#5363 LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS TREATED WITH AN INTENSIFIED B-CELL DEPLETION PROTOCOL WITHOUT MAINTENANCE THERAPY

Abstract Background and Aims The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the long term safety efficacy intesified B-cell depletion therapy (IBCDT) in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN), comparison a conventional immunosuppresant therapy, followed by 3 year maintenence micophenolate mofetil (MMF) regimen. Method Thirty were administered an IBCDT (4 weekly rituximab [RTX] 375 mg/m2 2 more doses after 1 months; infusions 10 mg/kg cyclophosphamide [CYC], methylprednisolone pulses), oral prednisone (tapered 5 mg/d third month). No immunosuppressive maintenance was given. matched for LN class age selected as controls: 20 received pulses days mycophenolate g/d, whereas given Euro Lupus CYC. MMF (1-2 g/daily) or azathioprine (AZA, 1-2 mg/kg/day) > years therapy. Results At 12 months, complete renal remission observed 93% on IBCDT, 62.7% MMF, 75% CYC (P = 0.03); dose lower group (mean ± SD 2.9 5.0 mg/dl) than (10.5 8.0 mg/d, P < 0.01) (7.5 9.0 0.01). Mean follow-up treatment 44.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 36-120 months), 48.6 (IQR 45.3 months) CYC, respectively. their last visit, we no significant differences proteinuria serum creatinine, nor frequency new flares among groups. Conclusion In biopsy-proven LN, without further shown be effective regimen >3-year either AZA Moreover, use associated marked reduction glucocorticoid cumulative dose.