Indicators of treatment responsiveness to rituximab and plasmapheresis in antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney transplantation by rituximab and plasmapheresis is ambiguous. Because of its unknown efficiency and serious side effects, biomarkers, which are predictive for responsiveness to this treatment in AMR patients, are required.

METHODS

Twenty renal transplant patients were included in this retrospective study. Selection was based on Renal Index Biopsies, classified according to Banff within 3 months before treatment. Patients were categorized into responders (R) and nonresponders (NR) depending on whether they returned to dialysis within 6 months after initiation of rituximab treatment. Clinical, histopathologic (Banff classification) and serologic parameters were compared between both groups by t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or likelihood ratio chi-square test.

RESULTS

In comparisons between the groups, the R group showed a 1.5-fold higher level of estimated glomerular filtration rate and a fourfold lower level of proteinuria. By contrast, there were no differences in the histologic scores for chronic transplant lesions between the groups. The t and i scores were higher in NRs, whereas Banff-C4d scores of peritubular capillaries were increased in the Rs. Transplant biopsies in the Rs exhibited more CD138+ cell infiltrates. Serologic determination of human leukocyte antigen antibodies showed higher positivity for human leukocyte antigen class II donor-specific antibodies in the R group. No significant differences in other clinical criteria were found.

CONCLUSION

Increased proteinuria, decreased graft function, and a higher grade of tubulitis and inflammation in AMR are negative predictors for responsiveness to rituximab therapy. Rituximab therapy therefore should be initiated in an early phase of AMR.