Rituximab treatment for immune-complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Abstract

Immune-complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a new concept that refers to MPGN with immunoglobulin and C3 deposition in the kidney based on immunofluorescence examination. It is associated with pathological autoantibodies production. Rituximab, as an immunosuppressive agent, can eliminate B cells selectively. We reported a case that a patient with immune-complex-mediated MPGN and HCV infection, but no cryoglobulinemia, responded well to the treatment of low-dosage of rituximab and steroids. His proteinuria decreased remarkably with the serum creatinine and liver function remaining stable within 1 year. His favorable outcome suggests that low-dosage of rituximab in conjunction with steroids is an effective and safe treatment choice for immune-complex-mediated MPGN.