Efficacy of the Combination of Immunoadsorption and Rituximab for Treatment in a Case of Severe Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Recurrence after Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Background/Aims: We present a case of a male patient with severe recurrence of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after transplant. Methods: Before the transplant he was treated with plasma exchange. Massive proteinuria was detected post-transplantation and plasma exchanges were performed without response. We administered 5 doses of Rituximab (375 mg/m2) and partial remission was achieved. Proteinuria relapse occurred 1 year post-transplant, so Immunoadsorption (IA) was started instead of plasma exchange with reduction of proteinuria. Later, 2 new episodes of proteinuria relapse were detected and treated by increasing the number of IA sessions and administering new cycles of Rituximab. After achieving partial remission, IA was reduced to one session every 7–10 days as maintenance therapy. Results: Despite the fact of the severe recurrence, renal function and proteinuria remain stable over 8 years after the transplantation was performed. Conclusion: Combination of maintenance IA and cycles of Rituximab is an effective treatment for aggressive forms of FSGS recurrence after renal transplantation.