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{{Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis}}
{{Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis}}
{{CMG}}  
{{CMG}} Accociate editor-in-Chief: {{N.F}}
 
==Overview==
Treatment for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis include supportive treatment and specific treatment. Supportive treatment is to treat the infection if there is one, correct the volume status with dialysis if required and smoking cessation. Specific therapy focuses on induction and maintenance of [[Remission (medicine)|remission]]. Medical therapy focuses on to induce and then maintain the [[Remission (medicine)|remission]]. Two pharmacologic agents used for induction of [[Remission (medicine)|remission]] in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are [[glucocorticoids]] (high dose) and [[cyclophosphamide]]. [[Cyclophosphamide]] is necessary to prevent [[relapse]]. [[Azathioprine]] or [[methotrexate]] is used for maintenance therapy. [[Azathioprine]] (AZA) is recommended after a 3-month induction period of [[cyclophosphamide]].Indications of plasma exchange include, anti-GBM antibody disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ([[Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody|ANCA]])-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, patients with high risk of [[renal failure]], patients with serum [[creatinine]] > 2.3 mg/dL, those patients who do not respond to pharmacologic therapy, and patients diagnosed with pauci-immune crescenteric glomerulonephriits with [[end stage renal disease]] and need [[dialysis]]. Risk and complications of plasma exchange are transient fall in blood-clotting factors, mild prolongation of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Clinically significant bleeding is rare but a coagulation screen should be undertaken before surgery or organ biopsy is performed. Other risks include haematomas at venepuncture/line insertion sites, vasovagal episodes with fainting, fluid overload or under-replacement, and allergic or anaphylactic reactions due to plasma infusion. 
 


==Overview==
==Medical therapy==
==Medical therapy==
* Treatment of RPGN must be very aggressive due to its generally poor prognosis if left unmanaged. Hence, treatment must not await the results of the kidney biopsy; but must be initiated as soon as possible because fibrosis may start very early during the course of the disease. Presence of fibrosis marks irreversible damage.
Medical therapy focuses on to induce and then maintain the [[Remission (medicine)|remission]]
* In some studies, patients already on dialysis were also responsive to therapy and treatment should not be delayed for these patients either.<ref name="pmid8808107">{{cite journal| author=Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ| title=Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 1996 | volume= 7 | issue= 1 | pages= 33-9 | pmid=8808107 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8808107 }} </ref> Nonetheless, the true response among this specific sub-population and their associated risks and outcomes are poorly understood.<ref name="pmid8808107">{{cite journal| author=Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ| title=Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 1996 | volume= 7 | issue= 1 | pages= 33-9 | pmid=8808107 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8808107 }} </ref>


===Pharmacologic Therapy===
===Pharmacologic Therapy===


In 1990, the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network published its findings after a 24-month follow-up of 70 patients with ANCA and pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis.<ref name="pmid2221646">{{cite journal| author=Falk RJ, Hogan S, Carey TS, Jennette JC| title=Clinical course of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated glomerulonephritis and systemic vasculitis. The Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 1990 | volume= 113 | issue= 9 | pages= 656-63 | pmid=2221646 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2221646 }} </ref> In the cohort trial, 14 patients were treated with corticosteroids, 30 patients received both corticosteroids and oral cyclophosphamide, 15 patients received both corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide, and 11 patients received no treatment.<ref name="pmid2221646">{{cite journal| author=Falk RJ, Hogan S, Carey TS, Jennette JC| title=Clinical course of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated glomerulonephritis and systemic vasculitis. The Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 1990 | volume= 113 | issue= 9 | pages= 656-63 | pmid=2221646 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2221646 }} </ref> The authors concluded that oral corticosteroids with either oral or intravenous cyclophosphamide regimens are equally effective treatment options for patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis for patients with renal-limited disease, glomerulonephritis, and alveolar hemorrhage.<ref name="pmid2221646">{{cite journal| author=Falk RJ, Hogan S, Carey TS, Jennette JC| title=Clinical course of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated glomerulonephritis and systemic vasculitis. The Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network. | journal=Ann Intern Med | year= 1990 | volume= 113 | issue= 9 | pages= 656-63 | pmid=2221646 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2221646 }} </ref>
=== Induction of remission ===
 
