WCN25-156 RITUXIMAB MAINTENANCE THERAPY IS EFFECTIVE IN MAINTAINING REMISSION IN STEROID DEPENDENT AND FREQUENT RELAPSING ADULT NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

While minimal change disease (MCD) and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) have variable degree of steroid responsiveness, a substantial number of patients become steroid dependent (SD) or frequent relapsing (FR). Prolonged exposure to corticosteroids is associated with a considerable toxicity and should therefore be avoided. Rituximab, an anti CD-20 antibody, is a promising steroid sparing agent, however there are no randomized controlled trial in adults to evaluate its effectiveness and treatment protocol in SD/FR nephrotic syndrome (NS).