Clinical study on the effect of combination of leflunomide and benazepril on treatment refractory nephropathy syndrome

Objective To investigate the curative effect of combination of leflunomide and benazepril on refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS). Methods Patients with RNS (n=12) were administrated with benazepril, leflunomide and prednisone for 16 weeks. Twentyfour-hour urine protein excretion, serum albumin and side effects were observed during treatment. Results The clinical remission rate was 91.67% in 16 weeks. Both Twentyfour-hour urine protein excretion and serum cholesterol decreased significantly (5.16±3.21) vs (1.35±0.24), (8.71±2.51) vs (5.21±2.35), P<0.05, serum albumin increased significantly (22.37±6.24)vs(36.72±3.68), P<0.05, and no obvious side effects were observed. The remission rate was 91.67% during sixteen weeks the white blood cells were not decreased. Conclusion Combination of leflunomide and benazepril is a safe and effective medicine in treating refractory nephropathy syndrome. Key words: Leflunomide; Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor Refractory nephropathy syndrome