1
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Zhu Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Wang X, Wang J. Immunosuppressive agents for frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1310032. [PMID: 38464533 PMCID: PMC10920238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1310032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to systematically compare the efficacy of various immunosuppressive agents in treating pediatric frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRSDNS). Methods We conducted systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to May 23, 2023. Outcome measures included relapses within 1 year, mean cumulative exposure to corticosteroids, patients with treatment failure at 1 year, relapse-free survival during 1 year, and adverse events. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the modified Jadad scale, the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), and the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results Rituximab was found to be the most likely (92.44%) to be associated with the fewest relapses within 1 year and was also most likely (99.99%) to result in the lowest mean cumulative exposure to corticosteroids. Rituximab had the highest likelihood (45.98%) of being associated with the smallest number of patients experiencing treatment failure at 1 year. CsA was most likely (57.93%) to achieve the highest relapse-free survival during 1 year, followed by tacrolimus (26.47%) and rituximab (30.48%). Rituximab showed no association with serious side effects and had comparable adverse effects to ofatumumab and tacrolimus. Conclusion Rituximab may be the most favorable immunosuppressive agent for treating pediatric FRSDNS. Nephrologists should consider this drug, along with their clinical experience, patient characteristics, and cost considerations, when choosing a treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoai Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Khan GH, Veltkamp F, Scheper M, Hoebe RA, Claessen N, Butter L, Bouts AHM, Florquin S, Guikema JEJ. Levamisole suppresses activation and proliferation of human T cells by the induction of a p53-dependent DNA damage response. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350562. [PMID: 37597325 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Levamisole (LMS) is a small molecule used in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). The pathogenesis of INS remains unknown, but evidence points toward an immunological basis of the disease. Recently, LMS has been shown to increase the relapse-free survival in INS patients. While LMS has been hypothesized to exert an immunomodulatory effect, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we show that LMS decreased activation and proliferation of human T cells. T-cell activation-associated cytokines such as IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were reduced upon LMS treatment, whereas IL-4 and IL-13 were increased. Gene expression profiling confirmed that the suppressive effects of LMS as genes involved in cell cycle progression were downregulated. Furthermore, genes associated with p53 activation were upregulated by LMS. In agreement, LMS treatment resulted in p53 phosphorylation and increased expression of the p53 target gene FAS. Accordingly, LMS sensitized activated T cells for Fas-mediated apoptosis. LMS treatment resulted in a mid-S phase cell cycle arrest accompanied by γH2AX-foci formation and phosphorylation of CHK1. Our findings indicate that LMS acts as an immunosuppressive drug that directly affects the activation and proliferation of human T cells by induction of DNA damage and the activation of a p53-dependent DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerarda H Khan
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Veltkamp
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A Hoebe
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nike Claessen
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Butter
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonia H M Bouts
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sandrine Florquin
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen E J Guikema
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Vivarelli M, Gibson K, Sinha A, Boyer O. Childhood nephrotic syndrome. Lancet 2023; 402:809-824. [PMID: 37659779 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in children. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of its treatment, and steroid response is the main prognostic factor. Most children respond to a cycle of oral steroids, and are defined as having steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Among the children who do not respond, defined as having steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, most respond to second-line immunosuppression, mainly with calcineurin inhibitors, and children in whom a response is not observed are described as multidrug resistant. The pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome remains elusive. In cases of immune-mediated origin, dysregulation of immune cells and production of circulating factors that damage the glomerular filtration barrier have been described. Conversely, up to a third of cases of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome have a monogenic origin. Multidrug resistant nephrotic syndrome often leads to kidney failure and can cause relapse after kidney transplant. Although steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome does not affect renal function, most children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome have a relapsing course that requires repeated steroid cycles with significant side-effects. To minimise morbidity, some patients require steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents, including levamisole, mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and cyclophosphamide. Close monitoring and preventive measures are warranted at onset and during relapse to prevent acute complications (eg, hypovolaemia, acute kidney injury, infections, and thrombosis), whereas long-term management requires minimising treatment-related side-effects. A subset of patients have active disease into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology, Laboratory of Nephrology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Keisha Gibson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aditi Sinha
