Safety and efficacy of Rituximab in refractory pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis: a single-center experience of Northern Greece

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the major determinant of outcome in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE), and its treatment remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to report the experience of our center in treating with rituximab (RTX) SLE patients with severe LN. Four pSLE patients with biopsy-proven LN, who are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment, received four doses of 375–500 mg/m² RTX, 2–3 weeks apart. All patients were concurrently receiving corticosteroids (CSs) and mycophenolate mofetil. Patients’ clinical and laboratory findings were recorded at RTX initiation, after each infusion and at 3.4 ± 2.1 month intervals thereafter. pSLE activity was assessed using the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM), while LN activity using 24-hour urine protein excretion and serum cystatin C. Patients were followed up for 6–21 months (median: 16 months). Full Β-cell depletion was noticed 2–4 weeks after RTX initiation and lasted 4–7 months. All patients achieved complete LN remission 3.5 months (range: 2–4) after RTX initiation, which was retained in 3 patients through the follow-up period. One patient relapsed 15 months after RTX initiation and received one additional RTX dose. ECLAM scores and CSs doses were markedly reduced in all patients, while complement levels were increased. No side effects or infections were observed. In conclusion, RTX is an alternative, safe and efficient treatment for refractory LN.