Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Archives of Medical Research, cilt.40, sa.2, ss.95-100, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, with phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) as its primary target antigen. This study assessed the treatment response to rituximab (RTX) in patients experiencing relapsed primary MN, focusing on its efficacy and impact on disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate treatment response to RTX in patients with relapsed primary MN, focusing on its effectiveness and correlation with anti-PLA2R antibody status. Methods: Thirty-one patients meeting the inclusion criteria, including biopsy-confirmed MN diagnosis and relapsed disease, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 mL/min/1.73m2, were enrolled. Treatment response was assessed after six months, and patients were categorized into three groups: complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and unresponsive (UR). Results: CR was observed in 6 patients (14.9%), PR in 13 patients (41.9%), and UR in 12 patients (38.7%). Serum anti-PLA2R antibody was positive in 19 patients (61.2%) pre-RTX, with 16 patients (84.2%) patients experienced seroconversion post-RTX (p=0.003). Significant increases in serum albumin and decreases in proteinuria were observed post-RTX (p<0.001). No significant difference in eGFR was noted (p=0.264). Conclusion: These findings highlight RTX as a valuable treatment modality for relapsed primary MN, offering potential clinical benefits regardless of anti-PLA2R antibody status.