Rituximab for minimal-change nephrotic syndrome in adulthood: predictive factors for response, long-term outcomes and tolerance.

Background: Minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is a common cause of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (NS) with frequent relapse. Although steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are the cornerstone treatments, the use of rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody targeting B cells, is an efficient and safe alternative in childhood.

Methods: Because data from adults remain sparse, we conducted a large retrospective and multicentric study that included 41 adults with MCNS and receiving RTX.

[Kidney diseases in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: case report].

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a genetic skin disease of which the recessive subtype also named Hallopeau-Siemens is the most severe. It is due to lack of expression of type VII collagen which is essential for dermal anchoring. Severe obstructive uropathies of the urethral and bladder area may occur during the first years of life, in relation to local bullous activity.

[Renin-secreting tumour: about a new diagnosed case during pregnancy].

A 29 year-old female patient developed severe arterial hypertension in the beginning of her second pregnancy. Investigations performed at 16 weeks of amenorrhea showed hypokaliemia in relation to severe hyperreninism: plasma active renin was 25 fold normal value, 94% as prorenin (prorenin representing 94% of total renin). Radiological investigations including ultrasonography and MRI disclosed an homogenous and avascular tumor in the right kidney.