Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment for IgA Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis

Vol. 29, No. 5, 2009

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Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment for IgA Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis
Gaosi Xu^{a, b}, Weiping Tu^a, Dongfeng Jiang^b, Chengyun Xu^a

^aDepartment of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, and
^bDepartment of Immunology, Shangrao Branch of Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, PR China

Address of Corresponding Author

Am J Nephrol 2009;29:362-367 (DOI: 10.1159/000168483)

Key Words

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Mycophenolate mofetil
Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of glomerulonephritis. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is relatively selective for lymphocytes and inhibits antibody production by B cells more than other immunosuppressants. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have analyzed the role of MMF in patients with IgAN. We conducted this meta-analysis of all available RCTs to ascertain the benefits and risks of MMF treatment in comparison with placebos or steroids in patients with IgAN. Methods: The studies were identified by extended computer- based searches of the PubMed database (April, 2008) and the Cochrane Library, without language restriction. References in Medline-cited studies were reviewed to identify additional reports not indexed by Medline. RCTs comparing treatment of IgAN with mycophenolate against placebo or steroids were included in the analysis. Results: We identified 32 potentially relevant articles, but only 4 RCTs, which had enrolled a total of 168 patients, were included. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that MMF treatment did not have statistically significant effects in reducing proteinuria or protecting renal function in patients with IgAN. Conclusion: The currently available evidence does not support the routine use of MMF in patients with IgAN. Larger international collaborations should be put in place to further address this issue.

Author Contacts

Gaosi Xu, PhD, MD
Department of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University
1 Minde Road
Nanchang 330006 (PR China)
Tel. +86 791 629 1976, Fax +86 791 629 176, E-Mail xugaosi@gmail.com

Article Information

G.X. and W.T. contributed equally to this work.

Received: August 26, 2008
Accepted: September 16, 2008
Published online: October 31, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 21

Medline Abstract (ID 18974636)

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