatory signals, complement products, and antidonor antibodies. Modern immunopharmacologic interventions have contributed to the clinical success observed following transplantation but challenges remain in personalizing immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choli Hartono
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Departments of Medicine and Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
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Cravedi P, Kopp JB, Remuzzi G. Recent progress in the pathophysiology and treatment of FSGS recurrence. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:266-74. [PMID: 23312002 PMCID: PMC3558619 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a glomerular disease characterized by proteinuria, frequent progression to end-stage renal disease, and recurrence after kidney transplantation in ∼25% of patients, which negatively impacts long-term allograft survival. Experimental studies suggest that abnormalities in T and, possibly, B cells may represent one initial pathogenic trigger, leading to podocyte injury and progressive loss. New data also support the existence of circulating permeability factors able to damage the podocytes, but no single molecule has been consistently identified as the causal pathogenic element in FSGS recurrence. Unfortunately, major progress from mechanistic studies has not translated into substantial advancements in patient treatment, with plasmapheresis (PP) and high doses of cyclosporine (CsA) remaining the mainstays of therapy. Despite consistent experimental and clinical evidence that treatment of proteinuria slows renal function decline in proteinuric nephropathies, maximal use of antiproteinuric agents such as renin angiotensin system antagonists is not routine in the management of FSGS recurrence. More recently, encouraging results have been reported with anti-CD20 depleting antibody rituximab, but further studies are needed to establish its safety/efficacy profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cravedi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases “Aldo e Cele Dacco”, Villa Camozzi, Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Jeffrey B. Kopp
- Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases “Aldo e Cele Dacco”, Villa Camozzi, Ranica, Bergamo, Italy,Unit of Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Kumar J, Shatat IF, Skversky AL, Woroniecki RP, Del Rio M, Perelstein EM, Johnson VL, Mahesh S. Rituximab in post-transplant pediatric recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Pediatr Nephrol 2013; 28:333-8. [PMID: 23052653 PMCID: PMC3541458 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-012-2314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurs in 20-40 % of allografts. Plasmapheresis (TPE) has been one of the mainstays of treatment with variable results. Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody to the protein CD20, is being used for treatment of recurrent FSGS (recFSGS) but pediatric experience is limited. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of eight patients with recFSGS, treated with RTX (1-4 doses) after having minimal response to TPE. Complete response was defined as a decrease in urine protein creatinine ratio (Up/c) to less than 0.2 and partial response was a decrease in Up/c ratio by 50 % of baseline and in the sub-nephrotic range (U p/c <2). RESULTS Complete response was seen in two of eight patients, and partial response was seen in four of eight patients. Two patients had no response. At last follow-up, all the partial responders had sub-nephrotic range proteinuria (Up/c ratios ranging from 0.29 to 1.6). Delayed response, up to 9 months post-RTX, was also seen in some of the patients. Significant complications such as rituximab-associated lung injury (RALI), acute tubular necrosis, and central nervous system(CNS) malignancy were also observed in our case series. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab can be used with caution as a treatment for recFSGS. Efficacy is variable from none to complete response. Even partial reduction in proteinuria is of benefit in prolonging the life of the allograft. Long-term, multicenter studies are needed to prove its sustained efficacy in those who respond and to monitor for serious adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Kumar
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Helmsley Towers 3, Box 176, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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The factors that may predict response to rituximab therapy in recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review. J Transplant 2011; 2011:374213. [PMID: 22174985 PMCID: PMC3235904 DOI: 10.1155/2011/374213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrence of FSGS occurs in 30–40% of allografts. Therapies for recurrence are not well established. We retrieved all published reports depicting kidney transplant recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurrence, treated with rituximab, to determine factors associated with treatment response. We found 18 reports of 39 transplant recipients who received rituximab. By univariate analysis for two outcomes (no response versus any response), fewer rituximab infusions and normal serum albumin at recurrence were associated with treatment response. For 3 outcomes (no response, partial and complete remission), male gender, fewer rituximab infusions, shorter time to rituximab treatment, and normal serum albumin were associated with remission. Multivariate analysis for both models revealed that normal serum albumin at FSGS recurrence and lower age at transplant were associated with response.
Rituximab for recurrence of FSGS may be beneficial for only some patients. A younger age at transplant and normal serum albumin level at recurrence diagnosis may predict response.
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Fornoni A, Sageshima J, Wei C, Merscher-Gomez S, Aguillon-Prada R, Jauregui AN, Li J, Mattiazzi A, Ciancio G, Chen L, Zilleruelo G, Abitbol C, Chandar J, Seeherunvong W, Ricordi C, Ikehata M, Rastaldi MP, Reiser J, Burke GW. Rituximab targets podocytes in recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Sci Transl Med 2011; 3:85ra46. [PMID: 21632984 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a glomerular disease characterized by proteinuria, progression to end-stage renal disease, and recurrence of proteinuria after kidney transplantation in about one-third of patients. It has been suggested that rituximab might treat recurrent FSGS through an unknown mechanism. Rituximab not only recognizes CD20 on B lymphocytes, but might also bind sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3b (SMPDL-3b) protein and regulate acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) activity. We hypothesized that rituximab prevents recurrent FSGS and preserves podocyte SMPDL-3b expression. We studied 41 patients at high risk for recurrent FSGS, 27 of whom were treated with rituximab at time of kidney transplant. SMPDL-3b protein, ASMase activity, and cytoskeleton remodeling were studied in cultured normal human podocytes that had been exposed to patient sera with or without rituximab. Rituximab treatment was associated with lower incidence of posttransplant proteinuria and stabilization of glomerular filtration rate. The number of SMPDL-3b(+) podocytes in postreperfusion biopsies was reduced in patients who developed recurrent FSGS. Rituximab partially prevented SMPDL-3b and ASMase down-regulation that was observed in podocytes treated with the sera of patients with recurrent FSGS. Overexpression of SMPDL-3b or treatment with rituximab was able to prevent disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and podocyte apoptosis induced by patient sera. This effect was diminished in cultured podocytes where SMPDL-3b was silenced. Our study suggests that treatment of high-risk patients with rituximab at time of kidney transplant might prevent recurrent FSGS by modulating podocyte function in an SMPDL-3b-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Fornoni
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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New therapies in steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2011; 26:881-92. [PMID: 21229269 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-010-1717-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Although many children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) respond initially to steroid therapy, repeated courses for patients with relapses often cause significant steroid toxicity. Patients with frequent relapses who develop steroid dependency thus require alternative treatment. The first such options have been considered to be cyclophosphamide or levamisole, although the latter is no longer available in many countries. There is also an increasing body of data indicating that mycophenolic acid (MPA) may be an alternative for these patients. Calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine A or tacrolimus) are usually effective and often used after cytotoxic treatment, but long-term treatment with these agents is necessary, raising concerns of a possible accumulation of side effects. Some patients show a tendency to relapse even on such maintenance regimens, and some even have a refractory course that creates a medical dilemma. For this situation, recent data indicate that monoclonal antibodies directed to B-cells (e.g. rituximab) may have some effect and that such drugs may also prove to be a therapeutic option in less complicated cases. Patients that do not respond to steroid treatment need genetic testing and a renal biopsy since focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) may be present. Treatment options include pulse methylprednisolone, often in addition to calcineurin inhibitors, mainly in the form of cyclosporine, but tacrolimus has also come into recent favor. Some studies have found cytotoxic treatment, especially intravenous cyclophosphamide, to be effective in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, but it seems to be inferior to calcineurin inhibitors. MPA and rituximab have also been used in children with primary FSGS, but the response seems to be inferior to that in patients with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Taken together, INS in both steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant patients is a potentially complicated disorder, and despite a wide arsenal of immunological interventions, some patients have a treatment refractory course. Prospective studies or at least standardized treatment for complicated cases is urgently needed.
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Treatment of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: effect of rituximab. J Transplant 2011; 2011:389542. [PMID: 21577271 PMCID: PMC3090748 DOI: 10.1155/2011/389542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after renal transplantation is a complication that often leads to graft loss. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of recurrent FSGS. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody to CD20, may be a useful treatment of this complication. Methods. We report four pediatric cases of recurrent FSGS treated with rituximab and plasmapheresis. Results. Four children (2M/2F), age 15.3 ± 2.6, with recurrent FSGS posttransplant were identified. Four doses of rituximab were administered 171 ± 180 days posttransplant and 114 ± 169 days after the start of plasmapheresis. Three children responded with complete remission, one of whom relapsed after four months. One child had a partial response with a decrease in proteinuria that was not sustained. No adverse side effects were reported during treatment or followup (mean 22.5 months). Conclusions. Rituximab is a safe and well-tolerated ancillary treatment for recurrent FSGS in pediatric patients in conjunction with plasmapheresis.
