Strategies for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation / 器官移植

With rapid development of organ transplantation, the issue of global organ shortage has become increasingly prominent. At present, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors has been a key problem restricting the development of liver transplantation. China is a country with a larger number of hepatitis B, and the shortage of donor liver is particularly significant. Many critically ill patients often lose the best opportunity or even die because they cannot obtain a matched donor liver in time. As a strategy to expand the donor pool, ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplantation offers new options for patients who are waiting for matched donors. However, ABOi liver transplantation is highly controversial due to higher risk of complications, such as severe infection, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), biliary complications, thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute kidney injury, etc. In this article, research progress in preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative strategies of ABOi liver transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application and research of ABOi liver transplantation.

Rituximab therapy for childhood onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: experience of a Portuguese tertiary center / Terapia com Rituximabe para síndrome nefrótica idiopática de início na infância: experiência de um centro terciário português

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rituximab (RTX) is a therapeutic option in pediatric difficult-to-treat idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of RTX use in these patients. Method: A retrospective study of all patients with idiopathic NS treated with RTX was conducted in a pediatric nephrology division of a tertiary hospital. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and analytical data were collected prior to treatment and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: Sixteen patients were included (11 males), with a median (25th-75th percentile, P25-P75) age at diagnosis of 2 (2.0-2.8) years. Fifteen were steroid-sensitive and 1 was steroid-resistant and sensitive to cyclosporine. The median age at administration of RTX was 10 (6.3-14.0) years. Throughout a median follow-up time of 2.5 (1.0-3.0) years, 6 (37.5%) patients achieved partial remission and 7 (43.8%) had no relapses and were not taking any immunosuppressants at the 24-month follow-up visit. Regarding complications, 1 patient presented persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Compared with the 12-month period before RTX, there was a decrease in the median number of relapses at 6 and 12 months [3 (3.0-4.0) vs 0 (0-0.8) and 0.50 (0-1.0), respectively; p = 0.001] and in the daily steroids dose (mg/kg/day) at 6, 12, and 24 months [0.29 (0.15-0.67)vs [0.10 (0.07-0.13); p = 0.001], [0.12 (0.05-0.22); p = 0.005] and [0.07(0.04-0.18); p = 0.021]], respectively. There was also a reduction in the median BMI z score at 24 months [2.11 (0.45-3.70) vs. 2.93 (2.01-3.98); p = 0.049]. Conclusion: Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of RTX use in pediatric idiopathic NS and highlight its' potential cardiometabolic benefits.

Resumo Introdução: Rituximabe (RTX) é uma opção terapêutica na síndrome nefrótica (SN) idiopática pediátrica de difícil tratamento. Visamos avaliar eficácia e segurança do uso de RTX nestes pacientes. Método: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de todos os pacientes com SN idiopática tratados com RTX, em uma unidade de nefrologia pediátrica de um hospital terciário. Dados demográficos, antropométricos, clínicos e analíticos foram coletados antes do tratamento e aos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Resultados: Incluímos 16 pacientes (11 do sexo masculino), com idade mediana (percentil 25-75, P25-P75) de 2 (2,0-2,8) anos ao diagnóstico. Quinze eram sensíveis a esteroides, e 1 resistente a esteroides e sensível à ciclosporina.A idade mediana na administração do RTX foi 10 (6,3-14,0) anos. Durante um tempo mediano de acompanhamento de 2,5(1,0-3,0) anos, 6 (37,5%) pacientes alcançaram remissão parcial e 7 (43,8%) não tiveram recidivas e não estavam tomando imunossupressor no acompanhamento aos 24 meses. Quanto às complicações,1 paciente apresentou hipogamaglobulinemia persistente. Comparado ao período de12 meses anterior ao RTX, houve diminuição no número mediano de recidivas em 6 e 12 meses [3 (3,0-4,0) vs 0 (0-0,8) e 0,50 (0-1,0), respectivamente; p = 0,001] e na dose diária de esteroides (mg/kg/dia) aos 6, 12 e 24 meses [0,29 (0,15-0,67) >vs [0,10 (0,07-0,13); p = 0,001], [0,12 (0,05-0,22); p = 0,005] e [0,07 (0,04-0,18); p = 0,021], respectivamente. Houve também redução na mediana do escore z do IMC aos 24 meses [2,11 (0,45-3,70) vs 2,93 (2,01-3,98);p = 0,049]. Conclusões: Nossos resultados confirmam a eficácia e segurança do uso de RTX em SN idiopática pediátrica, destacando seus potenciais benefícios cardiometabólicos.

