Rituximab for Recurrence of Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis After Kidney Transplantation: Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Rituximab has shown encouraging results for the treatment of kidney transplantation recipients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurrence. However, the correct, opportune, and safe use of rituximab for this indication remains to be determined.

METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study reports on 19 new cases aged 35 (15-66) years who developed FSGS recurrence at 12 (1.5-27) days posttransplantation. Initial treatment consisted of plasma exchanges (PE), high doses of calcineurin inhibitors, and steroids. Rituximab was introduced either immediately (N = 6) or after failure of the initial treatment (N = 10) or failed attempted weaning from PE (N = 3).

RESULTS: Overall, we observed 9 of 19 complete remissions and 3 of 19 partial remissions. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 4) were significantly higher in the responding patients than in nonresponding patients at month (M)12, M36, and M60. Overall, kidney survival at 5 years was 77.4% (95% range, 41.9-92.7). The 5-year graft survival rates in the responding patients and the nonresponding patients were 100% and 36.5%, respectively (P = 0.01). A further course of rituximab was required for 4 patients as a result of FSGS relapse, with good results. During the first year after renal transplantation, 14 patients developed severe infections (16 bacterial, 4 viral, 1 parasitic).

CONCLUSIONS: In kidney transplantation recipients with recurrent FSGS, rituximab therapy may be a recommended treatment for cases that have failed either the initial treatment or weaning from PE.