Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
08:38

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS

Published on: November 8, 2015

Methylprednisolone pulse therapy in Japanese children with severe lupus nephritis

H Tanaka1, T Tateyama, S Waga

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University, School of Medicine, Japan. hirotana@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|October 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) effectively treated severe lupus nephritis in Japanese children. This approach led to significant renal improvements and clinical remission in some patients, offering a promising treatment for pediatric lupus nephritis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Severe lupus nephritis poses a significant threat to pediatric kidney health.
  • Early and aggressive treatment is crucial for managing lupus nephritis in children.
  • Understanding treatment efficacy in diverse pediatric populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) followed by oral corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide in Japanese children with severe lupus nephritis.
  • To assess the impact of this treatment protocol on renal function, proteinuria, and histological markers.

Main Methods:

  • A series of six Japanese children with severe lupus nephritis received prompt MPT.
  • Treatment included three courses of MPT, followed by oral prednisolone and a 12-week course of oral cyclophosphamide.
  • Renal function and proteinuria were monitored, and repeat renal biopsies were performed.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions in urine protein excretion (2.2 to 0.1 g/day) and the mean activity index (10.3 to 3.5) were observed.
  • The mean chronicity index showed no significant change.
  • At a mean follow-up of 53 months, all patients demonstrated clinical and serological improvement, with two achieving complete remission and no renal impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt initiation of MPT combined with subsequent oral therapy may be a beneficial treatment protocol for severe lupus nephritis in Japanese children.
  • The treatment protocol demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing disease activity and improving renal outcomes.
  • Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

More Related Videos

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice09:43

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Published on: June 8, 2022

Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome05:18

Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...