Early versus late start of immunosuppressive therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) is debated. Accurate identification of patients at high risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) allows early start of therapy in these patients. It is unknown if early start of therapy is more effective and/or less toxic than late start (i.e. when GFR deteriorates). METHODS: We conducted a randomized open-label study in patients with iMN, a normal renal function and a high risk for ESRD (urinary beta2m >0.5 microg/min, UIgG >125 mg/day). Patients started with immunosuppressive therapy (cyclophosphamide for 12 months, and steroids) either immediately after randomization or when renal function deteriorated (DeltasCr > or =+25% and sCr >135 micromol/l or DeltasCr > or =+50%). End points were remission rates, duration of the nephrotic syndrome (NS), renal function and complications. RESULTS: The study included 26 patients (24 M/2 F), age 48 +/- 12 years; sCr 96 micromol/l (range 68-126) and median proteinuria 10.0 g/10 mmol Cr. Early treatment resulted in a more rapid onset of remission (P = 0.003) and a shorter duration of the NS (P = 0.009). However, at the end of the follow-up (72 +/- 22 m), there were no differences in overall remission rate, sCr (93 versus 105 micromol/l), proteinuria, relapse rate and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk patients with iMN, immunosuppressive treatment is effective in inducing a remission. Early treatment shortens the duration of the nephrotic phase, but does not result in better preservation of renal function. Our study indicates that treatment decisions must be based on risk and benefit assessment in the individual patient.

Mycophenolate mofetil in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a clinical trial with comparison to a historic control group treated with cyclophosphamide.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide can decrease proteinuria and improve renal function in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy, but has a high risk of side effects. We studied whether mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could be a reasonable alternative with fewer side effects. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical trial with historic controls. SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS: 32 cases and 32 controls with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and renal insufficiency at multiple centers. For comparison, we selected matched historic controls treated with cyclophosphamide. INTERVENTION: MMF, 1 g twice daily, for 12 months versus cyclophosphamide, 1.5 mg/kg/d, for 12 months. Both groups also received intermittent methylprednisolone and alternate-day prednisone. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: Serum creatinine, proteinuria, and side effects during and after treatment. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 23 months (range, 11 to 46 months). Median serum creatinine levels were 1.8 mg/dL (159 micromol/L) in both groups at baseline and 1.4 mg/dL (124 micromol/L) in the MMF group versus 1.3 mg/dL (115 micromol/L) in the cyclophosphamide group at 12 months (P = 0.4). Proteinuria values at baseline and 12 months were protein of 8.40 and 1.41 g/d in the MMF group versus 9.19 and 1.13 g/d in the cyclophosphamide group (P = 0.5 at 12 months), respectively. Cumulative incidences of remission of proteinuria at 12 months were 66% in the MMF group versus 72% in the cyclophosphamide group (P = 0.3). Five patients (16%) in the MMF group versus none in the cyclophosphamide group had disease that did not respond to therapy (P = 0.05). Twelve patients (38%) experienced a relapse and 9 patients (31%) were re-treated in the MMF group compared with 4 (13%) and 2 patients (6%) in the cyclophosphamide group (P < 0.01 and P = 0.024, respectively). Side effects occurred in 24 patients (75%) in the MMF group and 22 patients (69%) in the cyclophosphamide group (P = 0.6). LIMITATIONS: Nonrandomized control group, short duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-month course of MMF decreased proteinuria and improved renal function in the majority of patients, but did not appear as effective or better tolerated than cyclophosphamide. Long-term data and randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain the efficacy of MMF in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy: outline and rationale of a treatment strategy.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome. The treatment of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy is heavily debated. Based on literature data and our own experience, we propose a rational treatment strategy. Patients with renal insufficiency (serum creatinine level > 1.5 mg/dL [> 135 micromol/L]) are at greatest risk for the development of end-stage renal disease and should receive immunosuppressive therapy. In patients with normal renal function (serum creatinine level < 1.5 mg/dL [< 135 micromol/L]), risk for developing end-stage renal disease can be estimated by measuring urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin or alpha1-microglobulin and immunoglobulin G. For low-risk patients, a wait-and-see policy is advised. High-risk patients likely benefit from immunosuppressive therapy. Currently, combinations of steroids with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide are the best studied. We prefer cyclophosphamide in view of its fewer side effects. Cyclosporine may be an alternative option in patients with well-preserved renal function, although long-term data are lacking. Other immunosuppressive agents, such as mycophenolate mofetil or rituximab, currently are under study; however, data are insufficient to support their routine use.

Effectiveness of a third tumor necrosis factor-α-blocking agent compared with rituximab after failure of 2 TNF-blocking agents in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a third tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-blocking agent with rituximab after failure of 2 TNF-blocking agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice. METHODS: Patients receiving a third TNF-blocking agent or rituximab after failure of 2 TNF-blocking agents were selected from a Dutch biologic registry. The primary outcome was the results from the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) over the first 12 months after start of the third biologic using mixed-model analyses. Secondary outcomes included the course of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the separate components of the DAS28 over the first 12 months and the change from baseline in DAS28 and HAQ at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The overall course of the DAS28 over the first 12 months was significantly better for rituximab (p = 0.0044), as also observed for the HAQ, although the latter results were not statistically significant (p = 0.0537). The erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, and swollen joint counts showed a better course for rituximab (p = 0.0008, p = 0.0287, p = 0.0547, respectively), but not the tender joint counts or visual analog scale for general health. DAS28 decreased significantly in both groups at 3 and 6 months (p ≤ 0.024), but the change in HAQ was significant for rituximab only at 3 months (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: During the first 12 months of therapy, a larger improvement in disease activity and a trend toward a larger decrease in functional disability was observed in patients receiving rituximab. Switching to a biologic with another mechanism of action might be more effective after failure of 2 TNF-blocking agents in RA.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is not a sufficient predictor of renal outcome in patients with membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: The course of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) is variable in untreated patients. Accurate prediction of renal outcome would allow optimal treatment decisions. We demonstrated that urinary beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) predicted prognosis in iMN with high sensitivity and specificity. It has been suggested that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a discriminative parameter with independent prognostic value. METHODS: We selected patients with iMN biopsied between 1988 and 2002. Biopsies were analysed for the presence of FSGS, interstitial fibrosis and vascular lesions. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, proteinuria and blood pressure were recorded at baseline. Outcome variables included remission of proteinuria, renal death (RD) defined as serum creatinine >135 micromol/l or increase of serum creatinine of >50%, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In a subgroup of patients, urinary beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) was measured. RESULTS: We included 53 patients (33M, 20F). Mean age was 51 years, serum creatinine 99 micromol/l, and proteinuria 7.0 g/10 mmol creatinine. FSGS was present in 22 patients. These patients were characterized by a higher serum creatinine at time of biopsy (P = 0.035), more severe interstitial fibrosis (P = 0.001) and higher stage of membranous nephropathy (P = 0.001). During follow-up 24 patients developed RD, almost equally distributed between patients with and without FSGS. Renal survival was numerically, but not significantly, lower in patients with FSGS. In Cox proportional hazard analysis, only serum creatinine at the time of biopsy was an independent predictor of RD or ESRD (P < 0.001). In patients with known urinary beta2M, there was no significant correlation with FSGS score (P = 0.174). CONCLUSION: FSGS is not an accurate prognostic marker in iMN. Histological scoring of FSGS is inferior to measurement of urinary proteins in predicting renal outcome in iMN.

Serum creatinine is a poor marker of GFR in nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: In daily clinical practice creatinine clearance is used as marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). As a result of the tubular secretion process endogenous creatinine clearance (ECC) overestimates glomerular filtration rate, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. It has been suggested that the tubular handling of creatinine is altered in patients with a nephrotic syndrome. METHODS: Inulin clearance (GFR) and creatinine clearance (ECC) have been simultaneously measured in a cohort of 42 patients with proteinuria and 45 healthy controls. The clearance of creatinine by tubular secretion (TScreat) can be estimated by ECC-GFR. TScreat was calculated in both groups. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors that independently influence tubular creatinine secretion. RESULTS: The mean age (+/-SD) of the patients was 41+/-13 years, serum albumin 26+/-9 g/l, median (IQR) proteinuria 4.5 (3.6-8.2) g/10 mmol creatinine, serum creatinine 103 (84-143) micromol/l, ECC 85 (69-118) ml/min/1.73 m2, and GFR 54 (36-83) ml/min/1.73 m2. Median TScreat amounted to 29 (21-36) ml/min/1.73 m2. In the healthy controls serum creatinine was 75 (70-81) micromol/l, ECC 118 (109-125) ml/min/1.73 m2, GFR 106 (102-115) ml/min/1.73 m2, and TScreat 11 (3.5-19) ml/min/1.73 m2. By regression analysis serum albumin was identified as an independent predictor of tubular creatinine secretion. We divided the patients in two subgroups based on serum albumin levels. TScreat was 24 (14-29) ml/min/1.73 m2 in patients with serum albumin levels >25.8 g/l, and 36 (28-54) ml/min/1.73 m2 in patients with serum albumin levels <25.8 g/l (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum albumin levels influence tubular creatinine secretion. As a result, the endogenous creatinine clearance as well as estimated GFR using a modified MDRD equation more pronouncedly overestimate glomerular filtration rate in nephrotic syndrome.

Urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin and IgG predict prognosis in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a validation study.

An accurate prediction of the prognosis of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) should allow restriction of immunosuppressive treatment to patients who are at highest risk for ESRD. On the basis of retrospective studies, it has previously been suggested that the urinary excretions of beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2m) and IgG (UIgG) are useful predictors of renal insufficiency in patients with iMN. The threshold values of 0.5 micro/min (Ubeta2m) and 250 mg/24 h (UIgG) have been validated in a new and larger patient cohort. From 1995 onward, 57 patients with iMN (38 men, 19 women; age 48 +/- 16 yr), a nephrotic syndrome, and a serum creatinine level 50%. Mean (+/-SD) follow-up was 53 +/- 23 mo. Thus far, 25 (44%) of the patients have reached the end point renal death. Multivariate analysis confirmed Ubeta2m as the strongest independent predictor for the development of renal insufficiency. Sensitivity and specificity were 88 and 91%, respectively, for Ubeta2m, and both were 88% for UIgG. When the excretions of both proteins were combined, specificity improved to 97%. It is concluded that the present data validate the accuracy of Ubeta2m and of UIgG in predicting renal outcome in patients with iMN. These markers can be used to guide decisions on the start of immunosuppressive treatment.

Cytotoxic therapy for membranous nephropathy and renal insufficiency: improved renal survival but high relapse rate.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) and renal insufficiency have a high risk for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the short term, treatment with oral cyclophosphamide and steroids attenuates the deterioration of renal function in these patients; however, the long-term efficacy is unknown. METHODS: We have studied prospectively 65 patients with iMN and renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >135 micromol/l) who were treated with oral cyclophosphamide (1.5-2.0 mg/kg/day for 12 months) and steroids (methylprednisolone pulses 3 x 1 g, i.v. at months 1, 3 and 5, and oral prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/48 h for 6 months). RESULTS: Follow-up was 51 (5-132) months. Renal function temporarily improved or stabilized in all patients. A partial remission (PR) occurred in 56 patients followed by a complete remission (CR) in 17. During follow-up, 11 patients had relapsed (28% relapse rate after 5 years), of whom nine were re-treated because of renal function deterioration. At the end of follow-up, 16 patients were in CR, 31 in PR, eight had a persistent nephrotic syndrome, one had mild proteinuria, four had progressed to ESRD and five had died. Overall renal survival was 86% after 5 years and 74% after 7 years, compared with 32% after 5 and 7 years in a historical control group. Treatment-related complications occurred in two-thirds of patients, mainly consisting of bone marrow depression and infections. One patient has developed bladder cancer, another patient prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Renal survival is good if patients with iMN and renal insufficiency are treated with oral cyclophosphamide. However, side effects occur frequently and relapse rate is high during longer follow-up.

Serum ferritin levels are increased in patients with glomerular diseases and proteinuria.

BACKGROUND: Ferritin is a high molecular weight protein which reflects body iron stores, but may also rise in the case of an acute phase response. Recently, ferritin has been identified as a predictive factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This is the first report on serum ferritin levels in patients with proteinuria. METHODS: We have analysed the data of 142 male patients with a glomerular disease, and proteinuria exceeding 1 g/day. In all patients, we measured various parameters related to proteinuria, serum ferritin and serum iron. Serum beta2-microglobulin and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation were used as measures of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SD) was 46+/-15 years, MDRD-GFR 57+/-25 ml/min/1.73 m2 and median proteinuria 8.0 g/day [interquartile range (IQR) 3.6-13]. Serum albumin (29+/-9 g/l) and transferrin levels (1.7+/-0.5 g/l) were low, and cholesterol levels were elevated (median 7.3, IQR 5.9-9.5 mmol/l). Median serum ferritin was 148 microg/l (IQR 89-282), and exceeded 280 microg/l, the upper limit of normal, in 36 patients (25%). Elevated serum ferritin levels could not be explained by an acute phase response as determined by C-reactive protein, or haemochromatosis (DNA analysis). Regression analysis showed an independent relationship between ferritin levels and serum cholesterol, GFR and serum transferrin. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ferritin levels are elevated in patients with overt proteinuria. The independent negative relationship between serum ferritin and transferrin points to a specific process and suggests that increased production of ferritin may compensate for the loss of the iron-binding protein transferrin, thus reducing the amount of free iron. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of ferritin in patients with proteinuria, especially because of the suggested association between ferritin and atherosclerosis.