Hipogamaglobulinemia e rituximabe: relato de casos / Hypogammaglobulinemia and rituximab: case reports

Secondary immunodeficiency can result from neoplasms, infections, or immunosuppressive therapy. Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 antibody that depletes B lymphocytes and can induce symptomatic hypogammaglobulinemia. We report 3 cases of symptomatic hypogammaglobulinemia associated with the use of RTX. In patient 1 with rheumatoid arthritis, RTX induced low levels of immunoglobulins and recurrent airway infections. RTX discontinuation led to a normalization of the humoral immune response. Patients 2 and 3, treated with RTX for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively, developed persistent secondary hypogammaglobulinemia requiring immunoglobulin replacement therapy for years. After RTX discontinuation, patients may experience rapid recovery of humoral function or remain with low serum immunoglobulin levels for extended periods. With the increasing use of therapies targeting components of the immune system, a high degree of clinical suspicion for the development of secondary immunodeficiency may minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with these therapies.

As imunodeficiências secundárias podem ser uma consequência de neoplasias, infecções ou tratamentos imunossupressores. O rituximabe (RTX) é um anticorpo anti-CD20 que depleta os linfócitos B e pode induzir uma hipogamaglobulinemia sintomática. Aqui, relatamos três casos de hipogamaglobulinemia sintomática associada ao uso de RTX. Na primeira paciente com artrite reumatoide, o RTX induziu a baixos níveis de imunoglobulinas associadas a infecções de vias aéreas de repetição. Após a suspensão do RTX, houve normalização da resposta imune humoral. Os outros dois casos, com o uso de RTX para tratamento de linfoma não-Hodgkin e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, respectivamente, as pacientes evoluíram com hipogamaglobulinemia secundária persistente, com necessidade de reposição de imunoglobulina por vários anos. Pacientes tratados com RTX podem apresentar, após a sua suspensão, uma recuperação rápida da função humoral ou permanecerem com baixos níveis séricos de imunoglobulinas por longos períodos. Com o crescente uso dos tratamentos direcionados para componentes do sistema imunológico, um alto grau de suspeição clínica para o aparecimento de imunodeficiências secundárias pode minimizar a morbimortalidade associada a estes tratamentos.

Membranous nephropathy / Nefropatia membranosa

ABSTRACT Membranous nephropathy is a glomerulopathy, which main affected target is the podocyte, and has consequences on the glomerular basement membrane. It is more common in adults, especially over 50 years of age. The clinical presentation is nephrotic syndrome, but many cases can evolve with asymptomatic non-nephrotic proteinuria. The mechanism consists of the deposition of immune complexes in the subepithelial space of the glomerular capillary loop with subsequent activation of the complement system. Great advances in the identification of potential target antigens have occurred in the last twenty years, and the main one is the protein "M-type phospholipase-A2 receptor" (PLA2R) with the circulating anti-PLA2R antibody, which makes it possible to evaluate the activity and prognosis of this nephropathy. This route of injury corresponds to approximately 70% to 80% of cases of membranous nephropathy characterized as primary. In the last 10 years, several other potential target antigens have been identified. This review proposes to present clinical, etiopathogenic and therapeutic aspects of membranous nephropathy in a didactic manner, including cases that occur during kidney transplantation.

RESUMO A nefropatia membranosa é uma glomerulopatia, cujo principal alvo acometido é o podócito, e acarreta consequências na membrana basal glomerular. Tem maior frequência em adultos, principalmente acima dos 50 anos. A apresentação clínica é a síndrome nefrótica, mas muitos casos podem evoluir com proteinúria não nefrótica assintomática. O mecanismo consiste na deposição de complexos imunes no espaço subepitelial da alça capilar glomerular com subsequente ativação do sistema do complemento. Grandes avanços na identificação de potenciais antígenos alvo têm ocorrido nos últimos vinte anos, e o principal é a proteína "M-type phospholipase-A2 receptor" (PLA2R) com o anticorpo anti-PLA2R circulante, o que possibilita avaliar a atividade e o prognóstico dessa nefropatia. Essa via de lesão corresponde aproximadamente a 70% a 80% dos casos da nefropatia membranosa caracterizada como primária. Nos últimos 10 anos vários outros antígenos alvo potenciais têm sido identificados. Esta revisão se propõe a apresentar de modo didático aspectos clínicos, etiopatogênicos e terapêuticos da nefropatia membranosa, incluídos os casos com ocorrência no transplante renal.

Rituximab en el tratamiento de esclerosis múltiple. Experiencia de un hospital de tercer nivel en México / Rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Experience of a tertiary care hospital in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad crónica, autoinmune y degenerativa. Las terapias blanco contra los linfocitos B han probado ser efectivas en su tratamiento; sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que evalúen su eficacia en población mexicana. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto clínico del rituximab en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente recurrente (EMRR) de reciente diagnóstico. Material y métodos: Estudio de vida real, descriptivo, en el que se evalúa rituximab como tratamiento de EMRR durante un periodo de 24 meses. Se analizaron variables clínicas pre y postratamiento; se realizó la comparación entre pacientes naïve y no naïve. Resultados: Se incluyeron 28 pacientes con EMRR. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 30.7 años y 22 pacientes fueron naïve (78.5 %). Después de 24 meses, se observó una reducción media de 1.8 puntos en EDSS y en el número de lesiones activas por resonancia magnética. Aunque se logró establecer una diferencia significativa en ambas variables con p < 0.05, el modelo de regresión logística no mostró una relación entre las variables para alcanzar un NEDA-3. No se observaron eventos adversos graves. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con rituximab resultó en mejoría significativa clínica y radiológica en pacientes mexicanos con EMRR naïve y no-naïve.

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune, degenerative disease. Therapies targeting B-cells have been shown to be effective in its treatment; however, there are few studies evaluating their efficacy in the Mexican population. Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of rituximab in patients with newly-diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Material and methods: Real life, descriptive study, in which rituximab was evaluated as treatment for RRMS over a 24-month period. Pre- and post-treatment clinical variables were analyzed; a comparison was made between treatment-naïve and non-treatment-naïve patients. Results: Twenty-eight patients with RRMS were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 30.7 years, and 22 patients were treatment-naïve (78.5 %). After 24 months, there was a mean reduction of 1.8 points in the EDSS scale and a decrease in the number of active lesions on magnetic resonance imaging; a significant difference in both variables could be established (p < 0.05). However, the logistic regression model did not show a relationship between the variables for achieving NEDA-3 criteria. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Treatment with rituximab resulted in significant clinical and radiological improvement in treatment-naïve and non-treatment-naïve Mexican patients with RRMS.

Evolución clínica en neuromielitis óptica comparando el manejo con azatioprina o rituximab / Clinical evolution in neuromyelitis optica when comparing management with azathioprine and rituximab

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El espectro de trastornos de neuromielitis óptica (NMOSD) es un grupo de enfermedades desmielinizantes, inflamatorias y autoinmunes, caracterizadas por episodios recurrentes de neuritis óptica y mielitis transversa longitudinal extensa, entre otras manifestaciones clínicas. Su tratamiento crónico se basa en el uso de terapias inmunosupresoras como azatioprina (AZA), micofenolato mofetilo (MFM) o rituximab (RTX). El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un análisis comparativo de la respuesta al tratamiento con AZA o RTX. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, en el cual se incluyeron inicialmente 69 pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de NMOSD. Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión 59 pacientes fueron incluidos en el análisis final. RESULTADOS: En el grupo de RTX se evidenció una mejoría importante en el estado funcional en comparación con el grupo de AZA, en el que se vio un empeoramiento de este al año de seguimiento. El perfil de seguridad fue similar entre ambos grupos, con una adherencia significativamente superior en el grupo de RTX. DISCUSIÓN: Los hallazgos del presente estudio respecto a las ventajas del uso de RTX sobre AZA se encuentran en concordancia con resultados de estudios previos reportados en la literatura. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados respaldan el uso de RTX sobre AZA como terapia de mantenimiento para pacientes con NMOSD, al estar asociado principalmente con una mejoría notable en la funcionalidad de los pacientes, al igual que una mayor adherencia al tratamiento.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) is a group of inflammatory, autoimmune, and demyelinating disorders. Its hallmark behavior is characterized by recurrent episodes of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, among other clinical manifestations. Chronic therapy is based primarily in immunosuppressive therapies such as azathioprine (AZA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), or rituximab (RTX). The goal of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of response rates to chronic treatment with either AZA or RTX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational analytic study was designed with an initial cohort of 69 patients with a diagnosis of NMOSD. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 59 patients were finally included in the analysis. RESULTS: The RTX group had an improved functional status when compared to the AZA group; in the latter this feature worsened after a one-year follow-up. There was also a comparable safety profile between the two groups with a significantly greater adherence to RTX regimes. DISCUSSION: The findings of the current study as to the benefits of RTX in comparison to AZA are similar to the results of previous studies. CONCLUSION: These results favor the use of RTX as maintenance treatment of NMOSD, because of its greater benefit mainly in the improvement in functional status of patients, as well as a greater adherence to treatment.

Rituximab, a Safer Option for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison of the Reported Adverse Events of Approved Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been linked to a variety of adverse events (AEs). The objective of the study was to compare the safety profiles of six FDA approved mAbs (sarilumab, tocilizumab, adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, and rituximab) marketed for the treatment of RA. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct. The manuscript comprised a total of 23 clinical studies. The percentage of patients who had AEs was calculated and presented using box-whisker and forest plots. Infections and infestations were found to be the most common AEs in RA patients treated with mAbs. Raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), and nasopharyngitis were frequently reported. The most common AEs were reported with adalimumab. The highest percentage of patients reporting AEs was associated with golimumab (52%), while rituximab had the fewest AEs (4.9%). In conclusion, rituximab appears to be a safer treatment option for RA as it is found to be associated with a lower risk of AEs, particularly respiratory infections.