- Division of Nephrology, Indian Council of Medical Research Center for Advanced Research in Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Olivia Boyer
- Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rénales Héréditaires de l'Enfant et de l'Adulte, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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4
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Nagai K. Immunosuppressive Agent Options for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: A Review of Network Meta-Analyses and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030601. [PMID: 36984602 PMCID: PMC10054564 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options with immunosuppressive agents for glomerular diseases have widened with refinements to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines from 2012 to 2021. However, international guidelines do not necessarily match the reality in each country. Expensive therapies such as rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors are sometimes inaccessible to patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome due to cost or regulations. Under the Japanese medical insurance system, rituximab is accessible but still limited to steroid-dependent patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Based on international KDIGO guidelines and other national guidelines, possible applications of immunosuppressive agents for nephrotic syndrome are comprehensively examined in this review. While rituximab has become the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy for nephrotic syndrome, clinical trials have indicated that options such as cyclophosphamide, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil would be preferable. Given the rising number of patients with nephrotic syndrome worldwide, KDIGO guidelines mention the need for further consideration of cost-effectiveness. If the new option of rituximab is to be the first choice in combination with steroids for nephrotic syndrome, its cost-effectiveness should also be verified. Among the few studies examining the cost-effectiveness of treatments for nephrotic syndrome, administration of rituximab to young adults has been shown to be cost-beneficial, at least in Japan. However, further large-scale studies involving multiple facilities are needed to verify such findings. Network meta-analyses have concluded that the efficacy of rituximab remains controversial and confirmation through high-quality studies of large cohorts is needed. To this end, the mechanisms of action underlying immunosuppressive agents, both old and new, need to be understood and experience must be accumulated to evaluate possible effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- University of Tsukuba Hospital Hitachi Social Cooperation Education Research Center, Hitachi 317-0077, Ibaraki, Japan
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5
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Trautmann A, Boyer O, Hodson E, Bagga A, Gipson DS, Samuel S, Wetzels J, Alhasan K, Banerjee S, Bhimma R, Bonilla-Felix M, Cano F, Christian M, Hahn D, Kang HG, Nakanishi K, Safouh H, Trachtman H, Xu H, Cook W, Vivarelli M, Haffner D. IPNA clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:877-919. [PMID: 36269406 PMCID: PMC9589698 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most frequent pediatric glomerular disease, affecting from 1.15 to 16.9 per 100,000 children per year globally. It is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and/or concomitant edema. Approximately 85-90% of patients attain complete remission of proteinuria within 4-6 weeks of treatment with glucocorticoids, and therefore, have steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Among those patients who are steroid sensitive, 70-80% will have at least one relapse during follow-up, and up to 50% of these patients will experience frequent relapses or become dependent on glucocorticoids to maintain remission. The dose and duration of steroid treatment to prolong time between relapses remains a subject of much debate, and patients continue to experience a high prevalence of steroid-related morbidity. Various steroid-sparing immunosuppressive drugs have been used in clinical practice; however, there is marked practice variation in the selection of these drugs and timing of their introduction during the course of the disease. Therefore, international evidence-based clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) are needed to guide clinical practice and reduce practice variation. The International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) convened a team of experts including pediatric nephrologists, an adult nephrologist, and a patient representative to develop comprehensive CPRs on the diagnosis and management of SSNS in children. After performing a systematic literature review on 12 clinically relevant PICO (Patient or Population covered, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) questions, recommendations were formulated and formally graded at several virtual consensus meetings. New definitions for treatment outcomes to help guide change of therapy and recommendations for important research questions are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Trautmann
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivia Boyer
- grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Reference Center for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children and Adults, Imagine Institute, Paris University, Necker Children’s Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Hodson
- grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XCochrane Kidney and Transplant, Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arvind Bagga
- grid.413618.90000 0004 1767 6103Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Debbie S. Gipson
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Susan Samuel
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jack Wetzels
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Khalid Alhasan
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sushmita Banerjee
- grid.414710.70000 0004 1801 0469Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajendra Bhimma
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Melvin Bonilla-Felix
- grid.267034.40000 0001 0153 191XDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Francisco Cano
- grid.443909.30000 0004 0385 4466Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Luis Calvo Mackenna Children’s Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Christian
- Children’s Kidney Unit, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Deirdre Hahn
- grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XDivision of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hee Gyung Kang
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital & Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Koichi Nakanishi
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hesham Safouh
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Howard Trachtman
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Hong Xu
- grid.411333.70000 0004 0407 2968Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wendy Cook
- Nephrotic Syndrome Trust (NeST), Somerset, UK
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School Children's Hospital, Hannover and Center for Rare Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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6
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Latief M, Shafi O, Hassan Z, Abbas F, Farooq S. Levamisole in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children: A case series. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_211_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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7
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Krischock L, Pannila P, Kennedy SE. Levamisole and ANCA positivity in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:1795-1802. [PMID: 33484340 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04915-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ANCA positivity in children managed with levamisole as a steroid-sparing agent for nephrotic syndrome (NS). METHODS Medical records of children with steroid-sensitive NS managed with levamisole therapy at Sydney Children's Hospital between 1/1/2000 and 31/12/2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measure was side effects of levamisole therapy including ANCA positivity. RESULTS Seventy-one children, median age 3 years and 1 month (IQR 29-68 months) at first presentation, were subsequently managed with levamisole. 60.6% were male and 65% Caucasian. 47.9% had frequently relapsing (FR)NS and 52.1% steroid-dependent (SD)NS. Overall, there was a median reduction in relapses from 3 (IQR 1-5) to 0.4 relapses (IQR 0-1) per year after levamisole was commenced. Levamisole was successful in preventing relapse in 19 (29%) patients and was used for median 24 (22 to 25) months. Levamisole was discontinued due to relapse in 25 patients (38%) after median 12 (5-28) months. Side effects occurred in 28 patients (42.4%); the most common side effect was ANCA positivity in 12 patients. In eleven of these patients, levamisole was discontinued; in one patient, low-level titres were documented and spontaneously resolved without cessation of levamisole. Two patients developed ANCA-associated vasculitis. CONCLUSION ANCA positivity is a common side effect of levamisole and was seen in 18.2% of our patients. Monitoring is required to determine side effects including ANCA positivity and treatment modified accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Krischock
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia. .,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Pasan Pannila
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sean E Kennedy
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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[Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis with nephrotic-range proteinuria in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23. [PMID: 33840404 PMCID: PMC8050539 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2012145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the treatment of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and nephrotic-range proteinuria. METHODS A prospective clinical trial was conducted in 68 pediatric patients who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics and who were diagnosed with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria from August 2016 to November 2019. The patients were randomly divided into two groups:MMF treatment (n=33) and CTX treatment (n=35). The two groups were compared in terms of complete remission rate, response rate (complete remission + partial remission), urinary protein clearance time, and adverse events. RESULTS At months 3, 6, and 12 of treatment, there was no significant difference in the complete remission rate and the response rate between the MMF treament and CTX treatment groups (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups in the urinary protein clearance time and the incidence rate of adverse events (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MMF and CTX have similar efficacy and safety in the treatment of HSPN children with nephrotic-range proteinuria.
