Rituximab's role in frequently relapsing and steroid dependent minimal change disease - shifting paradigms

Abstract

Introduction: Steroids are the cornerstone treatment for Minimal Change Disease (MCD); however approximately 25% of patients experience frequent relapses, and 30% become steroid-dependent, leading to significant toxicity. Rituximab has been increasingly used, although optimal dosing, maintenance strategies, and the best approach to steroid tapering remain unclear. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients with steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing MCD treated with rituximab at a tertiary hospital from 2015 to 2023. Patients with concurrent glomerular diseases or