Cyclosporine in the treatment of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic approach to patients with idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is still controversial. Because it is more common in developing countries, the studies about it are limited.


METHODS
We used cyclosporine to treat 18 patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis who were resistant to other treatment protocols such as using aspirin, dipyridamole, or steroids. All patients were treated with cyclosporine plus low-dose prednisone and were followed for an average 108 weeks.


RESULTS
Partial or complete remission of proteinuria occurred in 94% of the patients (P<0.01). Relapse occurred in one (14.2%) of remitters after discontinuation of the drug. But the remainder stayed in remission to the end of the observation period. There was a 507% decrease in the baseline creatinine clearance in one patient (5.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that cyclosporine may be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of resistant idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Although the response is appeared later than other types of glomerulonephritis, but a long-term decrease in proteinuria and preservation of filtration function were observed in a significant proportion of the treated patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015432:Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine