Controlled Trial of Prednisone in Adult Patients with the Nephrotic Syndrome

A multi-centre controlled trial of steroid treatment of the nephrotic syndrome was carried out on 125 patients. Of these, 64 were controls and 61 received prednisone in a recommended dose range of 20-30 mg./24 hours. The actual initial dose averaged 29 mg./24 hours. Treatment was continued for a variable period, but not less than six months. More than 10 mg./24 hours was given on average for 12 months to all patients, and for longer periods to some. Patients were classified, on the basis of biopsy specimens, into three groups: A, minimal change; B, membranous nephropathy; and C, proliferative glomerulonephritis. In groups B and C prednisone did not have any strikingly favourable effect on proteinuria or on renal function as compared with the control group. In group A, however, prednisone reduced proteinuria to a striking and statistically significant extent. It had little if any effect on long-term renal function in any group. The death rate was higher in the combined prednisone groups (17/61) than in the control groups (12/64). This difference was not statistically significant, but there was a significantly higher number of deaths from cardiovascular disease in the prednisone group, whereas the numbers of deaths from renal failure were not significantly different in the two groups.     

The influence of hyperthyroidism and glucocorticosteroid treatment on bone metabolism in patients with Graves' disease and ophthalmopathy

The aim of the study was to assess influence of hyperthyroidism and glucocorticosteroid treatment on changes of bone turnover markers in patients with Graves' disease and thyroid ophthalmopathy (TO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups of patients were included in the study. Group I was composed of 26 euthyroid Graves' disease patients with TO suitable for steroid treatment. Group II included 14 hyperthyroid Graves' patients without TO treated medically with anti-thyroid drugs. Group III (control group) included 20 healthy volunteers. Levels of the bone formation marker, i.e. bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and the bone resorption marker, i.e. deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were measured in the group I before steroid treatment administration, after 3 methylprednisolone i.v. pulses and after completing the oral prednisone treatment. In the group II levels of BALP and DPD were assessed twice: before treatment of hyperthyroidism and after 6 months since euthyroid state had been achieved. In the group III levels of BALP and DPD were measured once in the basal conditions. RESULTS: Mean initial levels of BALP in groups I and II did not differ significantly and were increased when compared to healthy volunteers. In the group I a transient significant decrease in BALP levels after 3 i.v. pulses of methylprednisolone was observed, followed by a significant increase in BALP after completing the oral prednisone therapy. The achievement of euthyroid state in Graves' patients (II) did not influence significantly BALP values. In the group I initial DPD levels were significantly lower than those in group II and higher than those in the control group (III). During steroid treatment of TO (group I) no dynamic changes of DPD levels were observed. The achievement of euthyroid state in group II was accompanied by a significant decrease in DPD levels, which were however than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In hyperthyroid state is associated with the profound stimulation of bone resorption, and to a lesser extent of bone formation. 2. The achievement of euthyroid state causes a rapid inhibition of bone resorption and maintains a compensatory stimulation of bone formation. 3. Glucocorticosteroid treatment with methylprednisolone i.v. pulses and orally administered prednisone do not influence significantly the processes of bone formation and bone resorption.     

自拟益气活血方治疗小儿脾肾气虚型肾病综合征的疗效观察

目的:探讨自拟益气活血方治疗小儿脾肾气虚型肾病综合征的临床疗效。方法:选择2014年6月到2016年10月我院收治的80例脾肾气虚型肾病综合征患儿,按随机数字表法分为对照组和治疗组各40例。对照组给予强的松治疗,治疗组在对照组治疗的基础上给予自拟益气活血方治疗,两组均治疗4个月。评估两组临床疗效,检测治疗前后两组24h尿蛋白、总胆固醇(TC)、血浆白蛋白(Alb)以及肾功能指标包括尿素氮(BUN)、血肌酐(Scr)、血肌酐清除率(Ccr)。结果:治疗组的总有效率为95.00%,明显高于对照组的67.50%,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后,两组24 h尿蛋白、TC、BUN及Scr水平低于治疗前,Alb、Ccr水平高于治疗前,且治疗组上述各指标水平变化均显著优于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:自拟益气活血方治疗小儿脾肾气虚型肾病综合征的临床疗效显著,能够明显改善患儿肾功能,值得在临床上推广应用。     

Nephrotic Syndrome in the Elderly

Though the nephrotic syndrome is generally believed to be uncommon in the elderly, patients aged 60 years or more accounted for 25 out of 100 consecutive adult cases. Six (24%) of these had the minimal change lesion, compared with 16% of the younger adults. The incidence of membranous glomerulonephritis was similar in the two age groups, but proliferative glomerulonephritis was more common in the younger (29%) than in the older group (16%). Amyloidosis did not have a higher incidence in the higher age group. Five of the elderly patients with minimal change lesion were treated with prednisone—in four a complete remission from the nephrotic syndrome followed, while the fifth patient''s course is unknown.These results suggest that, when the patient''s other circumstances allow, the nephrotic syndrome in an elderly patient should be investigated and managed as in younger age groups.     

不同剂量丹参注射液联合泼尼松龙治疗口腔粘膜下纤维性变的临床研究

目的：探讨采用不同剂量的丹参注射液联合波尼松龙治疗口腔粘膜下纤维性病的治疗效果,为今后的治疗提供更多的依据。方法：选择从2010年1月至2013年1月期间在我院口腔科治疗的100例口腔粘膜下纤维性病患者,根据门诊号,随机将患者分为低剂量组、次低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组和对照组,每组各20例,低剂量组、次低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组,分别使用不同剂量丹参注射液联合波尼松龙治疗,对照组单纯使用波尼松龙治疗,观察治疗一个疗程后患者口腔粘膜情况及张口度。结果：中剂量组和高剂量组情况改善要明显好于低剂量、次低剂量组、对照组,差异具有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论：丹参注射液联合泼尼松龙治疗口腔粘膜下纤维性病疗效令人满意,其中低剂量丹参注射液便有效果,一定范围内剂量越高,疗效越好,值得在临床推f,     

Intermittent cyclophosphamide in refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

Three patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis were treated with oral cyclophosphamide; in two cases this was supplemented with pulse treatment with methylprednisolone. Long term remission was induced in all three patients and was sustained until follow up at least nine months after the methylprednisolone was stopped. Leucopenia occurred but resolved when cyclophosphamide was reduced from daily to intermittent dosing. Intermittent treatment with cyclophosphamide, possibly in conjunction with pulses of methylprednisolone, may induce remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to other forms of treatment.     

Nephrotic syndrome with slight proliferative changes in the glomeruli: response to prednisone.

Seven patients with slight but definite proliferative changes in the glomeruli achieved complete remission of the nephrotic syndrome when treated with prednisone. The patterns of response and, in three cases, repeated relapse and response suggested that this was more than a coincidental spontaneous cure. A controlled trial of corticosteroids in patients with slight proliferative glomerulonephritis and severe nephrotic syndrome should be carried out to verify these results.     

Nephrotic Syndrome with Heart Disease: A Reappraisal

The evidence that heart failure alone may cause a nephrotic syndrome is inconclusive. Mercurial diuretics, which have also been implicated as a cause of the nephrotic syndrome, had been given in 23 of the 24 well-documented cases.Two cases of heart disease and nephrotic syndrome are described. Glomerular lesions were minimal on light microscopy, but thickening of the glomerular tuft basement membrane and partial fusion of the epithelial cell foot processes were apparent on elecronmicroscopy. The response to prednisone was such as to justify a trial of corticosteroid therapy in such cases despite the presence of cardiac disease.     

Profound urinary protein loss and acute renal failure caused by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Cumulative evidence has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce acute renal failure and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have less nephrotoxicity; however, recent data indicate that they may cause the same renal problems as NSAIDs do. Herein, we present a case of celecoxib-associated minimal change disease (MCD) with profound urinary protein loss and acute renal failure. Renal function and nephrotic syndrome in this patient resolved completely after discontinuation of celecoxib and treatment with methylprednisolone. Clinicians should keep high index of suspicions in patients developing nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure after taking COX-2 inhibitors since secondary MCD responds well to timely cessation of COX-2 inhibitors and administration of steroid therapy.     

The effect of growth hormone therapy on craniofacial growth and dental maturity in children with Down syndrome.

Craniofacial growth was evaluated 3 years after termination of growth hormone (GH) therapy in ten Down syndrome (DS) children. The control group consisted of 16 age-matched children with DS. The treatment started at 6-9 months of age, and the duration was 36 months. There were no statistically significant differences in craniofacial development between DS children treated with GH or DS children not treated. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that GH therapy for 36 months in children with DS did not change the craniofacial morphology compared to a group of DS children not given GH.     

Comparison of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone with low-dose oral prednisolone in acute renal allograft rejection in children.

Two corticosteroid regimens were compared in a randomised, prospective study of 48 consecutive acute rejection episodes occurring at least one month after transplantation in 22 children who had received renal allografts. The higher dose schedule (intravenous methylprednisolone 600 mg/m2 daily for three days) was no more effective than the lower (oral prednisolone 3 mg/kg daily for three days) in reversing rejection, being successful in 70% as opposed to 72% of episodes. Few major side effects were seen with either treatment, but unpleasant sensations were reported much more frequently in the group given intravenous methylprednisolone; this regimen was much more disruptive of the patient''s life. Oral prednisolone in the dosage described is as effective as about 10 times that dose of intravenous methylprednisolone; it is much cheaper and is viewed as less unpleasant by patients.     

A Pilot Study of IL2 in Drug-Resistant Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Tregs infusion reverts proteinuria and reduces renal lesions in most animal models of nephrotic syndrome (i.e. Buffalo/Mna, Adriamycin, Promycin, LPS). IL2 up-regulates Tregs and may be an alternative to cell-therapy in this setting. To evaluate a potential role of IL2 as Tregs inducer and proteinuria lowering agent in human nephrotic syndrome we treated 5 nephrotic patients with 6 monthly cycles of low-dose IL2 (1x10⁶ U/m² first month, 1.5x10⁶ U/m² following months). The study cohort consisted of 5 children (all boys, 11–17 years) resistant to all the available treatments (i.e. steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate, Rituximab). Participants had Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (3 cases) or Minimal Change Nephropathy (2 cases). IL2 was safe in all but one patient who had an acute asthma attack after the first IL2 dose and did not receive further doses. Circulating Tregs were stably increased (>10%) during the whole study period in 2 cases while were only partially modified in the other two children who started with very low levels and partially responded to single IL2 Proteinuria and renal function were not modified by IL2 at any phase of the study. We concluded that low-dose IL2 given in monthly pulses is safe and modifies the levels of circulating Tregs. This drug may not be able to lower proteinuria or affect renal function in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. We were unable to reproduce in humans the effects of IL2 described in rats and mice reducing de facto the interest on this drug in nephrotic syndrome.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02455908","term_id":"NCT02455908"}}NCT02455908     

Cyclophosphamide Therapy in the Nephrotic Syndrome in Childhood

Forty-six children with the nephrotic syndrome whose renal biopsy specimens showed minimal changes and whose response to corticosteroid therapy was unsatisfactory were treated with cyclophosphamide. Three patients were completely steroid-resistant from the outset and the remainder were steroid-dependent. In several patients steroids controlled the condition less effectively with time. Most patients showed signs of steroid toxicity, and growth retardation was striking.A moderate leucopenia was induced with cyclophosphamide, and treatment was maintained for three to four months in the majority of cases. Thirty-eight children (83%) have remained in complete remission off all treatment for periods of 3 to 23 months, 33 after one course of cyclophosphamide and five after a second course. Two other patients who remitted but relapsed later are still on treatment. In only six patients was full remission not obtained, and three of these were steroid-resistant from the start. Two died from pneumonia and adrenal failure and four continued to have proteinuria, though in one an impressive reduction occurred.The results indicate that cyclophosphamide therapy is an effective alternative for nephrotic children with normal glomeruli on light microscopy who develop steroid dependence or resistance, and who exhibit toxic effects of steroid therapy.     

Nephrotic syndrome unfavorable course correlates with downregulation of podocyte vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children is most commonly caused by primary glomerulopathies. Morphological lesions observed in INS might be secondary to inflammatory factors of mainly extra-renal origin. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is regarded as playing a crucial role in this pathomechanism. The aim of the present work was to analyze the possible relation between VEGF-C and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 expressions at electron microscopy level in different INS cases. The study group comprised 18 children with minimal change disease (MCD), 30 patients diagnosed with diffuse mesangial proliferation (DMP) and 11 subjects with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). An indirect immunohistochemical assay employing monoclonal anti-VEGF-C and anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies was applied in the study. The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF-C within podocyte cytoplasm was significantly increased in DMP subjects who were resistant to steroids and in all FSGS patients compared to MCD children and controls (p 〈 0.05). VEGF-C over-expression in these cases was followed by downregulation of VEGFR-2. Nephrotic syndrome progression correlates with the downregulation of podocyte VEGFR-2. For this reason, decreased VEGFR-2 expression in the podocyte processes of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome might be regarded as a potent factor of unfavorable prognosis.     

利妥昔单抗治疗肾病综合征患者效果观察及对视黄醇结合蛋白、微循环状态的影响分析

摘要 目的：探讨与分析利妥昔单抗（RTX）治疗肾病综合征患者效果观察及对视黄醇结合蛋白（RBP）、微循环状态的影响。方法：2018年9月到2021年11月选择在本院诊治的肾病综合征患者66例作为研究对象,所有患者按入院先后顺序编号,依据治疗方法分为利妥昔单抗组和对照组各33例,对照组给予糖皮质激素治疗,利妥昔单抗组在对照组治疗的基础上给予利妥昔单抗治疗,治疗观察3个月,观察与检测血清RBP、微循环状态变化情况。结果：治疗后利妥昔单抗组的总有效率为97.0 %,明显高于对照组的81.8 %（P<0.05）。两组治疗后的尿蛋白定量、尿蛋白定性水平低于治疗前,利妥昔单抗组明显低于对照组,而血浆白蛋白较治疗前高,且利妥昔单抗组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组治疗后的甲襞微循环管绊形态、流态评分明显低于治疗前,利妥昔单抗组明显低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组治疗后的血清RBP含量低于治疗前,利妥昔单抗组明显低于对照组（P<0.05）。两组治疗期间不良反应对比无明显差异（P>0.05）。结论：利妥昔单抗治疗肾病综合征患者能有效改善微循环状态,抑制血清RBP的表达,能提高治疗效果,还可促进改善肾功能,具有安全性。     

两种剂量阿托伐他汀治疗老年急性冠脉综合征的疗效及影响炎症、凝血因子的研究

目的:探讨两种剂量阿托伐他汀治疗老年急性冠脉综合征的疗效及对炎症、凝血因子的影响。方法:选择我院2010年1月~2012年12月收治的120例老年急性冠脉综合征患者作为观察对象,根据住院号随机分为观察组和对照组,每组均60例,两组患者均采用阿托伐他汀治疗,对照组予以10 mg/d,观察组予以20 mg/d,比较两组的临床效果以及炎症因子、凝血因子的变化。结果:治疗后,两组血脂达标率均显著提高,观察组治疗后1个月的血脂达标率为33.3%,治疗后3个月的血脂达标率为46.7%,均显著高于对照组的15.0%、23.3%,差异均具有统计学意义(均P0.05);治疗后1个月和3个月所有患者血浆CRP和TF均显著下降,观察组治疗后1个月和3个月CRP和TF水平均显著低于对照组,差异均具有显著性(均P0.05);观察组治疗后3个月TFPI水平显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:大剂量阿托伐他汀治疗老年急性冠脉综合征患者临床疗效优于小剂量,对炎症因子和凝血因子的影响有利于预后的改善,值得临床进一步推广应用。     

Therapeutic experience with fludrocortisone in diabetic postural hypotension.

Fourteen patients with diabetic postural hypotension were treated with fludrocortisone for a mean 12 months (range 6-30 months). The mean daily dose of fludrocortisone was 0.2 mg (range 0.1 mg-0.4 mg). Standing systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly (P less than 0.001) after treatment with fludrocortisone and the postural hypotension decreased significantly (P less than 0.001). Thirteen patients noted considerable symptomatic improvement. Fludrocortisone should be used cautiously in patients with congestive cardiac failure or the nephrotic syndrome.     

非哺乳期乳腺炎的临床治疗探讨

目的:观察抗生素联合泼尼松双联药物冲击方法治疗非哺乳期急性乳腺炎的临床疗效。方法:选取本院乳腺外科2016年6月至2017年6月收治的105例非哺乳期急性乳腺炎患者作为观察对象,依照诊治顺序将其随机分为观察1组、观察2组以及对照组,每组35例患者。对照组给予口服左氧氟沙星,0.5 g/次,qd;观察1组在对照组的治疗方法中加用醋酸泼尼松片强的松20mg,qd;观察2组在对照组的治疗方法中加用醋酸泼尼松片强的松40 mg,qd,三组均以14 d为一疗程。治疗1个疗程后,评价和比较各组治疗效果、血细胞数、好转时间、痊愈时、住院时间及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,观察1组、观察2组和对照组有效率分别为82.86%、97.14%和60.00%,观察2组有效率显著高于观察1组和对照组(P0.05)。三组患者治疗后白细胞,中性粒细胞,淋巴细胞均较治疗前明显下降(P0.05),且观察2组以上指标显著低于观察1组和对照组(P0.05)。观察2组的好转时间、痊愈时间及住院时间均明显短于观察1组和对照组(P0.05),而观察1组的好转时间、痊愈时间及住院时间明显短于对照组(P0.05)。观察1组出现1例轻微胃肠道反应,1例胸闷,不良反应总发生率为5.71%(2/35);观察2组出现1例轻微胃肠道情况,不良反应总发生率为2.86%(1/35);对照组2例患者发生胸闷,1例患者出现轻微胃肠道不适,1例患者出现眩晕,不良反应发生率为11.43%(4/35),三组不良反应发生率比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:口服抗生素联合泼尼松治疗非哺乳期急性乳腺炎患者能提高临床疗效,且加大泼尼松口服剂量可进一步提高临床有效率,控制炎性进展,缩短痊愈时间。     

Effect of ACE inhibitors on proteinuria and renal functioning in primary glomerulopathies]

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was given to 16 patients with glomerular nephritis in whom a complete remission of nephrotic syndrome could not be achieved with immunosuppressive-anti-inflammatory therapy. Captopril in the daily dose of 25-75 mg and enalapril in the daily dose of 10 mg were administered for 1-36 months (mean 12.6 months). Daily proteinuria decreased by 40-80% comparing with baseline value in 2/3 of patients. Total protein and albumin serum levels increased simultaneously. No changes in blood creatinine were noted in patients with initially normal renal functioning except one patient. Renal functioning was stable in 50% of patients with increased blood creatinine levels (mean 200 mumol/L). Blood creatinine was increasing in the remaining patients.     

Zinc level in the blood of children with nephrotic syndrome and correction of its deficiency with animal blood preparation Livex]

Serum and erythrocyte zinc levels have been assayed in in 45 children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in both acute phase and remission. Out of these children a group of 22 has been distinguished. These patients have been treated with Livex--animal blood preparation containing amino acids and trace elements, including zinc. It was found, that serum zinc has been significantly lowered in children with the acute phase of nephrotic syndrome who were not treated with Livex. Erythrocyte zinc levels have been normal in these patients. A significant increase in both serum and erythrocyte zinc levels has been noted during remission, but they have still been lower that in healthy children. A three-month cure with Livex produced statistically significant increase in zinc levels in children during remission.