1.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections
Changkuan FU ; Lianxin WANG ; Yihuai ZOU ; Mingquan LI ; Yaming LIN ; Weihong SUN ; Xu WEI ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):238-244
The Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) were released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the standard number T/CACM 1563.4—2024. It is the first specialized guideline in China on the approach to pharmacovigilance activities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs). The Guidelines were jointly developed by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, along with 30 experts in TCM pharmacovigilance, clinical practice (TCM, as well as integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine),and evidence-based medicine from across the country. This publication filled the gap in standard documents in this field, both domestically and internationally. The Guidelines were formulated according to GB/T1.1—2020 Directives for standardization—Part 1: Rules for the structure and drafting of standardizing documents, the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development,and other methodological norms. Based on international norms,national laws and regulations,and scientific research results in the field of pharmacovigilance, methods adopted included expert interviews,literature research,nominal group technique, and Delphi method. Then, key points for pharmacovigilance for TCM injections were summarized and clarified in the four critical sections of "monitoring","identification","assessment",and "control". The development process of the Guidelines included project initiation, international registration, expert interviews, literature search, and evaluation. Based on the research results of these steps,a draft was formed and revised through multiple rounds of in-group expert discussion and peer evaluations by 56 external experts. After revisions by the working group based on the feedback, the final version was formed. The Guidelines came into effect on January 8,2024,providing suggestions and reference norms for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of TCMIs. To further promote the application and popularization of the Guidelines and help pharmacovigilance personnel better understand the development process,this study elucidates the background,methodological framework,and key development steps of the Guidelines.
2.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections
Changkuan FU ; Lianxin WANG ; Yihuai ZOU ; Mingquan LI ; Yaming LIN ; Weihong SUN ; Xu WEI ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):238-244
The Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) were released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the standard number T/CACM 1563.4—2024. It is the first specialized guideline in China on the approach to pharmacovigilance activities for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs). The Guidelines were jointly developed by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, along with 30 experts in TCM pharmacovigilance, clinical practice (TCM, as well as integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine),and evidence-based medicine from across the country. This publication filled the gap in standard documents in this field, both domestically and internationally. The Guidelines were formulated according to GB/T1.1—2020 Directives for standardization—Part 1: Rules for the structure and drafting of standardizing documents, the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development,and other methodological norms. Based on international norms,national laws and regulations,and scientific research results in the field of pharmacovigilance, methods adopted included expert interviews,literature research,nominal group technique, and Delphi method. Then, key points for pharmacovigilance for TCM injections were summarized and clarified in the four critical sections of "monitoring","identification","assessment",and "control". The development process of the Guidelines included project initiation, international registration, expert interviews, literature search, and evaluation. Based on the research results of these steps,a draft was formed and revised through multiple rounds of in-group expert discussion and peer evaluations by 56 external experts. After revisions by the working group based on the feedback, the final version was formed. The Guidelines came into effect on January 8,2024,providing suggestions and reference norms for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of TCMIs. To further promote the application and popularization of the Guidelines and help pharmacovigilance personnel better understand the development process,this study elucidates the background,methodological framework,and key development steps of the Guidelines.
3.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis mice
Lin ZHOU ; Pengfei XIA ; Yuling LIU ; Zhichao MENG ; Geng LI ; Yuanyuan YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):758-763
OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect and potential mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. METHODS The UC mice model was established by continuous administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days. Mice with successful modeling were randomly divided into UC group, vitexin low- and high-dose groups (vitexin-L and vitexin-H groups, 40, 80 mg/kg), mesalazine group (400 mg/kg), and vitexin-H+recombinant Jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (rJagged-1) group (vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group, 80 mg/kg vitexin+1 mg/kg rJagged-1), with 12 mice in each group. Another 12 normal mice were used as the control (CK) group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or the corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage and intraperitoneal injection once daily for 7 consecutive days. General conditions were observed during the experiment. At 24 h after the last administration, the disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated. Colonic histopathological morphology was observed and scored. Macrophage polarization levels in the spleen and colon tissues were measured. The protein expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), Jagged-1, Notch1 and Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in colonic tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the UC group, the symptoms (reduced food and water intake, dull fur, etc.) and pathological changes (epithelial cell shedding, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc.) were significantly improved in the vitexin-L, vitexin-H and mesalazine groups. DAI scores, colonic histopathological scores, M1 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M1/M2 macrophage ratios, M1 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, Jagged-1, Notch1 and NICD in colon tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Meanwhile, the M2 macrophage contents in spleen tissue, M2 macrophage proportions in colon tissue, and protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β 1 in colon tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the improvement effects in the vitexin-H and mesalazine groups were significantly superior to those in the vitexin-L group ( P <0.05). Compared with the vitexin-H group, the above symptoms and pathological changes were aggravated, and all quantitative indicators were significantly reversed in the vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitexin can ameliorate the inflammation of UC mice, which is associated with its inhibition of the Jagged-1/Notch1 pathway and regulation of macrophage polarization (inhibition of M1-type polarization and promotion of M2-type polarization).
4.Damage of stored red blood cell supernatant to vascular endothelial cells and its underlying mechanisms
Xuanzhi ZHANG ; Yaping LONG ; Tengyu CAO ; Huayu LIN ; Chunya MA ; Yuanyuan LUO ; Yi LIU ; Liping SUN ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):580-588
Objective: To investigate the damaging effects of red blood cell supernatant (RBC-S) stored for different durations (7 d, 14 d, and 28 d) on vascular endothelial cells, and to explore the underlying mechanisms using bioinformatics analysis, so as to provide references for optimizing red blood cell transfusion strategies. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with RBC-S stored for 7, 14 and 28 days, designated as the 7 d group, 14 d group and 28 d group respectively, which were collectively defined as the experimental groups. Cell damage was evaluated by cell proliferation assay (Cell Counting Kit8, CCK8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, 4′, 6diamidino2phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and flow cytometry for apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The damage degree of RBC-S on vascular endothelial cells was assessed by statistical analysis of damage data among different groups. Since the damage effect reached a plateau at all time points, the 28 d storage group was selected as the representative for further mechanistic studies. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to explore the role of frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1) and Wnt signaling pathway in red blood cell storagerelated endothelial dysfunction. Results: Compared with the control group, the storage groups treated with 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d RBC-S showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates [control group 100%, 7 d group (69.51±2.30)%, 14 d group (74.54±2.89)%, 28 d group (73.59±2.36)%, P<0.05], significantly reduced numbers of DAPI-stained cell nuclei [control group (213±12.5) per field, 7 d group (140.33±17.04) per field, 14 d group (152.00±23.72) per field, 28 d group (144.33±19.09) per field, P<0.05] and significantly increased LDH release [control group (1), 7 d group (8.33±1.41), 14 d group (9.23±0.83), 28 d group (9.16±0.60), P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the degree of damage caused by RBC-S among different storage groups (P>0.05). With the prolongation of storage time, free hemoglobin (FHb) gradually increased [control group (not detected), 7 d (16.57±6.38) mg/L, 14 d (76.80±22.83) mg/L, 28 d (286.97±29.02) mg/L, P<0.05]. The apoptotic rate (20.53±2.94)% and ROS relative intensity (5.13±0.91) in the 28 d storage group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that FZD1 played a key role in vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by red blood cell storage and was closely related to the Wnt signaling regulatory network. Conclusion: RBC-S stored for 7 d, 14 d, or 28 d can all significantly damage vascular endothelial cells, and the damaging effect reaches a plateau at 7 d of storage. Mechanistic investigation of the 28 d group indicated that the downregulation of the FZD1/Wnt signaling pathway may play a critical role in vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by red blood cell storage, providing a theoretical basis for further optimizing red blood cell storage and transfusion strategies.
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Pingxuan Capsules
Yuer HU ; Yanming XIE ; Yaming LIN ; Yuanqi ZHAO ; Yihuai ZOU ; Mingquan LI ; Xiaoming SHEN ; Wei PENG ; Changkuan FU ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):201-210
As a patented characteristic medicine of Yi ethnic minority, Pingxuan capsules have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney, pacifying the liver, and subduing Yang. With the main indications of dizziness, headache, palpitations, tinnitus, insomnia, dreaminess, waist and knee soreness caused by liver-kidney deficiency and liver Yang upward disturbance, Pingxuan capsules are widely used in the treatment of posterior circulation ischemic vertigo, vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. However, the current knowledge is limited regarding the efficacy, syndrome differentiation, and safety of this medicine. On the basis of summarizing the experience of clinicians and the existing evidence, this study invites clinical experts of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, pharmaceutical experts, and methodological experts from relevant fields across China to conduct evidence-based evaluation of Pingxuan capsules. The evaluation follows the Specifications for the Development of Clinical Expert Consensus on Chinese Patent Medicines issued by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and reaches 5 recommendations and 16 consensus suggestions. The consensus clarifies the clinical applications, efficacy, dose, course of treatment, combination of medicines, precautions, and contraindications of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo and explains the safety of clinical application. This consensus is applicable to clinicians (traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine) and pharmacists in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and community-level medical and health institutions across China, providing a reference for the rational use of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo. It is hoped that the promotion of this consensus can facilitate the rational use of drugs in clinical practice, reduce the risk of drug use, and give full play to the advantages of Pingxuan capsules in the treatment of vertigo diseases. This consensus has been reviewed and published by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the number GS/CACM330-2023.
6.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Schisandrin B in Inhibiting Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Methionine and Choline Deficiency-induced Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Zhifeng ZHU ; Wenting LI ; Yongjun CAO ; Yuanyuan LIN ; Yifei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):74-83
ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic stress liver injury. Ferroptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of schisandrin B in treating NAFLD facilitates the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsThe molecular structure of schisandrin B was obtained by searching against PubChem, and the related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The active ingredients and their targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the high-throughput experiment- and reference-guide database of traditional Chinese medicine (HERB). GeneCards and FerrDb were searched for the targets of NAFLD and ferroptosis. The common targets were taken as the core targets, and the protein-protein interaction network of the core targets was established. DAVID was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed between schisandrin B and core targets, and the binding energy was calculated. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a methionine and choline-deficiency (MCD) diet for the modeling of NAFLD. Mice were randomized into normal, model, positive drug (essentiale), and low- and high-dose schisandrin B groups. The body mass and liver index of mice were measured after drug administration. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum and those of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ in the liver homogenate were measured by biochemical assay kits. The pathological changes of the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and red oil O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the serum. Western blotting and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin, and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in the liver tissue. ResultsA total of 2 370, 2 547, and 1 451 targets of schisandrin B, NAFLD, and ferroptosis were obtained, in which 90 common targets were shared by the three. Enrichment analyses predicted 505 GO terms and 92 KEGG pathways. Molecular docking suggested that schizandrin B had strong binding affinity with the key targets of ferropstosis (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2). Animal experiments showed that schizandrin B significantly decreased the liver index, lowered the levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration, and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver of NAFLD mice. In addition, schisandrin B significantly lowered the levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and Fe2+, elevated the level of GSH, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4, and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of transferrin in the liver tissue. ConclusionSchisandrin B can alleviate NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis in hepatocytes.
7.Clinical application of Wei nasal jet tube in general anesthesia induction in patients with extensive facial burns
Fusheng XU ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Qiufen WANG ; Jianwei XIAO ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jingjia YAN ; Qingwang LU ; Jianshui LIN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(11):1573-1577
Objective:To observe the effectiveness and safety of the application of Wei nasal jet tube(WNJT)in anesthesia induction for patients with extensive facial burns.Methods:A total of 60 patients who underwent multiple systemic scab removal and skin graft-ing surgery in our hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were enrolled in this study.The patients were 18-60 years of age,with a body mass index of 18-29 kg/m2,ASA II or III,and Mallampati I-III.Using a random number table method,the patients were divided into WNJT ventilation group(W group)and mask ventilation group(M group),with 30 cases in each group.Before anesthesia induction,WNJT was inserted into one side of the nasal cavity for hand controlled normal frequency supraglottic jet ventilation in group W pa-tients,while oxygen ventilation was administered to group M patients through conventional two-hand clasped face masks.After 5 min,tracheal intubation was performed under a visual laryngoscope.The mean amplitude of diaphragm fluctuations,end expiratory carbon dioxide partial pressure(PETCO2),and blood oxygen saturation(SpO2)measured by ultrasound were recorded during spontaneous respi-ration at 5 min of oxygenation and nitrogen removal(T0),as well as at 1 min(T1),2 min(T2),3 min(T3),4 min(T4),and 5 min(T5,im-mediately before intubation)of anesthetic induction.Arterial blood gas(PaO2 and PaCO2)at T0 and T5 were measured.Heart rate(HR)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)were recorded at T0-T5 in both groups of patients.The occurrence of postoperative pharyngeal pain,facial or mandibular angle bleeding,gastrointestinal bloating,and nasal mucosal bleeding were recorded in both groups of pa-tients.Results:At T0,there were no statistically significant differences in mean amplitude of diaphragm fluctuations,HR,MAP,PaO2,PaCO2,PETCO2,and SpO2 between the two groups of patients.At T1-T5,the HR and MAP of patients in the W group were significantly lower than those in the M group(P<0.05).At T5,the PaO2 of patients in the W group was significantly higher than that in the M group,while the PaCO2 and PETCO2 were significantly lower than those in the M group(P<0.05).However,the difference in SpO2 was not sta-tistically significant.The W group had less facial or mandibular angle bleeding and postoperative gastrointestinal bloating than the M group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in postoperative pharyngitis and nasal mucosal bleeding(P>0.05).Conclusion:During general anesthesia induction in patients with extensive facial burns,WNJT has the advantages of good ventilation effect,high safety,less complications such as gas-trointestinal bloating and facial or mandibular angle bleeding,and more stable hemodynamics.WNJT has good application prospects in clinical anesthesia.
