Abrogation of nephrotic proteinuria by rituximab treatment in a renal transplant patient with relapsed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Transpl Int. 2007 Jun;20(6):558-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2007.00477.x. Epub 2007 Apr 13.

Abstract

Relapse of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after renal transplantation is 20-40%. Recurrence after a first relapse is 80%. The only current treatment is plasmapheresis and/or cyclophosphamide. We report successful treatment of a second relapse in a 48-year-old patient. At age 33, FSGS was diagnosed. The patient began hemodialysis 1 year later. In her first renal transplant, she developed recurrent FSGS and reached terminal transplant failure 3 years later. Eight years later, a second transplant was performed. Immunosuppressive regimen: steroids, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus (TAC), and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin. Proteinuria of 2-6 g/day was detected and a biopsy showed recurrent FSGS. Plasmapheresis was started without success. Another biopsy still showed FSGS. The patient received two doses of rituximab (375 mg/m2 each) i.v. Three weeks later, proteinuria was 350 mg/day (serum-creatinine 1.6 mg/dl). Twelve months later, proteinuria was at 90 mg/day. Rituximab might be an option for recurrent FSGS after renal transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / pathology
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / urine
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / etiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / complications
  • Proteinuria / drug therapy*
  • Proteinuria / etiology
  • Recurrence
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Reoperation
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab