TREATMENT OF RENAL-FAILURE IN IDIOPATHIC MEMBRANOUS NEPHROPATHY WITH AZATHIOPRINE AND PREDNISOLONE

Background, Progressive deterioration in renal function occurs in 20-5 0% of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Several t reatment regimens have been used to reverse this with varying effect a nd toxicity. Methods. Thirteen patients (10 males, 3 females, median a ge 56 years) with IMN and progressive renal failure were treated with oral prednisolone 20-60 mg/day and azathioprine 1.3-2.7 mg/kgBW/day. A ll patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years with a median fo llow-up of 73 months (range 24-103 months). Results. Ten patients resp onded to treatment with a fall in serum creatinine and renal function stabilized in the remainder. Two patients relapsed, one of whom respon ded to an increase in immunosuppression, the other is now on dialysis. Proteinuria has significantly reduced in 10 patients, and only four p atients still have nephrotic-range proteinuria. Mean (+/- SE) peak pre treatment serum creatinine of 229 (+/- 161) mu mol/l and urinary prote in of 11.8 (+/- 1.8) g/24 h have fallen to 163 (+/- 65) mu mol/l and 3 .25 (+/- 1.0) g/24 h after 12 months treatment(P = 0.005, Wilcoxon mat ched pairs test). Immunosuppressive treatment has been successfully wi thdrawn in four patients after intervals ranging from 12 to 60 months. Adverse effects, which occurred in 10 patients, have been mild and ha ve not led to treatment withdrawal though dose reductions have been ne cessary in some patients. Conclusions. Oral prednisolone and low-dose azathioprine is an effective therapy for progressing renal failure due to IMN, and induces remission of nephrotic syndrome. Side-effects are less than other immuno-suppressive regimens.