Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab in Frequently Relapsing/Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

The study reviewed the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide and rituximab in treating frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRSDNS) in children. A total of 102 children were treated, with 79 receiving cyclophosphamide and 42 receiving rituximab. The median time to first relapse was 7 months for cyclophosphamide and 14 months for rituximab. Cyclophosphamide was associated with side effects such as neutropenia, hair loss, and hemorrhagic cystitis, while rituximab caused allergic reactions in two patients. Despite being used in more difficult cases, rituximab resulted in longer remission times and fewer side effects compared to cyclophosphamide. The study concluded that a randomized controlled trial is needed to directly compare the two drugs.