Rituximab-induced hypogammaglobulinemia in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Hypogammaglobulinemia
- #Rituximab
- #Nephrotic syndrome
- Rituximab is commonly used for complicated pediatric nephrotic syndrome (e.g., steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing disease).
- Post-rituximab hypogammaglobulinemia is a recognized adverse effect that may lead to severe, including fatal, infections.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the pooled incidence of hypogammaglobulinemia in children with nephrotic syndrome receiving rituximab to be 11.4%.
- Rituximab exposure was associated with a significantly higher risk of hypogammaglobulinemia (risk ratio 1.81).
- In 517 episodes of hypogammaglobulinemia, 93 (18%) infections occurred, four of which were fatal.
- The risk of hypogammaglobulinemia and infections should be weighed against the effectiveness of rituximab for nephrotic syndrome management.