Cyclosporin treatment of glomerular diseases

Cyclosporin is a potent immunosuppressive agent that has become the first line therapy in organ transplantation. Its efficacy has led to its use in a variety of immune-mediated glomerular diseases. A selection of controlled and uncontrolled trials has studied the effects of cyclosporin in patients with minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy (MN), IgA nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and lupus nephritis. We review the recent literature and suggest recommendations for using cyclosporin in these diseases, based on this evidence and our experience.