Sodium cromoglycate therapy in IgA nephropathy: a preliminary short-term trial

Sodium cromoglycate (SCG), an antiallergic agent, is an effective drug in an experimental model for IgA nephropathy. The present report concerns a preliminary trial of patients with IgA nephropathy and proteinuria (greater than 1.0 g/d), which was conducted to determine the therapeutic value of SCG. Thirty patients were divided into two groups: one group (n = 15) was given oral SCG (1,200 mg/d) for 16 weeks after an observation of 4 weeks (SCG group), and the other group (n = 15) was observed without the changes of prescription (control group). No fluctuations were noted in proteinuria during the observation period in both groups. Proteinuria in the SCG group slowly decreased throughout the time course; however, a significant reduction was observed at 16 weeks as compared with that of the control group. On the other hand, no significant changes were noted in creatinine clearance (Ccr), serum albumin (s-alb), serum IgA (s-IgA), and IgA-CIC between groups. Five of 15 patients, designated "responders", showed a reduction in proteinuria of more than 50% of the pre-value (average value of observations period). The responder and nonresponder groups were comparable in clinical and histopathological data at the beginning of the trial. Nevertheless, no significant correlations arose concerning any point. Short-term SCG therapy may be beneficial in reducing proteinuria in some patients with IgA nephropathy. Allergic reactions may participate in the pathogenesis of this disease.