Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) for the treatment of membranous nephropathy after living-unrelated kidney transplantation: a case report

Transplant Proc. 2008 Sep;40(7):2440-1. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.07.074.

Abstract

A 41-year-old Thai male with end-stage renal disease of uncertain etiology started chronic hemodialysis in November 2001. Two years later, he underwent a living unrelated, four HLA mismatched, kidney transplantation from his wife. Pretransplant class I panel reactive antibody was 80% and the cross-match was positive for immunoglobulin (Ig)M. There was no complication until 30 months after transplantation, when he developed frank nephrotic syndrome with 12.9 g/day of proteinuria. Serum creatinine was 1.5 mg/dL. Allograft biopsy showed membranous nephropathy and mild acute cellular rejection with plasma cell infiltration. In addition to enalapril, valsartan, and simvastatin, a single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m2) and a 3-day course of pulse methylprednisolone were prescribe for the acute rejection episode. The patient was maintained on the same immunosuppressive regimen: cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone. Five months after the therapy, proteinuria was reduced to 0.5 g/day with a normalized serum albumin level. At 4 years post transplantation, his renal function remains stable. His serum albumin is 4.5 g/dL and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 0.2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / immunology*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / immunology*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / immunology
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • Proteinuria / prevention & control
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Rituximab
  • Creatinine