Treatment of IgA Nephropathy of Adults Presented by Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of the immunosuppressive regiment in managing of IgA nephropathy associated with primary nephrotic syndrome at the Nephrology Clinic, University of Sarajevo Clinics Centre in period of 1997-2007. We studied 19 patients (4 women and 15 men) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, where pathomorphologic changes of IgA nephropathy were proved by kidney biopsy. The levels of diuresis, proteinuria, albuminemia, lipidemia and kidney function, as measure of efficiency of used therapy, were monitored. The IgA nephropathy present with the nephrotic syndrome was shown in 15.8% (19) patients underwent renal biopsy due to primary nephrotic syndrome in the period of observation. The average age of patients with IgA nephropathy was 34.9+/-14.1 years. Eight patients from this group were treated with corticosteroid therapy (1-1.5 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks, followed by 0.5 mg/ kg of body weight until therapeutic response was achieved, and finally gradual exclusion of therapy after eight weeks in responsive patients), 6 patients with corticosteroids and bolus cyclophosphamide (10-15 mg/kg BW), and in 5/19 patients cyclosporine therapy was used (3 mg/kg BW). Complete remission of nephrotic syndrome was achieved in 42.1% of the patients. In conclusion, in adults patients with primary nephrotic syndrome associated with IgA nephropathy, used immunosuppressive therapy resulted in a high percentage of achieved remissions.