Single-dose rituximab in refractory lupus nephritis

Abstract

Background: Off-label use of rituximab in lupus nephritis is reported to be beneficial. While the optimal dose is unknown, the regimen of four intravenous doses of 375 mg/m2 is commonly employed, despite expense and potential side-effects. Aim: To investigate the response to single-dose rituximab, added to standard corticosteroids plus additional immunosuppressive agent, in refractory lupus nephritis. Methods: Consecutive consenting patients with refractory lupus nephritis despite steroids plus either cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate or azathioprine were enrolled in this ethics-approved, open-label, prospective study. After baseline assessment, patients received one intravenous infusion of 37..