Incidence and risk factors of rituximab-associated hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with complicated nephrotic syndrome

Background Hypogammaglobulinemia is a major adverse event after rituximab treatment; however, the precise incidence and risk factors are unclear in complicated steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS) patients. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. Patients who received a single dose of rituximab for complicated SDNS or FRNS between February 2007 and May 2019 were enrolled. Serum IgG levels were plotted, and their trends were evaluated after rituximab treatment. The incidence of transient and persistent hypogammaglobulinemia was examined, and risk factors were calculated by multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Results We enrolled 103 patients who received 238 single doses of rituximab. Hypogammaglobulinemia was observed in 58.4% of the patients at least once after a single dose of rituximab treatment and 22.3% developed persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Serum IgG levels gradually increased during B-cell depletion, and patients with low serum IgG levels at rituximab treatment had persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Repeated courses of rituximab treatment increased the incidence of hypogammaglobulinemia. A past history of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) (odds ratio [OR] = 10.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.65-37.81; P < 0.001) and low serum IgG levels at rituximab treatment (OR = 7.63; 95% CI = 2.10-27.71; P = 0.002) was significantly associated with hypogammaglobulinemia in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Hypogammaglobulinemia is a frequent adverse event after rituximab treatment, although IgG levels slightly increase during B-cell depletion. Low serum IgG levels at rituximab treatment and a past history of SRNS are significant risk factors for the development of hypogammaglobulinemia after rituximab treatment.