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Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Sequential evaluation of clinical and laboratory changes amongst children suffering from lupus nephritis during
Shih-Jung Chiu1, Liang-Shiou Ou, Tien-Lung Tsai
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide (IC) therapy significantly improved kidney function and serological markers in children with lupus nephritis over 24 months. This treatment offers a safe and effective option for pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lupus nephritis is a severe complication of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Effective and safe treatment options for pediatric lupus nephritis are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 24-month intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide (IC) therapy in children with lupus nephritis.
- To assess the impact of IC therapy on serological parameters and renal function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of eight children with severe lupus nephritis.
- Treatment with IC monthly for 6 months, then quarterly for 24 months.
- Statistical analysis of sequential serological parameters and renal function tests.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in urine creatinine clearance, 24-h urine protein excretion, and serum creatinine levels.
- Significant improvements in C3, C4, albumin, triglyceride levels, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Transient decrease in lymphocyte count; one case of myelotoxicity without infection; rapid steroid tapering possible.
Conclusions:
- A 24-month course of intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide (IC) is effective for treating lupus nephritis in children.
- IC therapy demonstrates significant improvements in renal function and serological markers.
- The treatment is generally safe, allowing for steroid dose reduction and resolution of hyperlipidemia.
Abstract:
We prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 24-month course of intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide (IC) therapy for children suffering from lupus nephritis soon after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made. Eight children with severe lupus nephritis were treated with IC monthly for 6 months and then every 3 months, totaling 24 months. The repeated measurements of sequential serological parameters of lupus nephritis, monitored over the course of the study, were analyzed statistically. The urine creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), the 24-h urine protein excretion, and the serum creatinine level significantly improved (p<0.05) after 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. The serum C3, C4, albumin, and triglyceride level, the hemoglobin level, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate significantly improved (p<0.05) 1 month after treatment. The IC appeared to elicit a significant effect (p<0.05) upon the mean leukocyte and neutrophil counts but had no effect (p>0.05) on the platelet count. The lymphocyte count decreased (p<0.05) during the first six monthly IC, whereas the lymphocyte count returned to the baseline level during the quarterly IC events. From a total of 96 IC doses given to those SLE patients, severe myelotoxicity occurred in one patient when lymphocyte count declined to 98 mm(-3); however, no sign of clinical infection was observed. The daily steroid dosage can be tapered rapidly, and the SLE-associated hyperlipidemia resolved parallel to the resolution of the acute lupus nephritis. We concluded that the efficacy of a 24-month IC course for a child suffering from lupus nephritis is significant.
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