Two pharmacologic agents that are used for induction of remission in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are;
In 1996, Nachman and colleagues outlined a protocol for therapeutic management of patients with microscopic polyangiitis and necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with ANCA. In the trial, 107 patients were enrolled. 25 patients received only corticosteroids, 72 received cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids, and 10 patients did not receive cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids. The authors concluded that 77.3% of those receiving therapy remitted, and 67% of those who were not in remission following the first regimen were in remission after a second course of the same regimen.<ref name="pmid8808107">{{cite journal| author=Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ| title=Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 1996 | volume= 7 | issue= 1 | pages= 33-9 | pmid=8808107 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8808107 }} </ref>
* [[Glucocorticoids]] (high dose)
 
* [[Cyclophosphamide]]
====Glucocorticoids====
 
=====Regimen=====
''Follow step 1, then 2, then 3''<br>'''1. Methylprednisone'''
*''Route'': Intravenous (IV)
*''Dose'': 7 mg/kg/d at a maximum dose of 1 g
*''Duration'': 3 days
'''2. Prednisone'''
*''Route'': Per Os (PO)
*''First Dose'': 1 mg/kg/d at a maximum dose of 80 mg for 3 weeks
*''Second Dose'': 2 mg/kg/d at a maximum dose of 120 mg for 3 months
'''3. Taper'''
*Taper patient off steroids by deceasing 25% of prednisone dose every 4 weeks until patient stops
 
====Immunosuppressive Therapy====
'''Cyclophosphamide'''
*''Route'': IV or PO
*''Dose'':
**''IV'': 0.5 g/m2, at a maximum dose of 1g/m2. Dose adjusted to a 2-week leukocyte nadir count goal 3000-4000/uL.
**''PO'': 2 mg/kg. Dose adjusted to a 2-week leukocyte nadir count goal 3000-4000/uL
 
Addition of cyclophosphamides for patients with RPGN is necessary to prevent relapse, which is commonly seen in patients receiving glucocorticoids alone and leads to remission in more than 80% of the cases.<ref name="pmid8808107">{{cite journal| author=Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ| title=Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 1996 | volume= 7 | issue= 1 | pages= 33-9 | pmid=8808107 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8808107 }} </ref>
The studies excluded patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener granulomatosis). In cases of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener granulomatosis), oral therapy has been preferred by some experts. IV cyclophosphamide generally have less total dose and thus less toxicity than its oral counterpart.
 
'''Azathioprine'''<br>
PO azathioprine (AZA) has been recommended by some experts to replace cyclophosphamide after an initial 3-month induction period of cyclophosphamide.
*''Route'': PO
*''Dose'': 2 mg/kg
*''Duration'': 6-12 months


'''Methotrexate'''<br>
======Glucocorticoids<ref name="pmid8808107">{{cite journal| author=Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ| title=Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 1996 | volume= 7 | issue= 1 | pages= 33-9 | pmid=8808107 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8808107 }} </ref>======
Methotrexate (MTX) has been used in mild forms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener granulomatosis) as a replacement for cyclophosphamide.<ref name="pmid17873756">{{cite journal| author=Villa-Forte A, Clark TM, Gomes M, Carey J, Mascha E, Karafa MT et al.| title=Substitution of methotrexate for cyclophosphamide in Wegener granulomatosis: a 12-year single-practice experience. | journal=Medicine (Baltimore) | year= 2007 | volume= 86 | issue= 5 | pages= 269-77 | pmid=17873756 | doi=10.1097/MD.0b013e3181568ec0 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17873756 }} </ref> In more severe forms, it has been used following short-term induction therapy with cyclophosphamide.<ref name="pmid17873756">{{cite journal| author=Villa-Forte A, Clark TM, Gomes M, Carey J, Mascha E, Karafa MT et al.| title=Substitution of methotrexate for cyclophosphamide in Wegener granulomatosis: a 12-year single-practice experience. | journal=Medicine (Baltimore) | year= 2007 | volume= 86 | issue= 5 | pages= 269-77 | pmid=17873756 | doi=10.1097/MD.0b013e3181568ec0 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17873756 }} </ref> Villa-Forte and colleagues enrolled 82 patients in 2007; 70% of those had severe disease on admission and required cyclophosphamide for remission induction. Severity was based on clinical and histopathological findings: pulmonary hemorrhage, neurological abnormalities, need for dialysis, serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL, and RPGN. 72% of patients were in remission after 1 year, and 91% reached remission at any duration. Relapse rates were as high as 66% within 2 years, most of which responded to reinitiation of therapy.
* Preffered regimen (1) : [[Methylprednisolone]], 7 mg/kg/d, Intravenous at a maximum dose of 1 g for 3 days


''Induction of Remission for Severe Cases:''
* preffered regimen (2) :[[Prednisone]], 1 mg/kg/d ,PO at a maximum dose of 80 mg for 3 weeks.
*Cyclophosphamide
<blockquote>Then 2 mg/kg/d, PO at a maximum dose of 120 mg for 3 months'''.'''</blockquote><blockquote>Then taper patient off steroids by deceasing 25% of [[prednisone]] dose every 4 weeks until patient stops</blockquote>
**''Route'': PO
**''Dose'': 2 mg/kg adjusted for renal function and WBC count
*Prednisone
**''Route'': PO
**''Dose'': 1 mg/kg
''Initial Treatment:''
*Methotrexate (MTX)
**''Route'': PO
**''Dose'': 15 mg/wk increased over 4-8 weeks to 25 mg/wk if tolerated and if necessary
**''Duration'': At least 2 years
*Prednisone
**''Route'': PO
**''Dose'': 1 mg/kg/d to gradually decrease as long as no documented disease recurrence


'''Rituximab'''<br>
======Immunosuppressive Therapy======
The RITUXVAS (Randomized trial of Rituximab vs. Cyclophosphamide in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis) and RAVE (Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Trial) trials<ref name="pmid22095945">{{cite journal| author=Berden AE, Jones RB, Erasmus DD, Walsh M, Noël LH, Ferrario F et al.| title=Tubular lesions predict renal outcome in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis after rituximab therapy. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2012 | volume= 23 | issue= 2 | pages= 313-21 | pmid=22095945 | doi=10.1681/ASN.2011040330 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22095945 }} </ref> showed in 2012 that anti-B therapy by rituximab, a chimeric anti-human CD20 monoclonal antibody, may improve renal survival in patients with vasculitis and positive ANCA and had renal impairment, including patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener granulomatosis).<ref name="pmid22095945">{{cite journal| author=Berden AE, Jones RB, Erasmus DD, Walsh M, Noël LH, Ferrario F et al.| title=Tubular lesions predict renal outcome in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis after rituximab therapy. | journal=J Am Soc Nephrol | year= 2012 | volume= 23 | issue= 2 | pages= 313-21 | pmid=22095945 | doi=10.1681/ASN.2011040330 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22095945 }} </ref> The findings were based on earlier reports of improved outcome using rituximab.
* Preffered regimen(1) : [[Cyclophosphamide]]:''IV'': 15 mg/kg (maximum dose: 1,200 mg) every 2 weeks for 3 doses,
''Regimen:''
** followed by maintenance pulses of 15 mg/kg IV (maximum dose: 1,200 mg) every 3 weeks until  after remission is achieved<ref name="pmid19451574">{{cite journal |vauthors=de Groot K, Harper L, Jayne DR, Flores Suarez LF, Gregorini G, Gross WL, Luqmani R, Pusey CD, Rasmussen N, Sinico RA, Tesar V, Vanhille P, Westman K, Savage CO |title=Pulse versus daily oral cyclophosphamide for induction of remission in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a randomized trial |journal=Ann. Intern. Med. |volume=150 |issue=10 |pages=670–80 |date=May 2009 |pmid=19451574 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
Rituximab:
* Preffered regimen(2) :[[Cyclophosphamide]] ''PO'':1.5- 2 mg/kg/day until remission is achieved, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/day for 3 more months.
*''Route'': IV
* Preffered regimen(3) [[:Rituximab]] IV, 375 mg/m2 once weekly, 4 dose
*''Dose'': 375 mg/m2
'''Maintenance of Remission'''
*''Duration'': Once weekly 4 consecutive weeks
*Preffered regimen (1) , [[Azathioprine]], PO, 2 mg/kg for 6-12 months
Cyclophosphamide
*''Route'': IV
*''Dose'': 15 mg/kg
*''Duration'': Co-administed with 1st and 3rd rituximab doses
Methylprednisolone
*''Route'': IV and PO
*''Dose'': 1g IV then followed by daily low-dose oral corticosteroids for maintenance