8.Trends in incidence and mortality of acute myocardial infarction in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City from 2017 to 2023
Yuanyuan GAO ; Fenjuan WANG ; Dongfei WANG ; Yurong LI ; Yuanyuan JIANG ; Fangfang ZHAO ; Duanduan XIAO ; Junying LIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):249-254
ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence rate and mortality of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and their changing trends among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City from 2017 to 2023, so as to provide references for formulating policies related to AMI prevention. MethodsThe morbidity and mortality data of AMI among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District from 2017 to 2023 were collected through the Hangzhou Chronic Disease and Death Cause Monitoring System. Software such as Excel 2019, SPSS 25.0 and Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 were used to calculate the incidence rate, mortality, and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of AMI. ResultsFrom 2017 to 2023, the average annual crude incidence rate, age-standardized incidence rate using China standard population (ASIRC), and the age-standardized incidence rate using World standard population (ASIRW) of AMI in Xiaoshan District were 48.25/100 000, 29.14/100 000, and 21.64/100 000, respectively, and, from which the AAPCs were 5.495%, 6.010%, and 6.533%, respectively, all showing an upward trend. The average annual crude mortality rate, the age-standardized mortality rate using China standard population (ASMRC), and the age-standardized mortality rate using World standard population (ASMRW) were 11.76/100 000, 6.52/100 000, and 4.71/100 000, respectively, from which the AAPCs were -9.669%, -10.433% and -9.615%, respectively, all showing a downward trend. The average annual crude incidence rate of AMI was higher in males (65.87/100 000) than that in females (31.31/100 000). Moreover, the average annual crude mortality rate of AMI was higher in males (14.08/100 000) than that in females (9.52/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.001) .After age grouping, the crude incidence rate of AMI among the residents aged 35-, 45-, 55-, and 65- years in Xiaoshan District from 2017 to 2023 showed an upward trend over time, with AAPCs of 16.993%, 17.149%, 8.523%, and 5.002%, respectively. While the crude mortality rate in residents aged 35-, 75-, and 85-102 years showed an decreasing trend over time, with AAPCs of -23.977%, -15.467%, and -17.415%, respectively, but there was no statistically significant difference in the trends in incidence rate and mortality of other age groups (all P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of AMI prevention and control among the registered residents in Xiaoshan District is not optimistic, and targeted measures should be strengthened for the male residents aged ≥35 years old.
9.Clinical characteristics of 103 children with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome: a retrospective study
Lei JIAO ; Yuan LIANG ; Yang WANG ; Chunping SHEN ; Xin XIANG ; Zhe XU ; Yuanyuan XIAO ; Li LI ; Ying LIU ; Bin ZHANG ; Zigang XU ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(10):936-942
Objective:To investigate clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and prognosis of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data from pediatric inpatients with DIHS in Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital from 2009 to 2023. The clinical data included demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes.Results:A total of 103 children with DIHS were included, comprising 54 males (52.4%) and 49 females (47.6%), with ages ( M [ Q1, Q3]) of 2.3 (1.2, 4.5) years. Primary causative drugs were antibiotics (52 cases, 45.2%), antiepileptic drugs (41 cases, 35.7%), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (19 cases, 16.5%), with a median latency period of 12 days. All patients presented with rashes, including 72 (69.9%) with maculopapular rashes, 69 (67.0%) with edema (including 46 with facial edema). Lip involvement occurred in 25 cases (24.3%), and mucosal involvement was noted in 11 cases (10.7%). Additionally, 102 (99.0%) patients had fever, and 79 (76.7%) presented with lymphadenectasis. Eosinophilia was present in 64 cases (62.1%). Among 84 patients tested for atypical lymphocytes, 51 (60.7%) showed elevated percentages of atypical lymphocytes. Liver involvement was noted in 94 cases (91.3%), followed by pulmonary involvement in 31 (30.1%), gastrointestinal symptoms in 25 (24.3%), cardiac involvement in 14 (13.6%), renal involvement in 10 (9.7%), and pancreatic involvement in 7 cases (6.8%). Among 82 patients tested for blood immunocytes, 49 (59.8%) showed decreased percentages of B lymphocytes, and 69 (84.1%) showed decreased percentages of natural killer cells. Of 88 patients tested for serum immunoglobulins, 40 (45.5%) showed decreased IgA levels. Among 20 patients tested for serum cytokines, 15 (75.0%), 15 (75.0%), 13 (65.0%), and 12 (60.0%) showed elevated levels of interleukin (IL) -5, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ, respectively. All patients received systemic glucocorticoid therapy, among whom 86 additionally received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, 4 received Janus kinase inhibitors, and 3 received dupilumab. Five patients died, 9 developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 6 developed bronchiolitis obliterans, and 5 experienced long-term immune-related sequelae. Conclusions:Among these children with DIHS, antibiotics were the most common causative drugs, and the latency period could be shorter than 2 weeks. In addition to the common involvement of the liver and lungs, gastrointestinal and cardiac impairments were relatively frequent, while renal involvement was rare. Immunological features included decreased percentages of B lymphocytes and natural killer cells, reduced IgA levels, and elevated levels of cytokines such as IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ.