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Huang L, Wang J, Yang J, Zhang H, Ni Y, Zhu Z, Wang H, Gao P, Wu Y, Mao J, Fang L. Impact of CYP3A4/5 and ABCB1 polymorphisms on tacrolimus exposure and response in pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome. Pharmacogenomics 2020; 20:1071-1083. [PMID: 31588879 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2019-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the impact of CYP3A4*1G, CYP3A5*3 and ABCB1-C3435T polymorphisms on tacrolimus concentrations, efficacy and tolerance in pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Dose-adjusted concentrations (C0/D), daily dose, frequency and time to relapse, cumulative remission days, and adverse reactions in 65 Chinese patients with various genotypes were retrospectively collected and compared. Results: C0/D increased in CYP3A4*1/*1, CYP3A5*3/*3 and CYP3A4*1/*1-3A5*3/*3 diplotype carriers by 38.4, 69.7 and 40.9% compared with CYP3A4*1/*1G, CYP3A5*1/*3 and noncarriers, respectively. Recurrence risks were decreased in CYP3A4*1/*1 (0.43 of hazard ratio to *1/*1G) and CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers (0.43 of hazard ratio to *1/*3). None of polymorphisms was linked to adverse reactions. Conclusion: The genotypes of CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 rather than ABCB1-C3435T potentially predicted tacrolimus exposure and clinical response in pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Junyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Jufei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Huifen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Yinghua Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, PR China
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10
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Mühlig AK, Lee JY, Kemper MJ, Kronbichler A, Yang JW, Lee JM, Shin JI, Oh J. Levamisole in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: Clinical Efficacy and Pathophysiological Aspects. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E860. [PMID: 31208104 PMCID: PMC6617114 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common pediatric glomerular diseases. Unfortunately, it follows a relapsing and remitting course in the majority of cases, with 50% of all cases relapsing once or even more often. Most children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond initially to steroid therapy, nevertheless repeated courses for patients with relapses induce significant steroid toxicity. Patients with frequent relapses or steroid dependency thus require alternative treatment, such as cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, levamisole, or rituximab. To reduce the relapse rate, several drugs have been used. Among these, levamisole has been considered the least toxic and least expensive therapy. Several randomized controlled trials (RCT) showed that levamisole is effective in reducing the relapse risk in steroid sensitive forms of nephrotic syndrome with a low frequency of side effects. Levamisole is a synthetic imidazothiazole derivative with immune-modulatory properties. In this article, we review recent data from randomized trials and observational studies to assess the efficacy of levamisole in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Mühlig
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jun Young Lee
- Department of Nephrology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Kangwon 26426, Korea.
| | - Markus J Kemper
- Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Klink Nord-Heidberg, 22417 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Jae Won Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Kangwon 26426, Korea.
| | - Jiwon M Lee
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul 03722, Korea.
- Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
| | - Jun Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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11
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Nosadini M, Gadian J, Lim M, Sartori S, Thomas T, Dale RC. Mycophenolate mofetil in paediatric autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system: clinical experience and recommendations. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:458-468. [PMID: 30221751 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM To gather data on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in paediatric autoimmune/immune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) conditions, focusing on safety and factors that may affect MMF efficacy. METHOD Retrospective, multicentre study based on four paediatric neurology centres. RESULTS Forty-four children were included (30 females, 14 males): 19 had proven/suspected autoimmune encephalitis, 14 had inflammatory demyelinating CNS diseases, and 11 had other autoimmune/immune-mediated CNS conditions. Before MMF, all received first-line immune therapies, and 17 had second-line rituximab and/or cyclophosphamide. MMF was started at a median of 9.5 months from disease onset (range 1-127mo) (median age 9y 4mo, range 1y 5mo-16y 5mo), and was used for median 18 months (range 0.3-73mo). On MMF, 31 patients were relapse-free, whereas eight relapsed (excluding patients with chronic-progressive course). Relapses on MMF were associated with medication weaning/cessation, or with suboptimal MMF dosage/duration. Adverse events of MMF occurred in eight patients: six moderate (gastrointestinal, movement disorder, dermatological) and two severe (infectious). INTERPRETATION MMF use in paediatric neuroimmunology is heterogeneous, although relatively safe. We have identified factors that may affect MMF efficacy and provide recommendations on MMF usage. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use was heterogeneous with relatively common adverse events, although mostly not severe. MMF treatment reduced median annualized relapse rate, although 20% of patients relapsed on MMF. A high relapse rate pre-MMF and late MMF start were associated with higher probability of relapsing on MMF. Most relapses were associated with suboptimal MMF dosage, short MMF duration, or concurrent medication weaning/discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Nosadini
- Neuroimmunology Group, Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, Kids Research at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jonathan Gadian
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Kings Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ming Lim
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Kings Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Russell C Dale