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The Factors That May Predict Response to Rituximab Therapy in Recurrent Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Systematic Review. J Transplant 2011. [DOI: 10.1155/2011/374213 22174985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrence of FSGS occurs in 30–40% of allografts. Therapies for recurrence are not well established. We retrieved all published reports depicting kidney transplant recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurrence, treated with rituximab, to determine factors associated with treatment response. We found 18 reports of 39 transplant recipients who received rituximab. By univariate analysis for two outcomes (no response versus any response), fewer rituximab infusions and normal serum albumin at recurrence were associated with treatment response. For 3 outcomes (no response, partial and complete remission), male gender, fewer rituximab infusions, shorter time to rituximab treatment, and normal serum albumin were associated with remission. Multivariate analysis for both models revealed that normal serum albumin at FSGS recurrence and lower age at transplant were associated with response. Rituximab for recurrence of FSGS may be beneficial for only some patients. A younger age at transplant and normal serum albumin level at recurrence diagnosis may predict response.
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Characterisation of renal immune cell infiltrates in children with nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2010; 25:1291-8. [PMID: 20386928 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-010-1507-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that not only T cells but also B cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). We have evaluated the infiltrating immune cells found in renal biopsies from 38 children with NS using immunohistochemistry techniques involving antibodies against T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, FoxP3), B cells (CD20), macrophages (CD68) and follicular dendritic cells (CD21). Kidney biopsies with thin basement membrane disease were used as controls. We found higher numbers of interstitial CD3-positive T cells and macrophages in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) than in those with minimal change glomerulopathy (MCGN) and in the controls, and significantly lower FoxP3-positive cells in patients with FSGS, MCGN and steroid-dependent NS than in the controls. Significantly higher numbers of glomerular B cells were found in FSGN patients than in MCGN patients and controls. Of note, in three patients who were later successfully treated with anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, the number of renal B cells was negligible in the preceding biopsy. In conclusion, the higher numbers of interstitial CD3-positive T cells in renal biopsies of pediatric patients with FSGS argue for a higher inflammatory activity. The significantly higher number of glomerular B cells in FSGS patients may indicate a particular pathogenetic role or epiphenomenon in this disease. However, patients with no interstitial or glomerular B cells could also benefit from rituximab treatment.
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Prytuła A, Iijima K, Kamei K, Geary D, Gottlich E, Majeed A, Taylor M, Marks SD, Tuchman S, Camilla R, Ognjanovic M, Filler G, Smith G, Tullus K. Rituximab in refractory nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2010; 25:461-8. [PMID: 20033225 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-009-1376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of rituximab in refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS). Members of the International Paediatric Nephrology Association were asked to retrospectively fill in a questionnaire with details on the use of rituximab in their centres. We divided the data into three groups: group 1, patients with steroid-dependent and frequently relapsing NS; group 2, with steroid-resistant NS; group 3, with post-transplant recurrence of NS. Seventy questionnaires from 25 centres described the outcome of 28, 27 and 15 patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Of these, 82% of patients in group 1, 44% of patients in group 2 and 60% of patients in group 3 had a good initial response. Side effects were observed in 27% of the patients, and these were mostly acute reactions. We present a large multicentre series of children with refractory NS. Children in group 1 showed the best response. The good initial response in group 3 can be biased by the accompanying treatments that were administered at the same time as rituximab. Controlled prospective trials are required to establish the value of rituximab in idiopathic NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Prytuła
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital-NHS Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
The podocytopathies, including minimal-change nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, collapsing glomerulopathy, and diffuse mesangial sclerosis, involve diverse types of injury to podocytes. These injuries can have genetic causes, or can be caused by viral infection, mechanical stress, medication or-probably-immunologic injury. Several lines of evidence-including the immunosuppressive effects of standard therapies-suggest a role for immunologic injury in some cases, but the precise pathologic mechanisms are far from clear. Despite this uncertainty, newly available biologic therapies that target immune cells and cytokines have been used to treat a number of patients with different podocytopathies. Of these therapies, the greatest experience has been gained with rituximab. The data on all such therapies remain too fragmentary to provide firm conclusions, but further clinical research with such agents might help to define pathogenetic pathways and could potentially contribute to new therapies.
