Rituximab Is Effective for Complicated Recurrent Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

Intravenous rituximab prevented relapse longer than placebo.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome often leads to frequent relapses that require long-term corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, or both. In a multicenter, randomized trial in Japan, investigators assessed the efficacy of four weekly intravenous doses of rituximab (a chimeric antibody that binds to CD20 antigen expressed on B cells) or placebo in 48 children with complicated, frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. All patients were in remission at the initiation of the study.

During 1 year of follow-up, 17 of 24 children in the rituximab group and 23 of 24 in the placebo group relapsed. The median number of days to first relapse after starting the study treatment was significantly longer in the rituximab group (267 vs. 101 days). T…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Rituximab Is Effective for Complicated Recurrent Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

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Reviewing Author