- Neuroimmunology Group, Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, Kids Research at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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Aydin M, Franke I, Kurylowicz L, Ganschow R, Lentze M, Born M, Hagemann R. The long-term outcome of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Germany: a cross-sectional study. Clin Exp Nephrol 2019; 23:676-688. [PMID: 30721392 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-019-01696-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term outcomes of children with nephrotic syndrome have not been well described in the literature. METHODS Cross-sectional study data analysis of n = 43 patients with steroid-sensitive (SSNS) and n = 7 patients with steroid-resistant (SRNS) nephrotic syndrome were retrospectively collected; patients were clinically examined at a follow-up visit (FUV), on average 30 years after onset, there was the longest follow-up period to date. RESULTS The mean age at FUV was 33.6 years (14.4-50.8 years, n = 41). The mean age of patients with SSNS at onset was 4.7 years (median 3.8 years (1.2-14.5 years), the mean number of relapses was 5.8 (0 to 29 relapses). Seven patients (16.3%) had no relapses. Eleven patients were "frequent relapsers" (25.6%) and four patients still had relapses beyond the age of 18 years. Except of cataracts and arterial hypertension, there were no negative long-term outcomes and only one patient was using immunosuppressant therapy at FUV. 55% of patients suffered from allergies and 47.5% had hypercholesterolemia. Two patients suffered a heart attack in adulthood. A younger age at onset (< 4 years) was a risk factor for frequent relapses. An early relapse (within 6 months after onset) was a risk factor and a low birth weight was not a significant risk factor for a complicated NS course. The mean age of patients with SRNS at onset was 4.6 ± 4.4 years and 27.5 ± 9.9 years at FUV. Three patients received kidney transplantations. CONCLUSIONS The positive long-term prognosis of SSNS can reduce the concern of parents about the probability of the child developing a chronic renal disease during the clinical course after onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Aydin
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,HELIOS University Medical Center Wuppertal, Children's Hospital, Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR), Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Ingo Franke
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lisa Kurylowicz
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Ganschow
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Lentze
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mark Born
- Department of Radiology, Pediatric Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Hagemann
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Mycophenolate mofetil for sustained remission in nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2018; 33:2253-2265. [PMID: 29750317 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-3970-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The clinical application of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has significantly widened beyond the prophylaxis of acute and chronic rejections in solid organ transplantation. MMF has been recognized as an excellent treatment option in many immunologic glomerulopathies. For children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) experiencing steroid toxicity, MMF has been recommended as a steroid-sparing drug. Uncontrolled studies in patients with FRNS and SDSN have shown that many patients can achieve sustained remission of proteinuria with MMF monotherapy. Three randomized controlled trials have similarly demonstrated that MMF is beneficial in these patients, but less effective than the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin A or tacrolimus. Some, but not all, patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) may also respond to MMF, usually given in combination with other drugs, with partial or complete remission. There are important limitations to the interpretation and comparability of these studies including study design, sample size, patient selection, clinical endpoints, carry-over effects, and duration of follow-up. In all studies, MMF had relatively few side effects, no nephrotoxicity, or no systemic toxicity. MMF is teratogenic, and contraceptive advice is required in females. There is a poor correlation between MMF dose and mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure and significant inter- and intra-patient variability in drug pharmacokinetics. A higher estimated MPA-AUC0-12 target range than recommended for pediatric renal transplant recipients is essential to prevent relapses. Therefore, therapy should be guided by drug monitoring to avoid relapses. Further studies are needed to test the efficacy of MMF in inducing remission and, as part of a combination therapy, achieving sustained remission in patients with SRNS.
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14
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[Childhood steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: Predictive factors for the need of immunosuppressive treatment]. Arch Pediatr 2017; 24:1096-1102. [PMID: 28941627 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS More than half of the children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome become steroid-dependent (or frequent relapsers) and will later require the use of complementary treatment aiming to reduce steroids' side effects and to limit the number of proteinuria relapses. It appears important to identify these children as early as possible in order to adapt their treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the population of children, under 18 years of age, diagnosed between 1/01/2000 and 31/05/2015 with an idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and followed at the Montpellier University Hospital to search for criteria predictive of steroid-sparing agent use. METHODS In this retrospective study of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, the exclusion criteria were primary steroid resistance and children with no proteinuria relapse after diagnosis. RESULTS Eighty-four children (54 boys) were included in this study. The mean follow-up duration was 5.5 years (0.75-16). The mean age at diagnosis was 4.6 years. Sixty-five children (77%) received at least one steroid-sparing agent during their follow-up, within a mean 10 months after diagnosis. In these patients, the first relapse of the disease occurred earlier when compared with the children who were maintained on steroid alone (4 months vs 7 months; P<0.001). The use of methylprednisolone pulses to obtain a remission, the cumulative dose of steroid treatment, and the number of proteinuria relapses were also significantly correlated with the use of complementary immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION We found no predictive criteria of the use of steroid-sparing agents at diagnosis in our population of children. Nevertheless, with the steroid regimen used, the time within which the first proteinuria relapse occurred appears to be a significant criterion for the secondary use of a steroid-sparing agent. These data should be taken into account when choosing the treatment regimen.
