Rituximab Administration to Treat Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) significantly affect children’s quality of life. There are frequent relapses in SSNS and progression in SRNS. IPNA guidelines suggest that monoclonal antibodies like rituximab (RTX) are promising treatments. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of rituximab administration in children with SSNS, encompassing FRNS and SDNS, and SRNS over a two-year follow-up period, facilitating individualized management. Methods: We conducted an open-label, multicenter, randomized, and patient-oriented study (RICHNESS), involving children aged 3–18 with SRNS (18) and SSNS (11) undergoing 2 years continuous RTX therapy. The primary outcome was complete/partial remission (CR/PR), as defined by IPNA/KDIGO guidelines, at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months on RTX; secondary outcomes included adverse events. Key endpoints included the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), CD20 levels, IgG levels, and the incidence of infections. Kidney biopsies were performed in 94% of SRNS patients. RTX was administered every 6–9 months, depending on CD20 levels, IgG levels, and the presence of infections. The eGFR and ACR were assessed every 6 months. Results: Some 31 children were selected for RTX treatment. Overall, 2 experienced severe allergic reactions, leading to their exclusion from the final analysis of 29 children. In the SSNS group, all children achieved and maintained complete remission within 2 years. Remission rates in the SRNS group ranged from 39% (RR 0.78; 95% CI: 16.4–61.4%, NNT 9) at the 6th month to 72% (RR 1.44; 95% CI: 51.5–92.9%) over the 2-year follow-up period due to continuous RTX therapy. The median duration of RTX use was 26.1 months, with a median cumulative dose of 1820 mg/m2. Adverse reactions and complications were presented by mild infusion-related reactions in 3 children (10.3%), severe allergic reactions in 2 children (6.2%), hypogammaglobulinemia in 7 children (24%), infections in 3 children (10.3%), severe destructive pneumonia in 1 child, recurrent respiratory infections in 2 children, and neutropenia in 1 child (3.44%). Conclusions: RTX was tolerated well, and proved highly effective as a steroid-sparing agent, offering potential in terms of stopping relapses and minimizing steroid-related side effects. It also demonstrated efficacy in slowing progression in SRNS, indicating potential for use in ACR reduction and renal function restoration, but requires careful use given potential severe allergic reactions and infectious complications. Further studies should focus on long-term cost-effectiveness and deferred side effects.