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Optimizing mycophenolic acid exposure for reduced relapse risk in paediatric nephrotic syndrome: An observational
Yiting Cai1,2, Baojing Liu1,2, Lizhi Chen3
1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Aims:
Mycophenolic acid (MPA) effectively reduces relapse in paediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS), yet its pharmacokinetic variability hinders optimal dosing. This study aimed to define risk reference values of MPA area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-12h) for relapse prevention during maintenance therapy.
Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, 89 paediatric NS patients receiving MPA were enrolled. Factors influencing relapse were evaluated via binary logistic regression. Optimal cut-off threshold were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, while Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses assessed relapse-free survival (RFS).
Results:
Lower MPA AUC0-12h levels strongly correlated with relapse (relapse group: 31.49 vs. non-relapse: 36.48 μg/h/mL, P < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed MPA AUC0-12h as a protective factor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.99). ROC analysis identified 31.51 μg/h/mL as the optimal risk reference value (sensitivity = 87.5%, specificity = 51.02%). Cox regression further demonstrated subthreshold exposure as an independent relapse risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14-0.43, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses validated this risk reference value across corticosteroid response, relapse frequency and rituximab use, though not in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Conclusions:
Maintaining MPA AUC0-12h ≥ 31.51 μg/h/mL significantly reduces relapse risk in paediatric NS. Individualized mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosing guided by therapeutic drug monitoring is critical for optimizing outcomes.
Insights
Maintaining mycophenolic acid (MPA) AUC levels above 31.51 μg/h/mL is crucial for preventing relapse in pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS). This finding supports individualized dosing for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Nephrology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is effective in reducing relapses in pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS).
- However, significant pharmacokinetic variability necessitates optimized dosing strategies.
- Understanding exposure-response relationships is key for effective maintenance therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish risk reference values for MPA area under the concentration-time curve (AUC₀₋₁₂h) to prevent relapse in pediatric NS.
- To identify a target AUC threshold for effective maintenance therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 89 pediatric NS patients on MPA.
- Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis to determine optimal AUC cut-off.
- Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression to assess relapse-free survival (RFS).
Main Results:
- Lower MPA AUC₀₋₁₂h levels (<31.51 μg/h/mL) significantly correlated with relapse (P < 0.001).
- MPA AUC₀₋₁₂h was confirmed as a protective factor (OR = 0.93).
- An AUC₀₋₁₂h of 31.51 μg/h/mL was identified as the optimal risk reference value.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining MPA AUC₀₋₁₂h ≥ 31.51 μg/h/mL significantly reduces relapse risk in pediatric NS.
- Individualized mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosing guided by therapeutic drug monitoring is essential.
- This approach optimizes treatment outcomes for pediatric NS patients.
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