Clinical trial on the effect of leflunomide in treating refractory nephropathy syndrome

Objective:It was to observe the clinical curative effect of leflunomide as a new immune suppressive agent in refractory nephropathy syndrome.Methods:52 refractory nephropathy patients in our hospital from 2002 to 2007 were divided into two groups at random,with 26 cases in each group.Patients in test group received leflunomide and medium amount hormone,while patients in control group received CTX and medium amount hormone.The clinical data were observed in the 2nd,4th,6th,8th,12th,16th,20th,24th and 28th week.Results:In the test group,the proteinuria was decreased significantly(P0.05);the serum albumin was increased significantly(P0.05);complete relieving rate was 46.15%,and total effective rate was 80.76%.Compared with CTX group,the complete relieving rate of leflunomide in treating refractory nephropathy syndrome was statistically different(P0.05).The rate of showing efficacy in 12th week in Leflunomide group was higher than that in CTX group(P0.05),side effects were mild.All patients could tolerate this therapy.Conclusion:Leflunomide is a safe and effective medicine in treating refractory nephropathy syndrome.