'''Other'''<br>
* Preffered regimen (2) :[[Methotrexate]], PO,20mg per week for 12 months.
Some medications have never been studied. However, they have been shown to be effective based on findings in case reports. These medications include:
'''Other'''<br>Some medications have never been studied. However, they have been shown to be effective based on findings in case reports. These medications include:
*IV immunoglobulins (Igs)
*IV [[immunoglobulins]] (Igs)
*Antithymocyte antibody
*Antithymocyte antibody
*Monoclonal antibodies to CD4
*[[Monoclonal antibodies]] to CD4
*Monoclonal antibodies to CD25
*[[Monoclonal antibodies|Monoclonal antibodies to CD25]]


===Plasma Exchange===
===Plasma Exchange===


Indications of plasma exchange:
Indications of plasma exchange<ref name="pmid29503131">{{cite journal |vauthors=Apaydin S |title=The treatment of ANCA-associated rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis and Goodpasture syndrome with therapeutic apheresis |journal=Transfus. Apher. Sci. |volume=57 |issue=1 |pages=8–12 |date=February 2018 |pmid=29503131 |doi=10.1016/j.transci.2018.02.007 |url=}}</ref>:


*Removal of circulating auto-antibodies in patients with anti-GBM antibody disease
*Anti-GBM antibody disease
*Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ([[Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody|ANCA]])-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis


*Patients with high risk of renal failure
*Patients with high risk of [[renal failure]]


*Patients with serum creatinine > 2.3 mg/dL<ref name="pmid9241619">{{cite journal| author=Levy JB, Pusey CD| title=Still a role for plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis? | journal=J Nephrol | year= 1997 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages= 7-13 | pmid=9241619 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9241619 }} </ref>
*Patients with serum [[creatinine]] > 2.3 mg/dL<ref name="pmid9241619">{{cite journal| author=Levy JB, Pusey CD| title=Still a role for plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis? | journal=J Nephrol | year= 1997 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages= 7-13 | pmid=9241619 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9241619 }} </ref>
*Patients who do not respond to pharmacologic therapy
*Patients who do not respond to pharmacologic therapy


*Patients diagnosed with pauci-immune crescenteric glomerulonephriits with ESRD and need dialysis<ref name="pmid9241619">{{cite journal| author=Levy JB, Pusey CD| title=Still a role for plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis? | journal=J Nephrol | year= 1997 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages= 7-13 | pmid=9241619 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9241619 }} </ref>
*Patients diagnosed with pauci-immune crescenteric glomerulonephriits with [[end stage renal disease]] and need [[dialysis]]<ref name="pmid9241619">{{cite journal| author=Levy JB, Pusey CD| title=Still a role for plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis? | journal=J Nephrol | year= 1997 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages= 7-13 | pmid=9241619 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9241619 }} </ref>


The true value of plasma exchange has been demonstrated by a few small trials in secondary analysis.<ref name="pmid9744974">{{cite journal| author=Hricik DE, Chung-Park M, Sedor JR| title=Glomerulonephritis. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 1998 | volume= 339 | issue= 13 | pages= 888-99 | pmid=9744974 | doi=10.1056/NEJM199809243391306 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9744974 }} </ref> The real indications and benefit to risk ratio of plasma exchange are yet to be elucidated.
Risk and complications of plasma exchange
*Transient fall in [[Clotting factors|blood-clotting factors]]
*Mild prolongation of [[prothrombin time]] and [[Partial thromboplastin time|activated partial thromboplastin times]].  
*[[Hematoma|Haematomas]] at venepuncture/line insertion sites
*[[Vasovagal syncope|Vasovagal]] episodes with fainting
*Fluid overload or under-replacement
*[[Allergy|Allergic]] or [[Anaphylaxis|anaphylactic]] reactions due to plasma infusion.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 19:41, 31 July 2018

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Accociate editor-in-Chief: Nazia Fuad M.D.

