Rituximab or plasmapheresis for prevention of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Boonphiphop Boonpheng, Panupong Hansrivijit, Charat Thongprayoon, Shennen A. Mao, Pradeep Vaitla, Tarun Bathini, Avishek Choudhury, Wisit Kaewput, Michael A. Mao, Wisit Cheungpasitporn
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the most common glomerular diseases leading to renal failure. FSGS has a high risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation. Prevention of recurrent FSGS using rituximab and/or plasmapheresis has been evaluated in multiple small studies with conflicting results. AIM: To assess the risk of recurrence of FSGS after transplantation using prophylactic rituximab with or without plasmapheresis, and plasmapheresis alone compared to the standard treatment group without preventive therapy. METHODS: This meta-analysis and systematic review were performed by first conducting a literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, from inception through March 2021; search terms included 'FSGS,' 'steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome', 'rituximab,' and 'plasmapheresis,'. We identified studies that assessed the risk of post-transplant FSGS after use of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis, or plasmapheresis alone. Inclusion criteria were: Original, published, randomized controlled trials or cohort studies (either prospective or retrospective), case-control, or cross-sectional studies; inclusion of odds ratio, relative risk, and standardized incidence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI), or sufficient raw data to calculate these ratios; and subjects without interventions (controls) being used as comparators in cohort and cross-sectional studies. Effect estimates from individual studies were extracted and combined using a random effects model. RESULTS: = 23%). Subgroup analyses in the pediatric and adult groups did not yield a significant difference in recurrence risk. We also reviewed and analyzed post-transplant outcomes including timing of recurrence and graft survival. CONCLUSION: Overall, the use of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis, or plasmapheresis alone, is not associated with a lower risk of FSGS recurrence after kidney transplantation. Future studies are required to assess the effectiveness of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis among specific patient subgroups with high-risk for FSGS recurrence.