MO202RITUXIMAB TREATMENT IN NEPHROLOGY

Background and Aims The B cells have a central role in the pathogenesis of several renal pathologies. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 receptor expressed on the surface of B cells is an interesting alternative to conventional treatments of kidney pathologies. Method We conducted a descriptive retrospective study of the use of rituximab in nephrology patients. Results We collected 25 patients including 12 women and 13 men. The mean age was 33,5 [16-55] years. The rituximab was indicated for an extramembranous glomerulopathy in 6 patients, a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 4 patients, a minimal change disease in 4 patients, a lupus nephritis in 5 patients, and a granulomatosis with polyangiitis in 2 patients. Four kidney transplant patient received rituximab for the treatment of antibody mediated rejection in 3 cases and large cell lymphoma in 1 case. The average time between the diagnosis of the renal disease and starting treatment with rituximab was of 76 +/- 46,5 months. And it was of 16 [ 0,7 ; 59,8] months after transplantation in kidney transplant recipients. Side effects have been observed in 11 cases (44%). A favorable response has been obtained in 10 cases (40 %), within an average of 2,27 months, with at least one relapse in 4 cases. The follow-up time was 36,33 +/- 31,67 months. Conclusion Rituximab has been shown to be helpful in several cases of kidney disease. It may reduce the need for maintenance immunosuppression and help in some cases that are refractory to other therapies.