Tratamiento con rituximab en 2 pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico pediátrico

Introducción . El LES pediátrico (LESp) representa el 15% de todos los pacientes con LES. La afectación renal y neuropsiquiátrica es más agresivo en el LESp, siendo la afectación de un solo órgano la forma clínica de aparición más común. Formas de presentación como infarto cerebral y serositis son manifestaciones poco frecuentes en el LESp. El tratamiento de un LESp no difiere al de las formas adultas y el arsenal terapéutico es el mismo. El rituximab (RTX) es un agente biológico utilizado a nivel mundial en LES con excelentes resultados, sin embargo, aún no existe consenso sobre su eficacia real en LESp. Objetivos . Presentación de 2 casos de LESp con infarto cerebral y serositis como forma de presentación, que no respondieron a la terapia convencional pero sí a RTX. Métodos . Reporte de caso, con descripción del cuadro clínico, método diagnóstico y forma de tratamiento. Resultados. Primer caso: mujer de 16 años que consulta por cefalea progresiva con crisis tónico-clónica. La tomografía cerebral mostró un infarto cerebral frontoparietal izquierdo. En el examen físico se encontró livedo reticularis en miembros inferiores, dolor articular, caída del cabello y úlceras orales. Las pruebas revelaron anemia normocítica, trombocitopenia, disminución del complemento, 1/320 ANA con patrón homogéneo, 3.200 mg de proteína en muestra de orina de 24 horas y anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos negativos. Se realizó diagnóstico de LESp con compromiso renal, neurológico y hematológico, decidiendo uso de metilprednisolona 1 g EV diario durante 3 días, para luego pasar a ciclofosfamida 1 g EV mensual por 6 meses. Después de 3 meses persisten proteinuria, fatiga y artralgias. Por este motivo, se decidió utilizar rituximab a una dosis de 375 mg / m2 en días 1 y 15 cada 6 meses. Tras 4 infusiones, la proteinuria desapareció, así como las artralgias y malestar general. Actualmente mantiene scores SLEDAI-2K en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Segundo caso: niño de 10 años, presentó dolor abdominal difuso con distensión asociada de inicio más o menos abrupto. Se agregó cansancio, dificultad para respirar y palpitaciones. Una radiografía simple de abdomen no mostró niveles hidroaéreos, pero la placa torácica demostró derrame pleural bilateral con agrandamiento de la silueta cardíaca. Un ecocardiograma y una ecografía abdominal reveló derrame pericárdico y ascitis respectivamente. Al examen físico se observó palidez general, edema translúcido de miembros inferiores, roce pericárdico y disminución del soplo vesicular en ambas bases pulmonares. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron leucopenia, linfopenia, anemia normocítica, reactantes de fase aguda elevados, ANA 1/560, anti-ADN 280 U / mL, complemento disminuido, transaminasas elevadas, urea y creatinina normales. Se diagnosticó LESp y se pulsó con metilprednisolona 30 mg / kg / dosis durante 4 días, para luego pasar a micofenolato 600 mg / m2 diarios. Inicialmente hubo mejoría, pero después de 2 meses reapareció la serositis inicial. Se decidió usar rituximab 375 mg / m2. Después de la segunda infusión la serositis desapareció, normalizándose valores de hemograma, complemento y transaminasas. Actualmente se encuentra en remisión, con dosis bajas de prednisona. Conclusión . Los casos presentados debutaron con infarto cerebral y serositis, mostraron ANA elevados títulos y disminución del complemento. Ambos casos mejoraron con rituximab tras el fracaso a ciclofosfamida y micofenolato. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los padres y los pacientes.

