Hypogammaglobulinemia and B cell repopulation after rituximab in childhood nephrotic syndrome

This study investigates the incidence and risk factors for hypogammaglobulinemia, hematological complications, B cell repopulation, and relapses in children with nephrotic syndrome treated with rituximab. The findings reveal that prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia occurs in nearly half of the patients, with younger age, European ethnicity, lower pre-treatment IgG levels, and longer maintenance immunosuppression identified as significant risk factors. Additionally, the study highlights the complete B cell depletion following treatment and the median time for B cell repopulation.