[The effect of diphenylhydantoin on IgA nephropathy]

Seventeen patients with verified diagnosis of IgA nephropathy (15 men and 2 women) were divided into two groups using random selection. The group receiving treatment consisted of 9 persons, the control group was made up of 8 persons. The former group were given diphenylhydantoin in doses of 2-3 mg/kg/day for a period of 6 months. After the termination of the course of treatment, the authors found a drop in the levels of serum immunoglobulins A, G, complement components C3, C4, circulating immunocomplexes, and decreased haematuria, and, in contrast, increased levels of serum creatinine. No undesirable effects of diphenylhydantoin were noted.