Abstract: SA-PO869
Non-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis with Biopsy-Proven Renal Involvement: The Effects of Rituximab
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Therapeutics
November 04, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
Authors
- Fenoglio, Roberta, University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Sciascia, Savino, University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Roccatello, Dario, University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases, Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Background
Remarkable results in severe HCV-related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis have been obtained with Rituximab. Details of the clinical characteristics and effective treatment of non HCV-related cryogloulinemic syndromes are presently lacking.
Methods
This paper reports on a prospective single-Center open study aimed at evaluating the clinical presentation and effects of Rituximab administered alone in patients with severe non HCV-related cryoglobulinemic syndrome.
Results
The study group included 11 patients followed for at least 6 months. Three patients had type I cryoglobulinemia, 6 had type II and the remaining 2 patients had type III. Mean cryocrit was 2.5%. Four out of 11 patients had symptomatic sicca complex with anti-SSA (Ro)/anti SSB (La) antibodies. All 11 patients presented with biopsy-proven renal involvement, 4 out of 11 with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and 8 with involvement of the peripheral nervous system. Renal biopsy revealed diffuse membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 9 out of 11 patients. Extracapillary proliferation and necrosis of the glomerular tuft was observed in 1 of these 9 cases. Interstitial nephritis together with mesangial expansion and capillary immune deposits were observed in 1 patient. Prevalent interstitial fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis were detected in the remaining case. Patients underwent treatment with rituximab alone. After 6 months we observed a remarkable improvement in the necrotizing skin ulcers and a substantial amelioration of the electrophysiological parameters of motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy. Improvement in both renal function (from 2.8 to 1.4 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and proteinuria (from 4.2 g/24 to 0.4 g/24 h, p < 0.001) was found in 10 out of 11 patients, while 1 could not be fully treated because of a severe infusion reaction and sudden development of anti-Rituximab antibodies. Good renal response was confirmed at the end of follow-up (38.4 months). Three patients had a relapse at 6, 12, and 48 months, respectively.
Conclusion
In our cohort the administration of 4 once-weekly infusions of Rituximab followed by 2 more infusions after 1 and 2 months proved to be effective in the management of these rare patients.