Effect evaluation of moderate dose prednisone joint tripterygium wilfordii in the treatment of elderly patients with primary nephrotic syndrome

Objective To evaluate the effect of moderate dose prednisone joint tripterygium wilfordii on primary nephrotic syndrome in elderly patients.Methods Eighty elder patients with primary nephrotic syndrome were randomly divided into trial group(n=40) and control group(n=40).In addition to the treatment of diuresis,lipid control,anticoagulation and symptomatic treatment in both groups,a conventional single dose prednisone was used in control group,while moderate dose prednisone joint tripterygium wilfordii was used in trial group.The course of treatment was 12 to 18 months.Results There was no difference in effective rate between trial group(92.50%) and control group(95.00%)(P0.05).After treatment,no differences were found in the decrease of triglyceride and cholesterol and the increase of plasma albumin between two groups(P0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in control group was 45%,higher than that in trial group(15%,P0.05).The adverse reactions including leucopenia,menstrual disorders occurred in 7 patients in trial group disappeared after symptomatic treatment.No liver damage was found in both groups.Conclusion The curative effect of combined use of moderate dose prednisone and tripterygium wilfordii is satisfactory in the treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome in elderly patients,and the adverse reactions of the combined treatment is limited.