MedPath

Compare Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Courses of Rituximab to That of Maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil Following Single Course of Rituximab Among Children With Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT03899103
Lead Sponsor
Nilratan Sircar Medical College
Brief Summary

The aim of the RITURNS II study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Repeat courses of Rituximab to that of maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil following single course of Rituximab in maintaining remission over 24 months among Children with Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS).

Detailed Description

The vast majority of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond well to corticosteroid treatment. However, as many as 70% experience at least one relapse, and 30% develop a more complicated course with frequent relapses (FRNS) with or without steroid dependency (SDNS). Extended steroid exposure in these children often results in long-term complications. The management of patients with SDNS is challenging and expensive. Relapses may lead to serious complications, e.g. related to anasarca, hypertension, life threatening infections (peritonitis, pneumonia, meningitis), thrombosis and malnutrition. Repeated courses or even continuous steroid treatment lead to considerable medication related toxicity and morbidity.

The goal of treatment is to reduce the rate of relapses, the cumulative dose of corticosteroids, and the incidence of serious complications. Various prospective studies suggest that Rituximab, a B cell depleting monoclonal antibody, could be a safe and effective alternative to steroid or immunosuppressants to achieve and maintain remission in this population. Single rituximab infusion have been shown to be efficacious for 6 to 12 months and the side effect profile observed to date is very benign but after 6-8 months there was relapse due to regeneration of B-lymphocytes, hence for maintenance of remission MMF has been considered. In spite of good initial response, rituximab responders always remain prone to further relapse with regeneration of B lymphocytes, necessitating either repeat course of rituximab or addition of another steroid-sparing immunosuppressant. Reports suggest efficacy of rituximab may vary depending on disease pathology, clinical course, and simultaneous use of other immunosuppressants.

The aim of the RITURNS II study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Repeat courses of Rituximab to that of maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil following single course of Rituximab in maintaining remission over 24 months among Children with Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Read More
Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Read More

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Repeated Courses of Rituximab OnlyRituximabFirst course Course Rituximab at Randomization. Prophylactic 2nd and 3rd course rituximab re-administration will be done at 8 months and 16 months of follow-up if B cell count normalize.
Rituximab and Mycophenolate MofetilMycophenolate MofetilFirst course Course Rituximab at Randomization. Addition of Maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil from 4 Month onwards.
Rituximab and Mycophenolate MofetilRituximabFirst course Course Rituximab at Randomization. Addition of Maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil from 4 Month onwards.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The primary endpoint is the time to first relapse or death (whichever occurs first) till end of study (follow-up phase of 24 months)24 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of relapses within months 0-24, 0-12 and 12-24, respectivelymonths 0-24, 0-12 and 12-24
Cumulative prednisolone requirement (mg/kg/yr) over the first 12 and 24 months, respectively.12 and 24 months
Number and severity of adverse events0-24 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital

🇮🇳

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath