Treatment of IgA nephropathy based on the severity of clinical and histological features

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) represents a common glomerular disease treated by various therapeutic regimens. We studied 50 IgAN patients to determine the effect of different regimens selected according to severity of the disease on the clinical outcome of patients over a follow-up period of five years. Patients with normal renal function and proteinuria <1 g/24-h received no treatment (Group A, n = 6). Thοse with normal renal function, proteinuria >1 g/24-h and mild to moderate histological lesions received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and corticosteroids (Group B, n = 23). Patients with baseline serum creatinine (Scr) <2.5 mg/dL, proteinuria >3.5 g/24-h and severe histological lesions received ACEi, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs (Group C, n = 18). Finally, patients with Scr >2.5 mg/dL, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis received ACEi and fish oil (Group D, n = 3). Doubling of baseline Scr was observed in nine (18%) patients; two (8.7%) patients from Group B, five (27.7%) patients from Group C and two (66.7%) patients from Group D. Of the seven (14%) patients who reached end-stage renal disease, one (4.3%) patient was from Group B, four (21.0%) patients were from Group C and two (66.7%) patients were from Group D. Reduction of proteinuria was observed in all (100%) patients from Group B and in 15 (83.3%) patients from Group C. Adverse reactions occurred in three of 18 (16%) patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs. The choice of therapeutic regimen used in the treatment of patients with IgAN could be based on the severity of clinical and histological involvement in order to achieve the maximum effect with the least of adverse reactions.