Rituximab for the management of idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab therapy in the management of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN).

After literature search, data from eligible studies were used to perform random-effects meta-analyses to estimate remission rates and changes in proteinuria at the latest follow-up after rituximab therapy. The outcomes were used for metaregression to identify the factors affecting the efficacy of rituximab.

Twenty-one studies were included in the analysis (602 patients; age 50 years [95% CI 46.8, 53.3]; 30% females [95% CI 23, 31]). Follow-up duration was 20.3 months [95% CI 17.1, 23.5]. Remission rate (67% [95% CI 61, 73]) was higher in studies with below average baseline proteinuria (76% [95% CI 61, 88]) than in studies with above average baseline proteinuria (61% [95% CI 54, 68]). The complete and partial remission rates were 26% [95% CI 20, 33] and 37% [95% CI 31, 43], respectively. Rituximab therapy significantly reduced proteinuria (mean difference between final and baseline values: - 4.90 g/day [95% CI - 6.18, - 3.63]; p < 0.00001; % reduction: 62% [95% CI 57, 68]). The reduction in proteinuria was inversely associated with baseline serum albumin levels (p = 0.021) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.00001) and was positively associated with baseline proteinuria (p < 0.00001). The remission rate or decrease in proteinuria was not significantly related to the anti-PLA₂R antibody status or previous immunosuppressant therapy.

Rituximab therapy in IMN patients can provide approximately 67% remission rate. The reduction in proteinuria was greater in patients who had higher baseline proteinuria.