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Fernandez-Fresnedo G, Segarra A, González E, Alexandru S, Delgado R, Ramos N, Egido J, Praga M. Rituximab treatment of adult patients with steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 4:1317-23. [PMID: 19578004 PMCID: PMC2723972 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.00570109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Isolated case reports have shown a beneficial effect of rituximab on pediatric patients with primary FSGS, but there is no information about rituximab treatment of FSGS in adults. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS All patients who had biopsy-proven FSGS and were treated with rituximab in Spain were identified, independent of their positive or negative response, among the nephrology departments that belong to the Spanish Group for the Study of Glomerular Diseases (GLOSEN). Their characteristics and outcome after rituximab treatment were studied. RESULTS Eight patients were identified. Rituximab failed to improve nephrotic syndrome in five of eight patients, who continued to show massive proteinuria and exhibited a rapidly deteriorating renal function in two cases. Among the remaining three patients, two of them showed an improvement of renal function and a remarkable proteinuria reduction and one experienced a beneficial but transitory effect after rituximab. There were no differences in clinical or laboratory characteristics or in the CD20 B lymphocyte count after rituximab between these three patients and the five who had a negative response. The only difference was in the regimen of rituximab administration: Whereas the five patients with a negative response received only four weekly consecutive infusions of 375 mg/m(2), the three remaining patients received additional doses of rituximab. CONCLUSIONS Only a minority (three of eight) of patients in our series of adult patients with FSGS showed a positive influence of rituximab. More studies are necessary to characterize further the optimal dosages and the mechanisms of action of rituximab in FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfonso Segarra
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, and
| | | | | | - Ramon Delgado
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Ruber, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Ramos
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, and
| | - Jesús Egido
- Department of Nephrology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, and
| | - Manuel Praga
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital 12 de Octubre
| | - for the Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermedades Glomerulares de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (GLOSEN)
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, and
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital 12 de Octubre
- Department of Nephrology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, and
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Ruber, Madrid, Spain
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Park SS, Hahn WH, Kim SD, Cho BS. Remission of refractory minimal change nephrotic syndrome after basiliximab therapy. Pediatr Nephrol 2009; 24:1403-7. [PMID: 19242727 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-009-1145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2008] [Revised: 02/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Minimal change nephrotic syndrome has been proposed to be a disorder of T cell dysfunction. It is hypothesized that a circulating factor(s) from activated T cells might alter glomerular permeability to protein. Some studies have provided evidence that up-regulation of interleukin-2 may be involved, not only in the pathophysiology of minimal change nephrotic syndrome, but also in steroid resistance. Basiliximab, an anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody, is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in adults and children with kidney transplants. Clinical trials have shown that basiliximab is effective and well tolerated. We describe here a pediatric patient who continuously had massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia for 5 years, despite pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide and prolonged oral treatment with cyclosporine and mizoribine. He had experienced several disease- and treatment-associated complications, such as bacterial infections, indirect inguinal hernias, and cataracts. After he had been given a single dose of basiliximab, he achieved complete remission of proteinuria and then discontinued all immunosuppressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Shin Park
- Department of Pediatrics, East West Kidney Diseases Research Institute, Kyung-Hee University, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-702, Korea
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Guigonis V, Dallocchio A, Baudouin V, Dehennault M, Hachon-Le Camus C, Afanetti M, Groothoff J, Llanas B, Niaudet P, Nivet H, Raynaud N, Taque S, Ronco P, Bouissou F. Rituximab treatment for severe steroid- or cyclosporine-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a multicentric series of 22 cases. Pediatr Nephrol 2008; 23:1269-79. [PMID: 18465150 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-008-0814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Revised: 02/16/2008] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several case reports suggest that rituximab (RTX) could be effective in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, but RTX efficacy has not yet been studied in a series of patients. Safety and efficacy of RTX were assessed in a multicenter series of 22 patients aged 6.3-22 years with severe steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome or steroid-resistant but cyclosporin-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Patients were treated with two to four infusions of RTX. Seven patients were nephrotic at the time of RTX treatment. Peripheral B cells were depleted in all subjects. Remission was induced in three of the seven proteinuric patients. One or more immunosuppressive (IS) treatments could be withdrawn in 19 patients (85%), with no relapse of proteinuria and without increasing other IS drugs. RTX was effective in all patients when administered during a proteinuria-free period in association with other IS agents. When relapses occurred, they were always associated with an increase in CD19 cell count. Adverse effects were observed in 45% of cases, but most of them were mild and transient. This study suggests that RTX could be an effective treatment for severe steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Guigonis
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre de référence des maladies rénales rares du Sud-Ouest, Hôpital de la mère et de l'enfant, 8 Ave Dominique Larrey, 87000 Limoges, France.
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Deegens JKJ, Wetzels JFM. Rituximab for plasma exchange-dependent recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after renal transplantation. NDT Plus 2008; 1:85-88. [PMID: 28657033 PMCID: PMC5477908 DOI: 10.1093/ndtplus/sfm048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen K J Deegens
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack F M Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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