Overview

Treatment for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis include supportive treatment and specific treatment. Supportive treatment is to treat the infection if there is one, correct the volume status with dialysis if required and smoking cessation. Specific therapy focuses on induction and maintenance of remission. Medical therapy focuses on to induce and then maintain the remission. Two pharmacologic agents used for induction of remission in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are glucocorticoids (high dose) and cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide is necessary to prevent relapse. Azathioprine or methotrexate is used for maintenance therapy. Azathioprine (AZA) is recommended after a 3-month induction period of cyclophosphamide.Indications of plasma exchange include, anti-GBM antibody disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, patients with high risk of renal failure, patients with serum creatinine > 2.3 mg/dL, those patients who do not respond to pharmacologic therapy, and patients diagnosed with pauci-immune crescenteric glomerulonephriits with end stage renal disease and need dialysis. Risk and complications of plasma exchange are transient fall in blood-clotting factors, mild prolongation of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Clinically significant bleeding is rare but a coagulation screen should be undertaken before surgery or organ biopsy is performed. Other risks include haematomas at venepuncture/line insertion sites, vasovagal episodes with fainting, fluid overload or under-replacement, and allergic or anaphylactic reactions due to plasma infusion.

.

Medical therapy

Medical therapy focuses on to induce and then maintain the remission

Pharmacologic Therapy

Induction of remission

Two pharmacologic agents that are used for induction of remission in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are;

Glucocorticoids[1]
  • Preffered regimen (1) : Methylprednisolone, 7 mg/kg/d, Intravenous at a maximum dose of 1 g for 3 days
  • preffered regimen (2) :Prednisone, 1 mg/kg/d ,PO at a maximum dose of 80 mg for 3 weeks.

Then 2 mg/kg/d, PO at a maximum dose of 120 mg for 3 months.

Then taper patient off steroids by deceasing 25% of prednisone dose every 4 weeks until patient stops

Immunosuppressive Therapy
  • Preffered regimen(1) : Cyclophosphamide:IV: 15 mg/kg (maximum dose: 1,200 mg) every 2 weeks for 3 doses,
    • followed by maintenance pulses of 15 mg/kg IV (maximum dose: 1,200 mg) every 3 weeks until after remission is achieved[2]
  • Preffered regimen(2) :Cyclophosphamide PO:1.5- 2 mg/kg/day until remission is achieved, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/day for 3 more months.
  • Preffered regimen(3) Rituximab IV, 375 mg/m2 once weekly, 4 dose

Maintenance of Remission

  • Preffered regimen (1) , Azathioprine, PO, 2 mg/kg for 6-12 months
  • Preffered regimen (2) :Methotrexate, PO,20mg per week for 12 months.

Other
Some medications have never been studied. However, they have been shown to be effective based on findings in case reports. These medications include:

Plasma Exchange

Indications of plasma exchange[3]:

  • Anti-GBM antibody disease
  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
  • Patients with serum creatinine > 2.3 mg/dL[4]
  • Patients who do not respond to pharmacologic therapy

Risk and complications of plasma exchange

References

  1. Nachman PH, Hogan SL, Jennette JC, Falk RJ (1996). "Treatment response and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated microscopic polyangiitis and glomerulonephritis". J Am Soc Nephrol. 7 (1): 33–9. PMID 8808107.
  2. de Groot K, Harper L, Jayne DR, Flores Suarez LF, Gregorini G, Gross WL, Luqmani R, Pusey CD, Rasmussen N, Sinico RA, Tesar V, Vanhille P, Westman K, Savage CO (May 2009). "Pulse versus daily oral cyclophosphamide for induction of remission in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a randomized trial". Ann. Intern. Med. 150 (10): 670–80. PMID 19451574.
  3. Apaydin S (February 2018). "The treatment of ANCA-associated rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis and Goodpasture syndrome with therapeutic apheresis". Transfus. Apher. Sci. 57 (1): 8–12. doi:10.1016/j.transci.2018.02.007. PMID 29503131.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Levy JB, Pusey CD (1997). "Still a role for plasma exchange in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis?". J Nephrol. 10 (1): 7–13. PMID 9241619.

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