Comparison between Leflunomide and Mycophenolate Mofeil Treatment in HBV-associated Glomerulonephritis

Objective To compare the clinical efficiency between leflunomide and mycophenolate mofeil treatment in HBV-associated glomerulonephritis.Methods Twenty patients with HBV-associated glomerulonephritis diagnosed by positive serum HBV markers and renal biopsy were enrolled randomly in the trail.Ten patients were treated by leflunomide combined with prednisone,another ten patients were treated by mycophenolate mofeil with prednisone.All patients were treated for more than 6 months,who with HBV-DNA replication were treated with interferon-α or entecavir treatment.Blood and urinary tests,24 h protein excretion,hepatic and renal function,plasma albumin and serum triglyceride were performed before and after the treatment for 6 months.Adverse effects were also observed during therapeutic process.Results ①After treatment,the proteinuria deceased significantly(P 0.01),plasma albumin increased remarkably(P 0.01) in both groups.②The total efficiency rates in LEF and MMF group were 80% and 80% respectively;the complete remission rates were 40% and 50% respectively,and the partial remission rates were 40% and 30% respectively.There was no significant difference between the LEF group and the MMF group(P 0.05).③No serious side effects were observed in both groups.Conclusion Both leflunomide and mycophenolate mofeil can effectively alleviate HBV-associated glomerulonephritis with fewer complications.