Introduction . Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) represents 15% of all SLE patients. Renal and neuropsychiatric involvement are more aggressive in pSLE, and single organ involvement is the most commonly found clinical form. Conditions such as cerebral infarction and serositis are unusual manifestation of pSLE. Therapy for pSLE is not different from that for the adult forms, and the therapy armamentarium is the same. Rituximab (RTX) is a worldwide used biological for SLE, with excellent results; however, there is still no consensus with respect to is real efficacy in pSLE. Objectives . Presentation of two pSLE cases with cerebral infarction and serositis as main characteristics, who did not respond to conventional therapy, but who did respond to RTX. Methods . Case report, describing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapy approach used. Results . First case: This is a sixteen-year-old girl who was brought because of progressing headache and a tonic-clonic crisis. The brain CT scan showed a left frontoparietal cerebral infarction. Physical examination revealed livedo reticularis in both legs, joint pain, hair loss, and mouth ulcers. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduced complement, 1/320 ANA with a homogeneous pattern, 3.200 mg 24-hour proteinuria, and negative anti-phospholipidic antibodies. A pSLE diagnosis was made, with renal, neurologic, and hematologic involvement, so it was decided to use methylprednisolone, 1 gram IV per day for three days, and then switch to cyclophosphamide 1 g IV per month for 6 months. After three months, proteinuria, fatigue, and arthralgia persisted. For this reason, it was decided to administer rituximab, 375 mg/m2 in days 1 and 15, every six months. After four infusions, proteinuria, joint pain and malaise all disappeared. Nowadays this patient maintains SLEDAI-K scores in remission, and she is also receiving low-dose prednisone. Second case: This is a ten-year-old boy, who presented with abrupt diffuse abdominal pain associated with (abdominal) distention. Other manifestations were tiredness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. A plain abdomen X-ray film did not show hydro-aerial levels, but the chest X-ray film showed bilateral pleural effusion, and enlarged cardiac silhouette. Cardiac ultrasonography and abdominal ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion and ascites, respectively. Findings in physical examination showed pallor translucid edema of the legs, pericardial throbbing, and reduced respiratory sounds in both pulmonary bases. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, lymphopenia, normocytic anemia, elevated acute phase reactants, ANA 1/560, anti-DNA 280 U/mL, reduced complement, elevated transaminases, and normal urea and creatinine. pSLE was diagnosed, and therapy instituted was methylprednisolone 30 mg/Kg/dose for 4 days, then it was switched to mycophenolate 600 mg/m2 per day. There was improvement initially, but after two months, serositis reappeared. Then it was decided to start rituximab 375 mg/m2. After the second infusion, serositis disappeared, and CBC, complement, and transaminase values returned to normal. Nowadays the patient is in remission, and he is receiving low-dose prednisone. Conclusión . Both presented cases featured cerebral infarction and serositis. They also showed high ANA titers and reduced complement. Both patients improved their condition with rituximab after failure with cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Informed consent from both parents and patients was obtained.

Progress on the mechanism of rituximab in the treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome / 国际儿科学杂志

In recent years, rituximab(RTX) has been increasingly used in the treatment of refractory primary nephrotic syndrome in children, and has achieved positive effects.Experimental evidence suggests that RTX may exert its therapeutic effects by directly acting on B cells and T cells, interfering with the interaction between B cells and T cells, and directly protecting podocytes.However, the number of studies on the mechanism of RTX in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome is limited and there is no definitive evidence, so there is no consensus in the academic community.This article summarizes experimental research results and reasonable speculations put forward by many scholars in recent years, and summarizes the significance of the research on the mechanism of RTX and the existing research gaps in this field, in order to provide theoretical guidance for the clinical application of RTX.

Analysis of incidence and influencing factors of interstitial pneumonia in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after treatment of R-CHOP-like regimens / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the incidence of interstitial pneumonia (IP) and its risk factors in newly-diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after treatment of R-CHOP regimen (rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + vincristine + prednisone) and R-CDOP regimen (rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide + vincristine + liposomal doxorubicin + prednisone).Methods:The clinical data of 54 newly-diagnosed DLBCL patients who were admitted to the Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2015 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, of which 25 cases were treated with R-CDOP regimen, and 29 cases were treated with R-CHOP regimen. The incidence of IP was compared in patients stratified according to different clinically factors, and the risk factors of IP were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Results:The patients with R-CDOP regimen [compared with R-CHOP regimen: 32.0% (8/25) vs. 3.4% (1/29)], normal lactate dehydrogenase level before treatment [compared with high level: 29.0% (9/31) vs. 0 (0/23)], eosinophilic count>0.1×10 9/L [compared with ≤0.1×10 9/L: 28.0% (7/25) vs. 6.9% (2/29)] and Ki-67 positive index<80% [compared with ≥80%: 23.1% (9/39) vs. 0 (0/15)] had a higher incidence of IP (all P<0.05), there were no statistical differences in the incidence of IP among patients stratified with age, gender, smoking history, underlying disease, stage, international prognostic index score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, type, B symptoms, β 2-microglobulin, and lymphocyte count (all P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the application of R-CDOP regimen was the independent risk factor for the incidence of IP (compared with R-CHOP regimen: OR = 2.898, 95% CI 1.358-6.176, P = 0.008). Conclusions:The application of chemotherapy with R-CDOP regimen in DLBCL patients increases the incidence risk of IP, which needs to be closely monitored and prevented during treatment.

