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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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Kidney transplantation outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy and other glomerular and non-glomerular primary diseases in the new era of immunosuppression. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253337. [PMID: 34403416 PMCID: PMC8370606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Kidney transplant (KTx) recipients with IgAN as primary disease, were compared with recipients with other causes of renal failure, in terms of long-term outcomes. METHODS Ninety-nine KTx recipients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) due to IgAN, were retrospectively compared to; i/ a matched case-control group of patients with non-glomerular causes of ESKD, and ii/ four control groups with ESKD due to glomerular diseases; 44 patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 19 with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), 22 with lupus nephritis (LN) and 21 with pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (PIGN). RESULTS At end of the observation period, graft function and survival, were similar between KTx recipients with IgAN and all other groups, but the rate of disease recurrence in the graft differed significantly across groups. The rate of IgAN recurrence in the graft was 23.2%, compared to 59.1% (p<0.0001) in the FSGS group, 42.1% (p = 0.17) in the IMN group, and 0% in the LN and PIGN groups (p = 0.01). IgAN recipients, who were maintained with a regimen containing tacrolimus, experienced recurrence less frequently, compared to those maintained with cyclosporine (p = 0.01). Graft loss attributed to recurrence was significantly higher in patients with FSGS versus all others. CONCLUSION Recipients with IgAN as primary disease, experienced outcomes comparable to those of recipients with other causes of ESKD. The rate of IgAN recurrence in the graft was significantly lower than the rate of FSGS recurrence, but higher than the one recorded in recipients with LN or PIGN. Tacrolimus, as part of the KTx maintenance therapy, was associated with lower rates of IgAN recurrence in the graft, compared to the rate cyclosporine.
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Ni Z, Zhang Z, Yu Z, Lu F, Mei C, Ding X, Yuan W, Zhang W, Jiang G, Sun M, He L, Deng Y, Pang H, Qian J. Leflunomide plus low-dose prednisone in patients with progressive IgA nephropathy: a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-labeled, and controlled trial. Ren Fail 2021; 43:1214-1221. [PMID: 34396911 PMCID: PMC8381933 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2021.1963775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis worldwide, and the optimal approach to its treatment remains a significant challenge. Methods We did a prospective, randomized, open-labeled, multicenter, controlled trial, comprised of 3-month run-in, 12-month treatment, and 12-month follow-up phases. After 3-month run-in phase, patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN at risk of progression were randomly allocated to LEF plus low-dose prednisone (LEF + prednisone group) or conventionally accepted-dose prednisone [prednisone(alone) group] Our primary outcome was 24-h urine protein excretion (UPE) and secondary outcomes were serum albumin (sALB), serum creatinine (Scr), and eGFR. Safety was evaluated in all patients who received the trial medications. Results One hundred and eight patients [59 in LEF + prednisone group, 49 in prednisone (alone) group]were enrolled and finished their treatment and follow-up periods. There is no significant difference in the baseline level between the two groups. Compared with baseline, both groups showed a significant decrease in 24-h UPE (p < 0.01) and increase in sALB (p < 0.01), with stable Scr and eGFR throughout the 12-month treatment period. What’s more, these effects were sustained through the 12-month follow-up period. However, there was no difference in 24-h UPE, sALB, Scr, and eGFR between the two groups (p > 0.05). At 12 months, a difference in overall response rate, relapsing rate, and incidence of adverse events between the two groups was not significant. Conclusions The efficacy and safety of LEF plus low-dose prednisone and conventionally accepted-dose prednisone in the treatment of progressive IgAN are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Ni
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zanzhe Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuming Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changlin Mei
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengru Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyi Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihua Pang
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Qian
- Department of Nephrology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Qin A, Pei G, Tang Y, Tan L, Wei X, Zhong Z, Zhou L, Chen C, Qin W. Corticosteroids Improve Renal Survival: A Retrospective Analysis From Chinese Patients With Early-Stage IgA Nephropathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:585859. [PMID: 33195345 PMCID: PMC7643022 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.585859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The efficacy and safety of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy remain controversial for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy in Chinese patients with early-stage IgAN whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was ≥45 ml/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria was ≥1 g/24 h at biopsy. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven IgAN were retrospectively enrolled from four study centers between 2007 and 2016. Patients were regularly followed up for at least 1 year or until the study end point. Patients were categorized into three treatment groups: supportive care (SC), steroids alone (CS), and steroids plus immunosuppressants (IT). The observed responses to therapy included complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), no response (NR), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The primary end point of the current study was defined as a 50% decline in eGFR and/or ESRD. Results: A total of 715 patients (male 47% and female 53%) were recruited and followed up for 44.69 ± 24.13 months. The observed CR rate was 81.8% with corticosteroids alone (CS), 62.7% with corticosteroids + immunosuppresants (IT), and 37% with supportive care alone (SC). Renal outcomes were remarkably better in the CS group compared with the SC and IT groups (the percentage of patients reaching the end point in each group was 4.6 vs. 14.4 vs. 11.5%, respectively; p = 0.001). Moreover, 36 and 80-month renal survival were significantly better for the CS group (98.3 and 86.4%) than for the IT (94.2 and 82.4%) and SC (94.0 and 51.6%) groups. Early CKD stage also presented with better kidney survival (p < 0.001). Renal survival of CKD stage 1 patients was relatively good regardless of the specific treatment regimen. CS and IT treatment significantly improved renal survival for CKD stage 2 patients when compared with the SC group (p < 0.001 and 0.007, respectively). However, renal survival of CKD stage 3a patients was not impacted by any of the three treatment regimens. Subgroup analysis also showed that renal survival of patients with proteinuria >3.5 g, M1, E0, S1, T0, and C0 was significantly better in the CS group than in the SC and IT groups. A multivariate model showed that hypertension, serum creatinine, E1 lesion, and T1/T2 lesion remained independent predictors of poor renal survival. Conclusions: Immunosuppressive therapy does not have further benefit beyond that provided by steroids. Corticosteroids plus optimal supportive care may further be beneficial in treating early-stage IgAN patients in that it could significantly improve the short-term renal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiya Qin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gaiqin Pei
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Tan
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingfu Wei
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengxia Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- The Third Hospital of Zigong City, Zigong, China
| | | | - Wei Qin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Qin
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Pei G, Tan J, Tang Y, Tan L, Zhong Z, Zhou L, Chen C, Qin W. Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants were not superior to supportive care in IgA nephropathy patients with mild proteinuria. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20513. [PMID: 32541473 PMCID: PMC7302656 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020513] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the effect of immunosuppressant therapy for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients with mild proteinuria (<1 g/d). METHODS We recruited patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from 4 study centers. Patients were followed for more than 1 year or up to the study end point. Clinical indexes, renal pathological data, and treatment information were collected during the follow-up period. IgAN patients with mild proteinuria (<1 g/d at biopsy) were included. Patients were divided into a supportive care group (SC) and an immunosuppressant group (IT). Patients in the SC group received the optimal dose of renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi). Patients in the IT group received corticosteroids or immunosuppressant therapy plus RASi. Responses to therapy included complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), no response (NR), and end stage renal disease (ESRD). A 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or ESRD was the primary end point of this study. RESULTS 295 patients (36.3% male and 63.7% female) were included in this study and were followed for 49.46 ± 24.35 months. We found a significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine protein, mesangial hypercellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis, cellular or fibrocellular crescents, and glomerulosclerosis between the 2 treatment groups at baseline. At the final follow-up, 224 patients (75.9%) achieved CR, 7 patients (2.4%) achieved PR, 55 patients (18.6%) had NR, and 9 patients (3.1%) reached ESRD. However, no significant differences were observed between the SC and IT groups with respect to CR (76.4% vs 73.5%, P = .659), PR (2.0% vs 4.1%, P = .329), NR (18.3% vs 20.4%, P = .728), and ESRD (3.3% vs 2.0%, P = 1.000). Kidney survival rates were also comparable between the SC and IT groups (93.7% vs 94.1%, P = .808). We observed similar results after subgroup analysis according to chronic kidney disease stages or pathological manifestations. A multivariate model showed that segmental sclerosis (HR 9.55, 95% CI 1.04-88.16, P = .047) and glomerulosclerosis (HR 21.09, 95% CI 1.39-320.53, P = .028) were independent predictors of poor renal survival. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants were not superior to supportive care in IgA nephropathy patients with mild proteinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaiqin Pei
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| | - Jiaxing Tan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| | - Yi Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital
| | - Li Tan
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan
| | - Zhengxia Zhong
- Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou
| | - Ling Zhou
- The Third Hospital of Zigong City, Zigong, Sichuan
| | | | - Wei Qin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, West China Hospital
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Ruszkowski J, Lisowska KA, Pindel M, Heleniak Z, Dębska-Ślizień A, Witkowski JM. T cells in IgA nephropathy: role in pathogenesis, clinical significance and potential therapeutic target. Clin Exp Nephrol 2019; 23:291-303. [PMID: 30406499 PMCID: PMC6394565 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-018-1665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most frequent cause of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, is an autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on T cells and summarize knowledge about their involvement in pathophysiology and treatment of IgAN METHODS: We reviewed the literature for (1) alterations of T cell subpopulations in IgAN, (2) experimental and clinical proofs for T cells' participation in IgAN pathogenesis, (3) clinical correlations with T cell-associated alterations, and (4) influence of drugs used in IgAN therapy on T cell subpopulations. RESULTS We found that IgAN is characterized by higher proportions of circulatory Th2, Tfh, Th17, Th22 and γδ T cells, but lower Th1 and Treg cells. We discuss genetic and epigenetic makeup that may contribute to this immunological phenotype. We found that Th2, Th17 and Tfh-type interleukins contribute to elevated synthesis of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and that the production of anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies may be stimulated by Tfh cells. We described the roles of Th2, Th17, Th22 and Treg cells in the renal injury and summarized correlations between T cell-associated alterations and clinical features of IgAN (proteinuria, reduced GFR, hematuria). We detailed the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on T cell subpopulations and found that the majority of drugs have nonoptimal influence on T cells in IgAN patients. CONCLUSIONS T cells play an important role in IgAN pathogenesis and are correlated with its clinical severity. Clinical trials with the drugs targeting the reported alterations of the T-cell compartment are highly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Ruszkowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna A Lisowska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Pindel
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Heleniak
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alicja Dębska-Ślizień
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek M Witkowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
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