The Clinical Observation the Treatment of Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome with Leflunomide

Objective To investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of leflunomide and prednisone in the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome.Methods 60 patients in our hospital from January 2007 to December 2010 with refractory nephrotic syndrome were selected,40 patients were treated with leflunomide and prednisone,and 20 patients in the control group were treated with Tripterygium glycosides and prednisone.Patients were observed before and 4 weeks,8 weeks,24 weeks after treatment.24-hour urinary protein,blood,liver and kidney function were assayed and the rate of adverse reactions during treatment was recorded.Results The increase of serum albumin and decrease of urinary protein were significant in Leflunomide and prednisone treatment group(P0.05),with higher remission rate(P0.005) and the lower incidence of adverse reactions.Little effect on reproductive function occurred in these patients,most patients could tolerate the treatment.Conclusion Leflunomide and prednisone treatment can relieve refractory nephrotic syndrome,the clinical remission rate may be higher than Tripterygium glycosides and prednisone therapy,the long-term efficacy remained to be investigated.