[Effects of leflunomide combined with hormone therapy for refractory IgA nephropathy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects and safety of leflunomide combined with hormone therapy for refractory IgA nephropathy.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with refractory IgA nephropathy were treated with leflunomide and hormone therapy, and the clinical data were collected and evaluated before and in weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 during the treatment.


RESULTS
Leflunomide therapy significantly improved proteinuria (Plt;0.001) and increased serum albumin in these patients (Plt;0.001) but caused no significant changes in serum creatinine (Pgt;0.05). Only mild tolerable adverse effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Leflunomide combined with hormone therapy can be one of the safety and effective choices for treatment of refractory IgA nephropathy.
Rong
Le
L
Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. flying1209@ 163.com
Liu
Zheng-rong
ZR
D000328:Adult; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D006728:Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide