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Bi X, Yu Y, Zhou S, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Xiong J. Immunosuppressant Agents as Add-On Therapy Failed to Improve the Outcome of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy with Crescent Score C1. Nephron Clin Pract 2024; 148:587-600. [PMID: 38723614 DOI: 10.1159/000534788] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The renoprotective benefits of adding immunosuppressant therapy to corticosteroid (CS) treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with less than 25% crescent formation (C1) remain uncertain, warranting further research. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on IgAN patients with crescent C1 lesions confirmed by renal biopsy at Xinqiao Hospital between May 1, 2017, and May 1, 2020. Patients were stratified into either the CS treatment group or the CS combined with an additional immunosuppressant therapy group. Follow-up assessments were conducted within 24 months. Propensity score analysis was used to match patients receiving CS and CS + immunosuppressant drug treatment in a 1:1 ratio. Primary outcomes included changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the benefits of different populations. Composite endpoint outcomes comprised a 30% eGFR decrease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) necessitating dialysis or transplant, or kidney disease-related mortality. Adverse events were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS 296 IgAN patients with C1 lesions were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics indicated that IgAN patients in the CS + immunosuppressant group exhibited poorer renal function and higher UACR levels. Propensity score analysis effectively minimized the influence of baseline clinical characteristics, including age, serum creatinine, initial eGFR, UACR, and 24-h proteinuria. Both treatment groups demonstrated continuous eGFR improvement and significant UACR reduction during follow-up, especially at 6 months. However, no significant differences in eGFR and UACR reduction rates were observed between the two groups throughout the entire follow-up period, both before and after matching. Subgroup analysis revealed improved eGFR in both treatment groups, notably among patients with an initial eGFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conversely, IgAN patients with C1 lesions and a cellular crescent ratio exceeding 50% treated with CS and immunosuppressant therapy experienced a significant improvement in renal function and a decline in urinary protein creatinine ratio. Composite endpoint outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups, while the incidence of adverse events was comparable. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the addition of immunosuppressant therapy to corticosteroid monotherapy did not confer significant therapeutic advantages in patients with C1 lesions compared to CS monotherapy, although some specific patient populations appeared to derive modest benefits from this combined approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjin Bi
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of Cardiovasology, People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force 945th Hospital, Yaan, China
| | - Yanlin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Siyan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinghong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiachuan Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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He WJ, Wang J, Liu N, Li GY, Zhu XW, Yao L, Liu LL. The efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine versus leflunomide in patients with IgA nephropathy: a single-center experience. J Nephrol 2024; 37:933-940. [PMID: 38225440 PMCID: PMC11239748 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, our understanding of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) pathophysiology has remained incomplete; therefore, treatment remains largely empiric, and the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressants remain controversial. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine and leflunomide therapy in a retrospective cohort of patients with IgAN. METHODS We screened the IgAN registration database in our department, and a total of 159 kidney patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were enrolled, with 57 patients receiving hydroxychloroquine plus a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (hydroxychloroquine group), 52 patients receiving leflunomide plus a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (leflunomide group), and 50 patients receiving only a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (renin-angiotensin system inhibitor-only group). Changes in proteinuria, hematuria, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as adverse events, were analyzed during the follow-up period. RESULTS At the end of 6-month follow-up, proteinuria significantly decreased by 70.36 (57.54, 79.33)%, 57.29 (46.79, 67.29)% and 41.20 (25.76, 48.94)% in the hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and renin-angiotensin system inhibitor-only groups, respectively, compared to baseline (all P values < 0.001). Hematuria significantly decreased by 71.07 (56.48, 82.47)% in the leflunomide group (P < 0.001). The eGFR improved by 3.72 ± 2.97%, 3.16 ± 2.00% and 1.91 ± 2.41%, respectively, in the hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and renin-angiotensin system inhibitor-only groups, but without statistical significance. No serious adverse events occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION Both hydroxychloroquine combined with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and leflunomide combined with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor were more effective than a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor alone in improving proteinuria in IgAN patients. Hydroxychloroquine was more effective in reducing proteinuria, and leflunomide showed superiority in reducing hematuria. Our results need to be verified in large-scale randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Gu-Yue Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xin-Wang Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin-Lin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nan Jing North Street, He Ping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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Zhang D, Xia B, Zhang X, Liang P, Hu X. Efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Urol 2024; 24:56. [PMID: 38468247 PMCID: PMC10926645 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01438-3] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of immunosuppressive and corticosteroid treatments for Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) remains thoroughly evaluated. We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose corticosteroids plus leflunomide for progressive IgA nephropathy. METHODS Eligible studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We also searched the references of the included studies. Our protocol followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Eligibility criteria were defined using a PICOS framework. RESULTS Our study included three articles presenting 342 patient cases. Findings revealed that low-dose corticosteroids combined with the leflunomide group were effective in relieving urine protein excretion (UPE) [mean difference (MD) = -0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.41 to -0.30, P < 0.00001] compared with the full-dose corticosteroids group. Regarding serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), complete remission rate, and overall response rate, there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Regarding safety, low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide significantly reduced the risk of serious adverse events [odds ratio (OR): 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.91, P = 0.04]. Besides, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of respiratory infection, abnormal liver function, diarrhea, herpes zoster, alopecia, pruritus, insomnia, pneumonia, diabetes, and urinary tract infection (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Low-dose corticosteroids combined with leflunomide are a safe and effective treatment for progressive IgA nephropathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022361883.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Xia
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China.
