Background. Patients, especially children, with steroid-dependent or multirelapsing nephrotic syndrome (NS) secondary to minimal change disease (MCD) or idiopathic focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) on continuous treatment with steroids and/or other immunosuppressive agents to limit or prevent recurrences are at increased risk of severe drug-related adverse events. Case reports suggest that Rituximab, a B cell depleting monoclonal antibody, could be a safe and effective alternative to steroid or immunosuppressants to achieve and maintain remission in this population. Objectives. The study is primarily aimed at evaluating whether Rituximab may maintain stable NS remission after tapering and withdrawal of steroid and immunosuppressive therapy in patients with MCD or FSGS and steroid-dependent or multirelapsing NS. Secondarily, the study will assess whether Rituximab allows reducing maintenance doses of steroids and other immunosuppressants (in those who relapse), thus limiting treatment related side effects and costs. Methods. This prospective, sequential, open, study will include 20 patients with histology evidence of MCD or FSGS and steroid-dependant or multirelapsing NS, who are on stable complete or partial remission since at least 1 month and, based on their previous history, are expected to invariably relapse after steroid/immunosuppression withdrawal. After baseline evaluation of clinical, laboratory and kidney function parameters \[including glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), albumin and sodium fractional clearance and the glomerular albumin permeability assay (Palb)\], patients will receive one Rituximab infusion that will be repeated 1 week later if CD20 cells are not fully depleted from the circulation. Then ongoing immunosuppression will be progressively tapered up to complete withdrawal over 6 to 9 months. 24h proteinuria will be monitored monthly and spot urine will be tested daily by albustix to early detect disease relapses. Baseline evaluations will be repeated at study end (1 year). Relapses will be treated with high-dose steroids as per center practice and the last immunosuppressive therapy effective in preventing disease reactivation will be reintroduced. Expected results. Rituximab is expected to prevent NS recurrence following tapering and discontinuation of steroid and other immunosuppressants. Maintaining remission without chronic immunosuppression is expected to minimize risks and costs of therapy and to remarkably improve patient outcomes.
Age range
2 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Recurrence of NS.
Timeframe: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 month.