Efficacy and safety of five monoclonal antibodies in preventing relapse of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders：network meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To indirectly compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab， tocilizumab， eculizumab， inebilizumab and satralizumab in preventing the relapse of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders， so as to provide reference for clinical drug use. METHODS Retrieved from Embase， Medline， PubMed， CNKI， ClinicalTrials. gov， UMIN Clinical Trials Registry and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry， randomized controlled trials （RCTs） about five monoclonal antibodies （trial group） versus placebo or other therapeutic scheme （control group） were collected during the inception to Apr. 2022. Two reviewers independently screened literature， extracted data， and assessed the quality of included literature with Cochrane risk bias assessment tool. OpenBUGS software was used for network meta-analysis. In terms of safety， Chi-square test was performed for adverse events （AEs） in trial group and control group. RESULTS A total of 7 RCTs were included， involving 793 patients. The results of surface under the cumulative ranking curve （SUCRA） showed the order of capabilities decreasing relapse risk was： eculizumab＞ rituximab＞inebilizumab＞satralizumab； the order of capabilities reducing the annual recurrence rate was： eculizumab＞ satralizumab； the order of capabilities improving the progress of disability was： eculizumab＞satralizumab＞inebilizumab＞ rituximab＞tocilizumab. In terms of safety， the results of χ2 test showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of total AEs and serious AEs in each study between trial groups and control groups （P＞0.05）； the incidence of infusion reaction， nausea and vomiting in rituximab group， and that of upper respiratory tract infection in eculizumab group were significantly higher than placebo group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The effect of eculizumab is more optimal in three outcomes； in terms of improving the progress of disability， eculizumab， satralizumab and inebilizumab are more effective than the other two drugs； in terms of safety， there are significant goldenmoonsp@163.com differences in some AEs with different grades and individual AEs， but it is not found that they are inconsistent with the 学。E-mail：liyingpds@126.com reported results of the existing literature and drug instructions.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with acquired hemophilia A: A case report and literature review / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare condition with frequently delayed diagnosis and a high mortality rate, so it is necessary to strengthen the understanding of this disease. In this study, the characteristics and treatment in 1 case of SLE complicated by AHA is reported and analyzed, and a literature review is conducted. The patient was a 29-year-old young female with a 10-year history of SLE, the main clinical manifestation was severe abdominal bleeding. Laboratory tests revealed that the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was notably prolonged (118.20 s), and the coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII꞉C) was extremely decreased (0.20%) with high-titer of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor (31.2 BU/mL). After treating with high-dose glucocorticoid, immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, blood transfusion, and intravenous infusion of human coagulation FVIII, the coagulation function and coagulation FVIII꞉C were improved, and FVIII inhibitor was negative without serious adverse reactions. During the next 5-year follow-up, the patient's condition was stable and no bleeding occurred. In the case of coagulation dysfunction in SLE, especially with isolated APTT prolongation, AHA should be screened. When the therapeutic effects of glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressants are not desirable, rituximab could be introduced.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the efficacy and safety of repeated application of rituximab (RTX) at a low dose (200 mg/m2) versus the recommended dose (375 mg/m2) for remission maintenance in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS).@*METHODS@#A randomized controlled trial was conducted for 29 children with FRNS/SDNS who received systemic treatment in the Department of Nephrology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, from September 2020 to December 2021. These children were divided into a recommended dose group (n=14) and a low dose group (n=15) using a random number table. The two groups were compared in terms of general characteristics, changes in CD19 expression after RTX treatment, number of relapses, glucocorticoid dose, adverse reactions of RTX, and hospital costs.@*RESULTS@#After RTX treatment, both the low dose group and the recommended dose group achieved B-lymphocyte depletion and had significant reductions in the number of relapses and glucocorticoid dose (P<0.05). The low dose group had a comparable clinical effect to the recommended dose group after RTX treatment (P>0.05), and the low dose group had a significant reduction in hospital costs for the second, third, and fourth times of hospitalization (P<0.05). There were no serious adverse reactions in either group during RTX treatment and late follow-up, and there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Repeated RTX treatment at a low dose has comparable clinical efficacy and safety to that at the recommended dose and can significantly reduce the number of FRNS/SDNS relapses and the amount of glucocorticoids used, with little adverse effect throughout the treatment cycle. Therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.

