Ofatumumab in two pediatric nephrotic syndrome patients allergic to rituximab.
Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However, some patients develop adverse reactions.



Patient 1, a 14-year-old boy with SDNS since the age of 2, was treated with oral prednisone, cyclosporine A (CsA) and mycophenolate mofetil. A first infusion of rituximab at age 12 years was well tolerated, but this was followed by a prolonged relapse unresponsive to oral prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil and CsA. A second rituximab infusion was attempted, but treatment was interrupted due to severe dyspnea. Treatment with a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, ofatumumab, was then attempted. The patient experienced a mild allergic reaction and maintained remission despite interruption of all treatment at >12 months of follow-up. Patient 2, a 3-year-old boy who presented at 18 months with nephrotic syndrome initially resistant to treatment with oral prednisone, was given with three intravenous boluses of methylprednisolone followed by CsA and achieved remission. Upon steroid discontinuation, the NS relapsed. Prednisone was restarted and treatment with a single dose of rituximab was never completed due to a severe allergic reaction. Ofatumumab infusion was uneventful, and he maintained remission during the follow-up period (>12 months) despite interruption of prednisone therapy. B cells reappeared at 7 months in both patients.



Ofatumumab may be a therapeutic option in severe forms of NS with allergy to rituximab.
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. marina.vivarelli@opbg.net.
Marina
M
Vivarelli
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Manuela
M
Colucci
Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, IRCCS-Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
Alice
A
Bonanni
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Martina
M
Verzani
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Jessica
J
Serafinelli
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Francesco
F
Emma
Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, IRCCS-Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
Gianmarco
G
Ghiggeri
D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001402:B-Lymphocytes; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069283:Rituximab; D016572:Cyclosporine; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; C527517:ofatumumab; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone
Adverse reaction; Children; Ofatumumab; Rituximab; Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome; Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
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