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Spannenburg L, Reed H. Adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids: A systematic review of the literature. Steroids 2023; 200:109314. [PMID: 37758053 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glucocorticoids as a drug class are widely used in the treatment of many conditions including more recently as one of the mainstay treatments for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The physiological adverse effects are well described. However, less is known and understood about the potentially deleterious neuro-cognitive effects of this class of medication. METHODS We carried out a systematic review of the literature using two separate search strategies. The first focussed on the rates of reporting of adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoid use in randomised controlled trials. The second looked at those studies focussing directly on adverse cognitive effects associated with the use of glucocorticoids. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library was searched for randomised controlled trials utilising glucocorticoids as a part of a treatment regimen. Additionally, these databases were also used to search for articles looking directly at the adverse cognitive effects of glucocorticoids. RESULTS Of the forty-three RCTs included as a part of the first search strategy, only one (2.3%) included specific documentation pertaining to cognitive side effects. As a part of the twenty studies included in the second search strategy, eleven of the included studies (55%) were able to demonstrate a correlation between glucocorticoid use and decreased cognition. Most studies within this strategy showed that GCs predominately affected hippocampus-dependent functions such as memory, while sparing executive function and attention. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data reporting of adverse clinical effects of glucocorticoid use is poor in recent RCTs. Given the demonstrable effect on predominately hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions evident within the literature, more thorough documentation is needed within clinical research to fully appreciate the potentially widespread nature of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Spannenburg
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Clinical Medicine, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Metro South Hospital & Health Service, Department of Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Hayley Reed
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Clinical Medicine, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4101, Australia
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Tan Q, Xue H, Ni X, Fan L, Du W. Comparative effectiveness and safety for the treatments despite optimized renin-angiotensin system blockade among IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 114:66-73. [PMID: 37179138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 20-40% of IgA nephropathy patients would develop end-stage renal disease, for whom safety concerns remained a major setback when using conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Evidence is lacking for optimal selection of effective and safe pharmaceuticals to slow the disease progression. To compare the effectiveness and safety profile of different treatments despite optimized RAS blockade for IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression. STUDY DESIGN PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of science databases published from 1990 to March 18th, 2023 without language restriction. Immunosuppressant and cortico-steroid treatments were considered as two independent regimens. RESULTS Fifteen trials with 1,983 participants were evaluated for the occurrence of five outcomes. For ESRD, dapagliflozin was superior to placebo (RR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.11, 0.80), immunosuppressant (RR:0.14; 95% CI 0.02,0.81) and RAS (RR:0.10; 95% CI 0.01,0.69). Glucocorticoid was superior to placebo (RR: 0.71; 95%CI 0.52,0.99). For clinical remission, immunosuppressant was superior to placebo (RR: 2.71; 95%CI 1.16, 6.31) and RAS monotherapy (RR: 2.87; 95%CI 1.60, 5.17). For 50% reduction in 24 h proteinuria or UPCR, immunosuppressant was superior to placebo (RR: 2.71; 95%CI 1.16, 6.31) and RAS monotherapy (RR: 2.40; 95%CI 1.04, 5.55). For SAE, dapagliflozin was superior to glucocorticoid (RR: 0.22; 95%CI 0.09, 0.54), whereas glucocorticoid was inferior to placebo (RR: 2.91; 95%CI 1.39, 6.07). Cluster ranking showed dapagliflozin appeared to have the lowest SAE risk and the best comparative therapeutic efficacy in preventing ESRD. CONCLUSIONS The current findings highlighted dapagliflozin was a promising pharmaceutical treatment alternative to achieve optimal outcomes for IgA nephropathy patients at high risk of disease progression. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022374418.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Tan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, China.
| | - Hui Xue
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ni
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, China
| | - Wei Du
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, China.
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Lv G, Ming C. Efficacy and safety of leflunomide combined with corticosteroids for the treatment of IgA nephropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ren Fail 2022; 44:1011-1025. [PMID: 35786300 PMCID: PMC9262374 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2022.2085576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide combined with corticosteroids, compared with corticosteroids alone, for IgA nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies were retrieved by searching of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane's Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases on 11 October 2021. A random-effect model incorporating the heterogeneity was used to pool the results. The efficacy outcomes included the complete remission rate of proteinuria, overall response rate (the combined rates of patients with complete and partial remission of proteinuria), changes of urine protein excretion (UPE), serum creatinine (SCr), and estimated glomerular infiltrating rate (eGFR). RESULTS Nineteen studies were included. Patients receiving the combined therapy had a higher complete remission rate (relative risk [RR]: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.08-1.55, p = 0.006; I2 = 0%) and overall response rate (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.10-1.26, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) compared to patients who received CS alone. Besides, combined therapy was associated with significantly reduced levels of UPE (mean difference [MD]: -0.30 g/24h, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.16, p < 0.001; I2 = 34%) and SCr (MD: -7.55 mmol/L, 95% CI: -11.06 to -4.04, p < 0.001; I2 = 34%), and increased level of eGFR (MD: 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI: 4.06-8.97, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Combined treatment with leflunomide and corticosteroids was more effective than corticosteroids alone for patients with IgA nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Chengyuan Ming
- Department of Urology, Jiamusi Central Hospital, Jiamusi, China
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