Efficacy and safety of rituximab in children and adolescents with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a Meta analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the efficacy and safety of rituximab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) through a Meta analysis.@*METHODS@#The databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and Weipu were searched to obtain 10 articles on rituximab in the treatment of mature B-NHL in children and adolescents published up to June 2022, with 886 children in total. With 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rate, 3-year overall survival (OS) rate, complete remission rate, mortality rate, and incidence rate of adverse reactions as outcome measures, RevMan 5.4 software was used for Meta analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis.@*RESULTS@#The rituximab+chemotherapy group showed significant increases in the 3-year EFS rate (HR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.25-0.59, P<0.001), 3-year OS rate (HR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.14-0.61, P=0.001), and complete remission rate (OR=3.72, 95%CI: 1.89-7.33, P<0.001) as well as a significant reduction in the mortality rate (OR=0.31, 95%CI: 0.17-0.57, P<0.001), as compared with the chemotherapy group without rituximab. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups (OR=1.28, 95%CI: 0.85-1.92, P=0.24).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The addition of rituximab to the treatment regimen for children and adolescents with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can bring significant survival benefits without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Linfoma de células B de alto grado de malignidad con morfología blastoide durante el embarazo: reporte de un caso / High-grade malignant B-Cell lymphoma with blastoid during pregnancy: a case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Durante el embarazo es más común el linfoma de Hodking que el no Hodking; afecta, en promedio, a mujeres de 30 años (18-44 años) y más. Suele diagnosticarse alrededor de las 28 semanas de embarazo y está documentado que puede llegarse al término. Los esquemas de tratamiento pueden iniciarse en el posparto inmediato o, incluso, antes. La incidencia mundial del linfoma no Hodking es de 0.8 por cada 100,000 mujeres; se desconoce la supervivencia durante el embarazo. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 34 años, con antecedentes obstétricos de tres embarazos, una cesárea y un aborto y el embarazo actual en curso de las 29 semanas, referida de la ciudad de Colima debido a un reporte de BI-RADS 3 en el ultrasonido de mama y un nódulo mamario palpable, con evidencia de múltiples tumoraciones en la zona hepática, esplénica y peripancreática. La biopsia tomada de las zonas de la lesión reportó: linfoma de células B de alto grado de malignidad, con morfología blastoide y expresión de C-MYC y BCL2. Además, la paciente se encontró con: anemia, dolor abdominal, múltiples nódulos hepáticos y adenopatías abdominales. Se decidió la interrupción del embrazo a las 30 semanas, con la obtención de un recién nacido, sin complicaciones. Enseguida se inició el tratamiento con rituximab-etopósido-prednisolona-vincristina-ciclofosfamida-doxorrubicina (R-EPOCH) con adecuada adaptación por la paciente. CONCLUSION: Puesto que la información bibliográfica de linfoma y embarazo es escasa el caso aquí reportado es relevante por su aporte. La atención multidisciplinaria favorecerá siempre el pronóstico de las pacientes.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Hodking's lymphoma is more common during pregnancy than non-Hodking's lymphoma; it affects, on average, women aged 30 years (18-44 years) and older. It is usually diagnosed around 28 weeks of pregnancy and is documented to be carried to term. Treatment regimens can be initiated in the immediate postpartum period or even earlier. The worldwide incidence of non-Hodking's lymphoma is 0.8 per 100,000 women; survival during pregnancy is unknown. CLINICAL CASE: 34-year-old patient, with obstetric history of three pregnancies, one cesarean section and one abortion and the current pregnancy in progress at 29 weeks, referred from the city of Colima due to a report of BI-RADS 3 on breast ultrasound and a palpable breast nodule, with evidence of multiple tumors in the hepatic, splenic and peripancreatic area. Biopsy taken from the lesion areas reported: high grade malignant B-cell lymphoma, with blastoid morphology and expression of C-MYC and BCL2. In addition, the patient was found to have: anemia, abdominal pain, multiple hepatic nodules and abdominal adenopathies. It was decided to terminate the pregnancy at 30 weeks, with the delivery of an uncomplicated newborn. Rituximab-Etoposide, Prednisone, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin (R-EPOCH) therapy was started immediately with adequate adaptation by the patient. CONCLUSION: Since bibliographic information on lymphoma and pregnancy is scarce, the case reported here is relevant for its contribution. Multidisciplinary care will always favor the prognosis of patients.

Compared efficacy of rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to methotrexate or TNF inhibitors agents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract Background Our aim was to compare the efficacy of rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to treatments with MTX or TNFi agents. Methods We searched 6 databases until January 2023 for phase 2-4 RCTs evaluating patients with RA refractory to MTX or TNFi therapy treated with rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab (intervention arm) compared to controls. Study data were independently assessed by two investigators. The primary outcome was considered as achieving ACR70 response. Results The meta-analysis included 19 RCTs, with 7,835 patients and a mean study duration of 1.2 years. Hazard ratios for achieving an ACR70 response at six months were not different among the bDMARDs, however, we found high heterogeneity. Three factors showing a critical imbalance among the bDMARD classes were identified: baseline HAQ score, study duration, and frequency of TNFi treatment in control arm. Multivariate meta-regression adjusted to these three factors were conducted for the relative risk (RR) for ACR70. Thus, heterogeneity was attenuated (I2 = 24%) and the explanatory power of the model increased (R2 = 85%). In this model, rituximab did not modify the chance of achieving an ACR70 response compared to abatacept (RR = 1.773, 95%CI 0.113-10.21, p = 0.765). In contrast, abatacept was associated with RR = 2.217 (95%CI 1.554-3.161, p < 0.001) for ACR70 compared to tocilizumab. Conclusion We found high heterogeneity among studies comparing rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab. On multivariate metaregressions, if the conditions of the RCTs were similar, we estimate that abatacept could increase the chance of reaching an ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab. Key messages Abatacept could increase the chance of reaching an ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab.

