Rituximab versus oral cyclophosphamide for treatment of relapses of proliferative lupus nephritis: a clinical observational study

The clinical course of lupus nephritis is characterised by alternation of quiescences and exacerbations. The potential treatment strategies for renal flares are an important issue considering the potential toxicity and the incomplete efficacy of available drugs.1,–,4 Among the new agents for induction of remission, rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative.5,–,8 In this prospective study, we report the first comparison between RTX and cyclophosphamide (CY) in the treatment of relapses of proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN). From April 2006 to January 2010, 24 patients with established PLN and a new renal relapse discontinued all immunosuppressive drugs and received one intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (MPP) (0.5–1 g each) for 3 days and, based on the patients' choice …