Efficacy and safety of TRF-budesonide in IgA nephropathy treatment: a meta-analysis

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common glomerular disease characterized by IgA glomerular, typically mensangial deposition, often leading to progressive kidney damage.

This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of TRF-budesonide in IgAN patients, using data from four randomized controlled trials involving 774 participants. We calculated the mean differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine-to-protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR) compared to baseline, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after 9 months of treatment and at the end of the follow-up period, while also summarizing adverse events.

TRF-budesonide significantly reduced UPCR (weighted mean difference [WMD] = - 0.39 g/g, 95% CI - 0.51, - 0.26, p < 0.00001, I² = 0%) and slowed the decline in eGFR (WMD = 5.39 ml/min/1.73 m², 95% CI 3.68, 7.10, p < 0.00001, I² = 0%), with these effects persisting throughout the follow-up period. However, TRF-budesonide was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events such as acne (OR = 5.04, 95% CI 2.46, 10.34, p < 0.0001), facial edema (OR = 10.12, 95% CI 2.31, 44.22, p = 0.002), hypertension (OR = 4.86, 95% CI 2.40, 9.85, p < 0.0001), and muscle spasms (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.64, 5.60, p = 0.0004). Despite these side effects, serious systemic effects were exceptional.

TRF-budesonide demonstrated efficacy and a tolerable safety profile in the treatment of IgAN.