Is rituximab used for nephrotic syndrome?

Rituximab has also been used in the treatment of patients with nephrotic syndrome, including those with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and membranous nephropathy (Box 1).

Is Rituxan FDA approved for minimal change disease?

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20-positive lymphocytes. The use of rituximab has been approved by the U.S. FDA for B-cell-mediated malignancies and connective tissue diseases.

What drugs are used to treat minimal change disease?

The treatment plan for nephrotic syndrome in children with MCD is usually with a type of drug called a corticosteroid, often called steroids. It is very important to not stop treatment suddenly. By sticking to the full treatment plan, your child will be less likely to relapse (experience the signs and symptoms again).

Which drug is mainly prescribed for nephrotic syndrome?

Medications to control the immune system, such as corticosteroids, can decrease the inflammation that accompanies some of the conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome. Medications include rituximab (Rituxan), cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide.

Is rituximab Approved for membranous nephropathy?

In conclusion, rituximab was noninferior to cyclosporine in inducing proteinuria remission at 12 months and was superior in maintaining long-term proteinuria remission up to 24 months in patients with membranous nephropathy who were at high risk for progressive disease.

How long does it take for rituximab to work for kidney disease?

Rituximab usually takes about four to six weeks to work, and the effect of rituximab usually lasts up to nine months. The first two doses are given two to three weeks apart, and then if rituximab works for you, you may be given further doses.

How long does rituximab take to work for membranous nephropathy?

What is the first line treatment for minimal change disease?

Because of the high prevalence of minimal-change disease (MCD) in children with nephrotic syndrome, an empiric trial of corticosteroids commonly is the first step in therapy. Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice, leading to complete remission of proteinuria in most cases.

What is the first line therapy for minimal change disease?

Steroids have been the cornerstone of first-line therapy in adult-onset minimal change disease (MCD). The period of exposure to high dose steroids may be longer in adult MCD patients and would result in higher rates of steroid-related side effects.

What drugs should be avoided in nephrotic syndrome?

Certain drugs can induce nephrotic syndrome, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gold therapy, penicillamine, heroin, interferon-alfa, lithium, and pamidronate.

What is the first line treatment for non genetic steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome?

When intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone fails, calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are used as the first line of treatment. A significant number of patients with SRNS progress to end-stage renal disease if remission is not achieved.

What is minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

Those with MCD experience the signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome much quicker than they would with other glomerular diseases. What causes minimal change disease? In adults, the disease is usually secondary (it is caused by another disease or drug). In children, MCD is usually primary (or idiopathic, which means the exact cause is not known).

What are the treatment options for steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

Rituximab is an efficient and safe treatment in adults with steroid-dependent minimal change disease. Kidney Int. 2013;83:511–6. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] 21. Takei T, Nitta K. Rituximab and minimalchange nephrotic syndrome: a therapeutic option.

How much Rituximab should I take to induce remission?

There is some evidence that even a single-dose of rituximab (375 mg/m 2) may be effective to induce remission and reduce relapse rates in adult MCD and FSGS [ 92, 105 ]. Larger, controlled trials are urgently needed to allow comparisons between different dosing protocols in MCD and FSGS. 4.2.2. Subsequent dosing

How effective is rituximab (RTX) for MCD in adults?

In children, Rituximab (RTX) has been used since 2006 to treat frequently relapsing NS. In adults, data about the efficacy of RTX for MCD are limited. We report our experience on the use of RTX in adult biopsy-proven MCD. Our series includes 6 adult patients (2 males and 4 females), age 45–73 years, treated with RTX (4 weekly doses of 375 mg/m 2 ).