Short- and long-term efficacy of oral cyclophosphamide and steroids in patients with membranous nephropathy and renal insufficiency. Study Group.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Up to half of the patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) will develop renal failure. Preferably, immunosuppressive treatment should be restricted to patients at risk for the development of end-stage renal disease. However, the evidence that immunosuppressive treatment is effective in patients with iMN and renal insufficiency is weak and based on few studies with short follow-up in a limited number of patients.

METHODS:

We have analyzed the efficacy of immunosuppressive treatment in a large number of patients with membranous nephropathy and renal insufficiency. Since 1991, we have prospectively treated 39 patients (31 M, 8 F) with membranous nephropathy and evidence of deterioration of renal function. Treatment consisted of oral cyclophosphamide, 1.5-2.0 mg/kg body weight for 12 months, and corticosteroids for 6 months. At regular intervals blood pressure, serum creatinine, serum albumin, and proteinuria were measured. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS:

Average follow-up is 32 months (range 6-104), 18 patients have been followed for more than 3 years. Mean age of the patients was 55 +/- 12 years. In the 6 months before start of therapy, serum creatinine increased from 150 +/- 74 to 226 +/- 108 micromol/l. After start of treatment renal function rapidly improved, serum creatinine at 12 months averaging 143 +/- 62 micromol/l. Proteinuria decreased from 10.3 +/- 4.9 g/10 mmol creatinine at baseline to 2.2 +/- 2.4 g/10 mmol creatinine at month 12. These initial favorable effects have persisted. Overall, 12 patients have developed a complete remission of proteinuria (persistent in 11), and an additional 19 have developed a partial remission of proteinuria (persistent in 15). Thus far, only one treated patient has developed end-stage renal disease. Side effects are a major drawback of the treatment, with 7 patients being admitted, mainly for the treatment of infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cyclophosphamide is effective in the treatment of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and deterioration of renal function. The favorable effects are maintained well beyond the one-year treatment period. Therefore, we propose that in patients with iMN immunosuppressive therapy can be restricted to patients at high risk for end-stage renal disease.

• Authors: A J Branten, J F Wetzels
• Journal: Clinical nephrology (Clin Nephrol) Vol. 56 Issue 1 Pg. 1-9 (Jul 2001) ISSN: 0301-0430 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 11499653 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclophosphamide
• Prednisone
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Analysis of Variance
• Cyclophosphamide (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Glomerulonephritis, Membranous (drug therapy)
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Prednisone (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Regression Analysis
• Renal Insufficiency (prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome