Mycophenolate mofetil treatment for IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Worldwide, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of glomerulonephritis. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is relatively selective for lymphocytes and inhibits antibody production by B cells more than other immunosuppressants. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have analyzed the role of MMF in patients with IgAN. We conducted this meta-analysis of all available RCTs to ascertain the benefits and risks of MMF treatment in comparison with placebos or steroids in patients with IgAN.


METHODS
The studies were identified by extended computer-based searches of the PubMed database (April, 2008) and the Cochrane Library, without language restriction. References in Medline-cited studies were reviewed to identify additional reports not indexed by Medline. RCTs comparing treatment of IgAN with mycophenolate against placebo or steroids were included in the analysis.


RESULTS
We identified 32 potentially relevant articles, but only 4 RCTs, which had enrolled a total of 168 patients, were included. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that MMF treatment did not have statistically significant effects in reducing proteinuria or protecting renal function in patients with IgAN.


CONCLUSIONS
The currently available evidence does not support the routine use of MMF in patients with IgAN. Larger international collaborations should be put in place to further address this issue.
Xu
Gaosi
G
Department of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, PR China. xugaosi@gmail.com
Tu
Weiping
W
Jiang
Dongfeng
D
Xu
Chengyun
C
D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000188:drug therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003404:Creatinine; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid