Successful desensitization to high dose rituximab for a child with nephrotic syndrome – The first report in the literature

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody, which is mainly used in the treatment of lymphoma and autoimmune disorders, but also has been recently approved for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The treatment dose is between 375 mg/m(2) and 750 mg/m(2). Rituximab has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions, which can be classified either into early and late infusion-associated adverse reactions. Different desensitization protocols have been described in adult patients who require rituximab, however, there is a limited experience in children and in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Additionally, all the published protocols for adults and children are based on the low-dose rituximab desensitization. We report the first case in the literature of desensitization to high-dose rituximab in a child with nephrotic syndrome, suggesting a well-tolerated protocol adjusted on the high dose and the clinical reaction to the drug. This protocol can be used for children with nephrotic syndrome and severe reaction that require 750 mg/m(2) of rituximab.