Wcn24-2162 Role of Rituximab in Long Term Remission of Idiopathic Steroid Dependent & Frequently Relapsing Childhood Onset Nephrotic Syndrome

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common chronic glomerular disease in children. At least 30 % of children show frequent relapses and/or steroid dependence, defined as complicated frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). Approximately 10-15 % are resistant to steroids & 1-3 % to other steroid sparing regimens. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) has been proposed as a rescue therapy for difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome. We conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy & safety of fixed versus on-demand RTX doses in difficultto-treat SDNS/FRNS.