10.Efficacy and its related factors of rituximab treatment in children with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
Mengjie JIANG ; Zhenchun ZHU ; Lizhi CHEN ; Yuxin PEI ; Liping RONG ; Yuanyuan XU ; Zhilang LIN ; Yuanquan QIU ; Bei JIN ; Cheng CHENG ; Xiaojun OUYANG ; Guohua HE ; Xiaoyun JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):670-676
Objective:To explore the efficacy and its related factors of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS).Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The clinical data of FRNS/SDNS children first treated with RTX in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from November 1, 2016 to September 1, 2023 were collected. The number of relapse within 1 year before and after RTX treatment, the time to first relapse after RTX treatment, and the time to B-cell reconstitution were analyzed. At the first treatment, a single dose of RTX was given at 375 mg/m 2, with a maximum dose of 500 mg, once a week, for 1 to 4 doses. The count of CD19 + lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the children was continuously monitored. If B-cell reconstruction was performed, the decision on whether to proceed to the next course of RTX treatment was made based on clinical manifestations. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze relapse-free survival rate after receiving RTX. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the related factors of relapse after RTX treatment. Results:A total of 98 FRNS/SDNS children receiving RTX treatment were enrolled, including 75 males (76.5%). The age at onset was 4.0 (1.9, 7.1) years and age of receiving RTX was 11.3 (8.5, 13.5) years. There were 90 children (91.8%) achieving complete remission, while 8 patients (8.2%) did not respond to RTX treatment, and 3 patients (3.1%) progressed to end-stage kidney disease after receiving RTX. The relapse-free survival rates at 6 months and 1 year after RTX treatment were 83.3% (75/90) and 57.9% (22/38), respectively. The frequency of relapse 1 year after RTX treatment decreased compared to 1 year before RTX treatment ( Z=-7.398, P<0.001). Compared with children without relapse during the period of B-cell depletion, relapsed children had a higher number of relapse within one year after RTX treatment ( Z=5.246, P<0.001). The time to first relapse after RTX treatment was 8.3 (4.6, 13.9) months in 51 relapse patients. Compared with children receiving 1 dose of RTX in the first course, those receiving 2 or more doses had a longer time to the first relapse ( Z=2.983, P=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in time to the first relapse between children who received mycophenolate mofetil therapy after RTX treatment and those who didn't ( P>0.05). The reconstruction time of B cells after the first course of RTX was 6.9 (5.3, 9.0) months. Compared to children receiving one dose of RTX in the first course, those receiving two or more doses had a longer B-cell reconstitution time ( Z=2.739, P=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in B-cell reconstitution time between children who received mycophenolate mofetil therapy after RTX treatment and those who didn't ( P>0.05). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that recurrence after calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) treatment before RTX treatment and the number of recurrence in one year before RTX treatment were correlated factors of recurrence after RTX treatment (both P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that recurrence after CNI treatment before RTX treatment was an independent correlated factor of relapse after RTX therapy ( HR=3.496, 95% CI 1.245-9.818, P=0.018). Infusion reactions occurred in 10 patients (10.2%) and infections were observed in 24 patients (24.5%) during B cell depletion. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions:RTX is well tolerated and effective in treating FRNS/SDNS. Recurrence after CNI treatment before RTX treatment may be an independent related factor of relapse after RTX treatment.

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