Rituximab for remission induction in recurrent ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis postkidney transplant

Kidney transplantation (KTX) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Recurrent ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (GN) occurs after KTX and may adversely affect allograft survival. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) combined with glucocorticoids has been the cornerstone of treatment for recurrent GN. Rituximab (RTX), a B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody, is approved for remission induction in AAV. We report the clinical presentation and outcomes of five KTX recipients treated with RTX for biopsy-confirmed recurrent GN. The median age at the time of KTX was 26 years (four Caucasian, three females). All patients were in remission with four being ANCA positive at time of KTX. Recurrent GN occurred at a median of 26 months post-KTX. All relapses were treated with RTX and glucocorticoids. Four patients achieved disease remission; the fifth patient was refractory to treatment with RTX and CYC. Follow-up biopsies (n = 3) showed resolution of active GN in two patients and persistent active GN in one patient. RTX is an alternative to CYC for remission induction in recurrent AAV-associated GN in KTX patients.