[Steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis treated with cascade plasmafiltration and rituximab].

A 39-year man with primary steroid resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was treated with mycophenolate mofetil and ACE-inhibitors. After six months a different therapeutics approach was mandatory due to the worsening of renal function and the relapse of proteinuria at the nephrotic range. The combination of cascade plasmafiltration and single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m²) achieved clinical remission and improved renal function in six months follow up. Cascade plasmafiltration in association with rituximab can be considered as a salvage method for primary steroid-resistant FSGS. Clinical trials should be carried out for protocol approval.
(Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome, Italy.)