Randomised controlled trial of leflunomide in the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy

AIM: To investigate the effect of leflunomide for treatment of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. METHODS: Sixty IgA nephropathy patients were divided into two groups at random. Patients in the test group received leflunomide and patients in the control group received fosinopril. Clinical data were obtained at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28. RESULTS: The complete remission rate was 62.1% and the total effectiveness rate was 72.4%. In the leflunomide group, proteinuria significantly decreased from 1.66 +/- 0.42 g to 0.60 +/- 0.68 g (P < 0.05). The efficacy rate of leflunomide compared with fosinopril in treating IgA nephropathy was not statistically different (P > 0.05). Side-effects were mild in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results are encouraging, but further randomised studies are required before leflunomide can be recommended for the treatment of IgA nephropathy.