MP052PERFUSED GLOMERULAR MICROVASCULAR UNIT. A GLOMERULAR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MODEL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Rituximab (RTX) may benefit patients with glomerular disease who suffer from focal segmental glomerular sclerosis(FSGS) or minimal change disease (MCD). METHODS: Here, we have described our experience treating 6 FSGS and 9 MCD patients with steroid-dependent/refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS) with RTX. Patients received RTX (375 mg/ m2) intravenously on days 1, 8, 23, and 29. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8 months (range, 3-36months) after RTX administration, all patients achieved complete or partial remission. Relapses decreased by approximately 30-fold compared with the year preceding RTX treatment, and an 89.27% reduction in proteinuria was observed. Furthermore, RTX treatment could decrease medical costs by 76.52% compared with the costs associated with the longterm use (for 12-13 months) of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RTX treatment was safe and effective for patients with refractory FSGS or MCD.