Management of idiopathic membranous nephropathy.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) can have a variable natural course. Treatments able to induce remission can improve the long-term prognosis. However, the optimal therapy for IMN remains controversial.


METHODS
We reviewed the historical and current literature from 1979 to 2010 regarding the natural course of IMN and the possible treatments giving special emphasis to randomized controlled trials and to more recent approaches.


RESULTS
The reader will gain a comprehensive review of the available treatments of IMN. A personal therapeutic algorithm for nephrotic patients with IMN is also provided.


CONCLUSIONS
At least five different treatments showed efficacy in many (but not all) patients with IMN.
Ponticelli
Claudio
C
Humanitas Hospital, Division of Nephrology, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy. claudio.ponticelli@fastwebnet.it
Passerini
Patrizia
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome