The effects of cytotoxic therapy in progressive IgA nephropathy

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is not always benign, and some patients at high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience a rapid decline in renal function. This study retrospectively examined the beneficial effects of cytotoxic therapy. Methods: We identified 102 patients with progressive IgAN despite optimal conservative management. Of these, 31 who received cytotoxic therapy and 55 who were managed conservatively were included. Results: Median eGFR and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) at baseline did not differ between the groups (p?=?0.475 and 0.259, respectively). Median GFR slope was also similar (p?=?0.896). Cumulative renal survival was better in the cytotoxic therapy group than in the control group (p?=?0.009). Cytotoxic therapy was associated with lower risk of progression to ESRD, independent of eGFR, uPCR, GFR slope and kidney histologic findings (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03–0.66). In the cytotoxic therapy group, the median GFR slope decreased from ?7.8 (?10.5, ?5.0) mL/min/1.73 m² per year to ?3.4 (?5.1, ?1.8) mL/min/1.73 m² per year after treatment (p?Conclusions: Cytotoxic therapy attenuated the rate of GFR decline and was associated with a favorable renal outcome in patients with progressive IgAN.

• Key messages

• Cytotoxic therapy was associated with a favorable renal outcome in IgA nephropathy patients whose glomerular filtration rate progressively declined despite optimal conservative management.

• Cytotoxic therapy significantly attenuated the rate of glomerular filtration rate decline as well as the amount of proteinuria in patients with progressive IgA nephropathy.

• Adverse events following cytotoxic therapy were comparable to conservative management.