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Panigrahi A, Clark A, Myers J, Raj A. A novel immunomodulatory treatment involving mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids for pediatric autoimmune cytopenias. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64:287-293. [PMID: 27615037 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful treatment of both pediatric autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), specifically those that are refractory to first-line therapies, remains unsatisfactory in terms of long-term remission and medication side effects. Here, we propose a novel combination therapy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an adjunct immunosuppressive, and short-term corticosteroids for the treatment of persistent or chronic autoimmune cytopenias in children. This combination may allow for rapid decrease of steroid usage as well as prolonged count stabilization with minimal toxicity to the patient. PROCEDURE Prospective case series of nine patients, six with persistent or chronic ITP and three with persistent or chronic AIHA, between the ages of 5 and 19 years who are being treated with combination therapy consisting of corticosteroids and MMF. RESULTS All patients with ITP (Patients 4-9) and AIHA (Patients 1-3) met complete response (CR) criteria, as they all initially achieved platelet counts 100 × 109 l-1 or more or hemoglobin level greater than or equal to 10 g/dl, respectively, while on combination therapy and then maintained this level or higher while on MMF alone after steroids were discontinued. CONCLUSIONS Our results are very promising, as MMF appears to be an effective and well-tolerated adjunct immunosuppressant that allows for rapid weaning of steroid usage, minimal adverse side effects to the patients, and long-term stabilization of counts, a goal that has not been achieved successfully with other secondary treatment modalities. Therefore, this novel combination therapy may be an excellent alternative for the treatment of persistent or chronic autoimmune cytopenias in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Panigrahi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Amy Clark
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - John Myers
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Ashok Raj
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Levamisole therapy in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a single-center experience. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 41:243-247. [PMID: 27833440 PMCID: PMC5099379 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2016.63122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies suggest that levamisole, an antihelmintic agent with an immunomodulatory effect, reduces the number of relapses in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). The aim of the study was to present a single center’s experience in treatment of FRNS and SDNS with levamisole. Material and methods Among 72 children with FRNS/SDNS treated in our department with levamisole in the years 1984-2011 we studied in detail 53 patients (mean age: 6.5 ±3.0 years), in whom the medication was administered for at least 6 months. In these 53 patients we evaluated: the course of the disease before levamisole, the renal biopsy result, medications used, prednisone dose on levamisole initiation, duration of levamisole treatment, time to first relapse and number of relapses on levamisole, and levamisole side effects. Results The duration of nephrotic syndrome was 3.4 ±2.9 years, and the number of relapses before levamisole treatment was 6.0 ±3.4. The dose of prednisone on initiation of levamisole treatment was 1.2 ±0.6 mg/kg/24 h, and the duration of levamisole treatment was 15.0 ±7.3 months. During levamisole treatment proteinuria relapsed in 34/53 (64.2%) children, and the time to first relapse was 8.8 ±8.1 months. During levamisole therapy relapses of the disease decreased significantly (2.7 ±2.0 vs. 1.8 ±2.1 relapses/year, p = 0.02). Time to first relapse correlated with total number of relapses (R = –0.59, p < 0.001) and number of relapses in one year during levamisole treatment (R = –0.60, p < 0.001). Conclusions Levamisole is effective in reducing the number of relapses in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Early relapse of proteinuria on levamisole treatment in children with FRNS/SDNS suggests low efficacy of further treatment.
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