ABO-incompatible living-related kidney transplantation: report of 23 cases / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living-related kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 23 recipients undergoing ABOi living-related kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. According to the initial blood group antibody titers in the recipients before surgery, different individualized pretreatment regimens were adopted, including oral intake of immunosuppressive drugs plus rituximab, or oral intake of immunosuppressive drugs plus plasma exchange and/or double filtration plasmapheresis plus rituximab. The blood group antibody titers before and after pretreatment, before and after kidney transplantation, and perioperative renal function and related complications were monitored. Renal allograft function and related complications were observed during postoperative follow-up. Results Among 23 recipients undergoing ABOi living-related kidney transplantation, except for one case presenting with hyperacute rejection during operation, the serum creatinine levels of the remaining 22 recipients were restored normal. Perioperative complications included lymphatic fistula in 4 cases, 1 case of urinary fistula, 1 case of perirenal hematoma complicated with T cell-mediated rejection, 6 cases of urinary system infection, 1 case of acute tubular necrosis, 1 case of acute pancreatitis, 1 case of blood group antibody titer rebound, and 1 case of primary disease recurrence, and all of these complications were cured after corresponding treatment. During postoperative follow-up, the graft and recipient survival rates of 22 recipients were 100%, and renal allograft function was normal. The blood group antibody titer were all ≤1:8 during follow-up. Complications during follow-up included 2 cases of severe lung infection, 1 case of antibody-mediated rejection, 2 cases of primary disease recurrence, 1 case of lymphocyst, 1 case of urinary system infection, 1 case of herpes zoster, 1 case of BK viruria and 2 cases of abnormal blood glucose levels. Conclusions ABOi living-related kidney transplantation may be safely performed by selecting individualized pretreatment regimens according to antibody titers by different blood groups. However, high-dose rituximab or combined use of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin may cause severe infectious complications in highly sensitized recipients.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of rituximab at different doses in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy / 中华肾脏病杂志

It was a retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and received rituximab (RTX) alone for one course of treatment during hospitalization in the Department of Nephrology of the First Hospital of Jilin University from March 2020 to March 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into 1 g standard treatment group (once 1 g every 2 weeks for twice) and 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group (375 mg/m 2 once a week for 4 weeks) according to the different methods of drug administration, and the efficacy and safety of different doses of RTX in the treatment of IMN were compared between the two groups to provide a reference for optimizing the clinical treatment protocol. The patients were followed up regularly for more than 9 months after treatment and the data were complete. A total of 69 patients were included with age of (51.7±11.8) years old, and 46 males (66.7%). There were 31 patients in the 1 g standard treatment group and 38 patients in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group. The proportion of first-treatment patients in the 1 g standard treatment group was higher than that in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group (87.1% vs. 65.8%, χ2=4.174, P=0.041). There were no statistically significant differences in the general data, clinical characteristics and baseline laboratory parameters between the two groups (all P>0.05). At the end of 3 months of treatment, 22 patients (31.9%) experienced remission, including 9 patients (29.0%) in the 1 g standard treatment group and 13 patients (34.2%) in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group ( χ2=0.211, P=0.646). At 6 months, 30 patients (43.5%) experienced remission, including 12 patients (38.7%) in the 1 g standard treatment group and 18 patients (47.4%) in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group ( χ2=0.521, P=0.470). At 9 months, 38 patients (55.1%) achieved remission, including 18 patients (58.1%) in the 1 g standard treatment group and 20 patients (52.6%) in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group ( χ2=0.204, P=0.652). At 9 months, the 24 h urine protein of 1 g standard treatment group and 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group decreased by 7.93 (6.24, 8.46) g and 7.45 (5.66, 8.67) g (both P<0.05), respectively, and serum albumin increased by 16.4 (15.5, 17.5) g/L and 15.5 (9.0, 15.8) g/L (both P<0.05), respectively, from the baseline value. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis result showed that there was no significant difference in the time of phospholipase A2 receptor titer decreasing to <5 RU/ml between the two groups (Log-rank χ2=3.653, P=0.056). Twenty-three non-serious adverse events occurred in the 1 g standard treatment group, involving 16 patients, and 10 non-serious adverse events occurred in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group, involving 10 patients. There was better safety in the 375 mg/m 2 experimental treatment group than that in the 1 g standard treatment group ( Fisher value=8.593, P=0.015). Both 375 mg/m 2 regimen and 1 g regimen of RTX in IMN patients are effective in relieving proteinuria and elevating serum albumin. The 375 mg/m 2 regimen of RTX has a lower incidence of adverse events compared with the 1 g regimen.

Three cases of obinutuzumab treatment for rituximab-resistant phospholipase A 2 receptor- associated membranous nephropathy / 中华肾脏病杂志

Rituximab is currently used as a first-line therapy for phospholipase A 2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy due to its good efficacy and safety. Although the remission rate after rituximab treatment is more than 60%, nearly 40% patients still do not respond to treatment. We used obinutuzumab to treat 3 cases of rituximab resistant PLA 2R-associated membranous nephropathy. After the first dose of 1 000 mg with or without additional dose, the amount of anti-PLA 2R antibody and urinary protein decreased significantly and the adverse reactions were mild. The results show that obinutuzumab has a certain therapeutic effect on rituximab resistant PLA 2R-associated membranous nephropathy, but the time of follow-up observation is short and can only be used as individual cases, which needs to be confirmed by a large sample and high-quality prospective cohort study.