AI Article Synopsis

  • Rituximab (RTX) is a medicine that can help kids with a tough kidney problem called idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS).
  • A study looked at 16 kids who received RTX, finding that many improved after treatment, with some showing no symptoms after two years.
  • Overall, RTX was found to be effective and safe for treating this condition, helping kids have fewer health issues and take less medication.

Article Abstract

Introduction: Rituximab (RTX) is a therapeutic option in pediatric difficult-to-treat idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of RTX use in these patients.

Method: A retrospective study of all patients with idiopathic NS treated with RTX was conducted in a pediatric nephrology division of a tertiary hospital. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and analytical data were collected prior to treatment and at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results: Sixteen patients were included (11 males), with a median (25th-75th percentile, P25-P75) age at diagnosis of 2 (2.0-2.8) years. Fifteen were steroid-sensitive and 1 was steroid-resistant and sensitive to cyclosporine. The median age at administration of RTX was 10 (6.3-14.0) years. Throughout a median follow-up time of 2.5 (1.0-3.0) years, 6 (37.5%) patients achieved partial remission and 7 (43.8%) had no relapses and were not taking any immunosuppressants at the 24-month follow-up visit. Regarding complications, 1 patient presented persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Compared with the 12-month period before RTX, there was a decrease in the median number of relapses at 6 and 12 months [3 (3.0-4.0) vs 0 (0-0.8) and 0.50 (0-1.0), respectively; p = 0.001] and in the daily steroids dose (mg/kg/day) at 6, 12, and 24 months [0.29 (0.15-0.67)vs [0.10 (0.07-0.13); p = 0.001], [0.12 (0.05-0.22); p = 0.005] and [0.07(0.04-0.18); p = 0.021]], respectively. There was also a reduction in the median BMI z score at 24 months [2.11 (0.45-3.70) vs. 2.93 (2.01-3.98); p = 0.049].

Conclusion: Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of RTX use in pediatric idiopathic NS and highlight its' potential cardiometabolic benefits.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10697169PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2022-0056enDOI Listing

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