Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
Long-term cyclosporin A therapy for severe idiopathic membranous nephropathy
G Rostoker1, D Belghiti, A Ben Maadi
1Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Créteil, France.
Abstract:
Fifteen patients with nephrotic idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) with predictors of poor outcome were treated with a long cyclosporin A (CyA) regimen at the dose of 4-5 mg/kg/day for a median period of 15 months (range 12-30). Four of the 15 patients did not respond to CyA, and the therapy was discontinued after 4 months. A partial remission (proteinuria < 2 g/day) was observed in 7 of 15 patients and a complete remission (proteinuria < 0.2 g/day) in 4 of 15 patients; good results (partial+complete remission) were, thus, obtained in 11 of 15 patients (73%). Two patients are still receiving therapy. A relapse of the nephrotic syndrome occurred in 3 of 9 patients on withdrawal of CyA, but the relapse remained sensitive to CyA. Side effects were mild. We conclude that CyA may be efficient in the treatment of MN and should be evaluated in controlled trials.
Insights
Cyclosporin A (CyA) treatment showed good results in 73% of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN). This immunosuppressive therapy may be effective for MN, warranting further controlled trials.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults.
- Patients with predictors of poor outcome require effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a long-term cyclosporin A (CyA) regimen in patients with idiopathic MN and poor prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 15 patients with nephrotic MN received CyA (4-5 mg/kg/day) for a median of 15 months.
- Treatment response was assessed by proteinuria levels; partial remission (< 2 g/day), complete remission (< 0.2 g/day).
Main Results:
- 11 of 15 patients (73%) achieved partial or complete remission.
- Four patients (27%) did not respond and discontinued CyA.
- Three of 9 patients experienced relapses upon CyA withdrawal, which remained responsive to CyA.
- Side effects were mild.
Conclusions:
- Long-term cyclosporin A therapy demonstrates potential efficacy in treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy.
- CyA may be a viable treatment option for MN patients with poor prognostic indicators.
- Further controlled trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Cryptococcal Meningitis

