Rituximab for Steroid-Dependent and Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Clinical Takeaway

: In a first-of-its-kind RCT, rituximab effectively treated steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in adults.

Context

Fortunately, the majority of adults with primary nephrotic syndrome (including minimal-change nephrotic syndrome) will respond to corticosteroids; however, approximately half of those who initially respond will be steroid-dependent or will frequently relapse after steroids are tapered off. The optimal second-line immunosuppressant strategy is unknown.

In this industry-funded, multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Japan, 72 adult patients with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in remission after receiving corticosteroids for their latest relapse were randomized to receive intravenous rituximab, (375 mg/m²) or placebo at weeks 1, 2, and 25. Corticosteroids and other immunosu…

Reviewing Author

Meghan Sise, M.D., M.S.

Guest Author

Dr. Sise is Director of Onconephrology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Meghan Sise, M.D., M.S.

Guest Author

Dr. Sise is Director of Onconephrology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Rituximab for Steroid-Dependent and Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Topics

Clinical Takeaway

Context

Reviewing Author