Short-term effects of rituximab in children with steroid- and calcineurin-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors are the mainstay therapy of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children. However, drug dependence and toxicity associated with protracted use are common. Case series suggest that the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) may maintain disease remission.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This open-label randomized controlled trial was powered to show that a strategy based on RTX and lower doses of prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors was noninferior to standard doses of these agents in maintaining 3-month proteinuria as low as baseline or up to 1 g/d greater (noninferiority margin). Participants were stratified by the presence of toxicity to prednisone/calcineurin inhibitors and centrally

SUBMITTER: Ravani P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3109926 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature