Efficiency and safety of belimumab in the treatment of lupus nephritis in Chinese adults：a meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of belimumab in the treatment of lupus nephritis （LN） in Chinese adult patients. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed， Embase， Web of Science， Cochrane Library， Wanfang data， CNKI， VIP and CBM， real-world studies on belimumab in the treatment of LN in Chinese adult patients were collected from the inception to July 7th， 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the literature， extracted data， and assessed the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS A total of 10 real- world studies were included， involving 253 Chinese adult patients with LN. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the complete renal response rate， partial renal response rate， and the incidence of adverse reaction rate in Chinese adult patients with LN treated with belimumab were 61% （95%CI was 46%-76%， P＜0.000 01）， 23%（95%CI was 2%-44%， P＝0.03）， and 30% （95%CI was 16%-43%， P＜0.000 01）， respectively. Belimumab could reduce the 24-hour urinary protein （MD＝－1.71， 95%CI was －3.02-－0.40， P＝0.01）， urine protein-creatinine ratio （MD＝－1.76，95%CI was －2.06-－1.46，P＜0.000 01）， the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index （MD＝－8.63， 95%CI was －12.12-－5.13， P＜0.000 01）， and glucocorticoids dosage （MD＝－18.65， 95%CI was －31.82-－5.48， P＝0.006）. In addition， it could elevate the levels of complement C3 （MD＝0.19， 95%CI was 0.08-0.30， P＝0.000 6） and complement C4 （MD＝0.06， 95%CI was 0.02-0.09， P＝0.001）. However， belimumab could not improve the levels of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Belimumab has good efficacy and safety in Chinese adult patients with LN.

Analysis of 111 cases of aristolochic acids nephropathy / 药学实践杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and regularity of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) induced by drugs containing aristolochic acid. Methods The clinical data of 111 patients with AAN induced by aristolochic acid were reviewed. The clinical features, medication and treatment of AAN were analyzed. Results Among 111 patients, there were more females than males (2.58∶1), 101 cases (90.99%) were over 50 years old； the mean age was (63.70±11.67) years old;the average duration of medication was (8.08±6.94) years. The drugs involved were Guanxinsuhe pill and Longdanxiegan pill in 106 cases (95.50%). Serum creatinine increased in 108 cases, urea nitrogen increased in 106 cases and hemoglobin decreased in 103 cases, most of which were hypogravity urine, mild to moderate proteinuria and occult blood. Ultrasonic examination revealed that the kidneys were damaged to varying degrees. Pathological biopsy of kidney showed renal tubular damage. Most patients had an insidious onset and varying degrees of progression, which were not proportional to the age and the duration of taking the medicine. In clinical, the renal function was progressively damaged, most of which were irreversible and with a poor prognosis. Conclusion Patients with renal impairment differed greatly individually, and the renal damage was not paralleled with the medication duration and dose of drugs containing aristolochic acid.AAN progressed rapidly, and the disease still progressed even after stopping taking drugs containing aristolochic acid. Strengthening pharmacovigilance, implementing early diagnosis and effective intervention could help to reduce the occurrence of AAN and attenuate its development.

Anti-C1q como Marcador de Nefritis Lúpica / Anti-C1q as Lupus Nephritis Marker

Introducción: Los autoanticuerpos anti-C1q han sido propuestos como un marcador útil en el lupus eritematoso sistémico por su asociación con la nefritis lúpica. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de anti-C1q en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y otras enfermedades reumáticas para la evaluar la asociación con la nefropatía lúpica. Métodos: Se incluyeron 179 pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y 82 con otras enfermedades reumáticas. La nefritis lúpica fue diagnosticada en 70 (39 por ciento) de los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Los anticuerpos anti-C1q IgG se determinaron por ELISA. Las asociaciones se evaluaron por análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia de anti-C1q fue de 37 poe ciento (66/179) en los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y de 9 por ciento (7/82) en controles (OR = 6,3; IC 95 por ciento 2,8-14,1; p < 0,001). El anti-C1q fue asociado con proteinuria (OR = 2,6; IC 95 por ciento 1,2-6,0; p < 0,022); eritrosedimentación elevada (OR = 3,2; IC 95 por ciento 1,5-6,7; p < 0,003) y anti-DNAdc (OR = 3,9; IC 95 por ciento 1,7-9,1; p < 0,002). En el modelo de regresión logística ajustado para demografía y anti-DNAdc, aunque la OR del anti-C1q para la nefritis fue 2 veces más alta que en ausencia del anti-C1q, solo se aproximó a la significación estadística. La positividad simultánea de anti-C1q y anti-DNAdc estuvo asociada a la nefritis lúpica (OR = 4,3; IC 95 por ciento 1,9-9,5; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: El anti-C1q se presentó con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico que en los controles. El anti-C1q combinado con anti-DNAdc resultó fuertemente asociado a la nefritis lúpica(AU)

Introducción: Anti-C1q autoantibodies have been proposed as useful marker in systemic lupus erythematosus due to their association with lupus nephritis. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anti-C1q in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic diseases to evaluate the association with lupus nephropathy. Methods: One hundred seventy-nine patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 82 with other rheumatic diseases were included. Lupus nephritis was diagnosed in 70 (39percent) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Anti-C1q IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA. Associations were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of anti-C1q was 37percent (66/179) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 9percent (7/82) in controls (OR = 6.3; 95percent CI 2.8-14). .1; p < 0.001). Anti-C1q was associated with proteinuria (OR = 2.6; 95percent CI 1.2-6.0; p < 0.022); elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR = 3.2; 95percent CI 1.5-6.7; p < 0.003) and anti-dsDNA (OR = 3.9; 95percent CI 1.7-9.1; p < 0.002). In the logistic regression model adjusted for demographics and anti-dsDNA, although the OR of anti-C1q for nephritis was 2-fold higher than in the absence of anti-C1q, it only approached statistical significance. Simultaneous positivity of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA was associated with lupus nephritis (OR = 4.3; 95percent CI 1.9-9.5; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Anti-C1q occurred more frequently in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than in controls. Anti-C1q combined with anti-dsDNA was strongly associated with lupus nephritis(AU)

Kidney Disease in Ankylosing Spondylitis: a case series and review of the literature / Doença Renal na Espondilite Anquilosante: uma série de casos e revisão da literatura

Abstract Background Kidney disease is a rare manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its pathological alterations remain poorly described. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation and pathological alterations on kidney biopsy of AS patients and review and discuss the current literature on the issue. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical presentation and kidney pathological alterations of 15 Caucasian AS patients submitted to kidney biopsy between October 1985 and March 2021. Results: Patients were predominantly male (66.7%) with median age at the time of kideney biopsy of 47 years [IQR 34 - 62]. Median serum creatinine at presentation was 1.3 mg/dL [IQR 0.9 - 3] and most patients also had either proteinuria (85.7%) and/or hematuria (42.8%). The most common indication for kidney biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (33.3%), followed by acute or rapidly progressive kidney injury (20%) and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (20%). Chronic interstitial nephritis (CIN) (n=3) and AA amyloidosis (n=3) were the most common diagnosis. Others included IgA nephropathy (IgAN) (n=2), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n=2), membranous nephropathy (n=1), and immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)(n=1). Conclusions: We present one of the largest series of biopsy-proven kidney disease in Caucasian AS patients. We found a lower prevalence of IgAN than previously reported in Asian cohorts. We found a higher prevalence of CIN and a lower prevalence of AA amyloidosis than that described in previous series of Caucasian patients. We also present the first case of AS-associated IC-MPGN.

Resumo Antecedentes: A doença renal é uma manifestação rara de espondilite anquilosante (EA) e as suas alterações patológicas permanecem pouco descritas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a apresentação clínica e alterações patológicas na biópsia renal de doentes com EA bem como rever e discutir a literatura atual sobre o assunto. Métodos: Estudamos retrospectivamente a apresentação clínica e alterações patológicas renais de 15 doentes caucasianos com EA submetidos a biópsia renal entre Outubro de 1985 e Março de 2021. Resultados: Os doentes eram predominantemente homens (66,7%) com idade mediana no momento da biópsia de 47 anos [IIQ 34 - 62]. A creatinina sérica mediana na apresentação foi de 1,3 mg/dL [IIQ 0,9 - 3] e a maioria dos pacientes apresentava também proteinúria (85,7%) e/ou hematúria (42,8%). A indicação mais comum para biópsia renal foi a síndrome nefrótica (33,3%), seguida de lesão renal aguda ou rapidamente progressiva (20%) e doença renal crónica de etiologia desconhecida (20%). A Nefrite intersticial crónica (NIC) (n=3) e a amiloidose AA (n=3) foram os diagnósticos mais comuns. Outros incluíram nefropatia por IgA (NIgA) (n=2), glomeruloesclerose segmentar focal (n=2), nefropatia membranosa (n=1) e glomerulonefrite membranoproliferativa mediada por imunocomplexos (GNMP-IC) (n=1). Conclusões: Apresentamos uma das maiores séries de doenças renais comprovadas por biópsia em doentes caucasianos com EA. Encontramos uma prevalência de NIgA menor do que a relatada anteriormente em coortes asiáticas. Encontramos uma maior prevalência de NIC e uma prevalência menor de amiloidose AA do que a descrita em séries anteriores de pacientes caucasianos. Também apresentamos o primeiro caso de GNMP-IC associada à EA.

Renal-limited systemic lupus erythematosus: Avoiding delay in diagnosis

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and glomerulonephritis (GN) are disorders of varied etiologies. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the multisystemic diseases causing NS and GN. SLE is often suspected whenever NS/GN is associated with extrarenal manifestations. However, it presents solely as NS or GN without extrarenal features in a handful of cases. This affects the prognosis adversely as negligent delay in diagnosis of SLE and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy is associated with poorer response. We present a series of five women who presented solely with renal manifestations. The diagnosis of SLE was delayed, as the women did not have any extrarenal features. We started immunosuppressive therapy after a diagnosis of lupus nephritis was made in retrospect after a kidney biopsy. This case series highlights the importance of performing serology tests for SLE in all young female patients who present with NS/GN to avoid delay in diagnosis.

Hipoacusia Neurosensorial en el síndrome de Alport: Una revisión Sistemática / Sensorineural hearing loss in Alport syndrome: A systematic review

El Síndrome de Alport (SA) es un desorden genético originado por mutaciones en el colágeno tipo IV que es el constituyente principal de las membranas basales. Clínicamente, se caracteriza por nefropatía hereditaria progresiva. En el oído interno, el colágeno IV se encuentra ubicado en la membrana basilar y en el ligamento espiral, por lo que las mutaciones en los genes codificadores provocan hipoacusia de tipo neurosensorial. La presente investigación tiene por objetivo caracterizar el comportamiento de la pérdida de audición en personas diagnosticadas con SA, mediante la revisión de estudios de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos con los criterios de inclusión establecidos, incorporando un total de siete artículos para su análisis. Teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos de las diversas investigaciones recopiladas, se concluye que la pérdida auditiva secundaria al SA es heterogénea. No hay un patrón común de presentación pues depende del modo de herencia y del tipo de mutación de la enfermedad, además su grado de severidad y progresión va paralelo a la función renal. Sin embargo, independientemente del momento en que se manifieste el deterioro auditivo, es de vital importancia una intervención audiológica oportuna, con el fin de detectar la hipoacusia lo más temprano posible, hacer un seguimiento riguroso de la funcionalidad auditiva y, en caso de ser necesario, adaptar ayudas auditivas de acuerdo con las necesidades comunicativas del paciente

Alport Syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder originated by mutations in the collagen type IV which is the main constituent of the basal membranes. Clinically, is characterized by progressive hereditary nephropathy. In the inner ear, the collagen IV is ubicated in the basilar membrane and in the spiral ligament, whereby the mutations in the codifier gens, cause neurosensorial hearing loss. The aim of this investigation is to characterize how hearing loss behaves in people diagnosed with AS, by presenting a reviewing of reported studies in the literature. A database search was performed with the established criteria of inclusion and a total of seven articles were incorporated for its analysis. Considering the findings by the several investigations collected the conclusion is that the secondary hearing loss to AS is heterogenous. There is no a common pattern of presentation as it depends on the mode of heredity and the type of mutation of the disease, and besides of the degree of severity and progression that goes along with the renal function. Nevertheless, regardless of the moment that the auditive impair appears, it is of vital importance an opportune audiological intervention, aiming at detecting an alteration as soon as possible, make a rigorous tracking of the auditive functionality and, if necessary, incorporate hearing aids in accordance with the communicative needs of the patients

Cell phenotypes as activity biomarkers in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex. Few studies in Brazilian population have addressed cell phenotypes associated with immunological responses and their associations with SLE activity. The aim of this study is to investigate cell phenotypes associated to SLE diagnosis, treatment and activity. Twenty-eight SLE female patients (17 inactive, 11 active) and 10 healthy women were included in this study. Markers of natural killer (Nk), T and B cells in peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry. Nkt cells were decreased only in SLE active patients. Activated CD4+, regulatory T FoxP3+ and B cells were decreased in both active and inactive SLE patients, compared to control group. The data corroborate the disruption of immune regulatory response in SLE patients and suggest phenotipic changes as possible biomarkers of SLE activity.

Clinical Efficacy of Niaoxue No.1 Prescription in Treatment of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis with Blood Heat and Stasis Syndrome in Children / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of Niaoxue No.1 Prescription in treating Henoch-Schönlein purpura （HSP） nephritis with blood heat and stasis syndrome and its effect on urine erythrocyte， urine protein， blood neutrophils， and blood routine-derived indicators. MethodA multicenter， randomized controlled trial （RCT） was conducted involving 108 HSP nephritis patients from three hospitals. The patients were randomly divided into a control group （54 cases） and a treatment group （54 cases）. The treatment group received Niaoxue No.1 prescription once daily， while the control group was treated with captopril and ferulic acid tablets. Both groups underwent a 4-week course of treatment. The urine erythrocyte， urine microalbumin （mAlb）， urine sediment red blood cell count， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， 24-hour urine protein， blood neutrophil count， neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio （NLR）， platelet to lymphocyte ratio （PLR）， lymphocyte to monocyte ratio （LMR）， D-dimer， and immunoglobulin A were detected. The recurrence rate of HSP nephritis was followed up for 6 months. ResultThe total effective rates were 88.9% （48/54） in the treatment group and 70.4% （38/54） in the control group， and the treatment group was superior to the control group （χ2=5.708， P<0.05）. Compared with the results before treatment， after 14 days of treatment， the TCM syndrome total score， urine erythrocyte， urine mAlb， and 24-hour urine protein in both groups significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the improvement was more significant in the treatment group than the control group （P<0.05）. After 28 days of treatment， compared with the results before treatment， the TCM syndrome total score， urine erythrocyte， urine mAlb， urine sediment red blood cell count， D-dimer， and 24-hour urine protein in both groups significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， with the treatment group showing a more significant reduction in urine mAlb than the control group （P<0.05）. On the 14th and 28th days of treatment， the neutrophil percentage and NLR were lower in the treatment group than in the control group （P<0.05）， while there was no statistically significant difference in PLR and LMR. The recurrence rate of nephritis in both groups showed no statistically significant difference after a 6-month follow-up. ConclusionNiaoxue No.1 Prescription in the treatment of HSP nephritis with blood heat and stasis syndrome can significantly improve clinical symptoms， shorten the course of the disease， and reduce urine erythrocyte， urine mAlb， 24-hour urine protein， blood neutrophils， and NLR， thereby effectively alleviating the inflammatory state and reducing kidney damage in children with HSP nephritis.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of 12 cases of lupus nephritis complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathological features, treatment regimen, and prognosis of children with lupus nephritis (LN) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), as well as the treatment outcome of these children and the clinical and pathological differences between LN children with TMA and those without TMA.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 children with LN and TMA (TMA group) who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from December 2010 to December 2021. Twenty-four LN children without TMA who underwent renal biopsy during the same period were included as the non-TMA group. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results, and pathological results.@*RESULTS@#Among the 12 children with TMA, 8 (67%) had hypertension and 3 (25%) progressed to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Compared with the non-TMA group, the TMA group had more severe tubulointerstitial damage, a higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score at onset, and higher cholesterol levels (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of crescent bodies and the levels of hemoglobin and platelets (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a higher proportion of individuals with hypertension among the children with LN and TMA, as well as more severe tubulointerstitial damage. These children have a higher SLEDAI score and a higher cholesterol level.

Therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis of different age groups / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the difference in the therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) of different age groups.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 135 children with HSPN who were treated with MMF or CTX in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from October 2018 to October 2020. According to the immunosuppressant used, they were divided into two groups: MMF group and CTX group, and according to the age, each group was further divided into two subgroups: ≤12 years and >12 years, producing four groups, i.e, the ≤12 years MMF subgroup (n=30), the >12 years MMF subgroup (n=15), the ≤12 years CTX subgroup (n=71), and the >12 years CTX subgroup (n=19). All children were followed up for at least 12 months, and the above groups were compared in terms of clinical outcomes and the incidence rate of adverse reactions.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the complete response rate between the MMF group and the CTX group after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in the complete response rate and the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the >12 years MMF subgroup and the ≤12 years MMF subgroup at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly lower complete response rate than the ≤12 years CTX subgroup at 6 and 12 months of treatment (P<0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly higher incidence rate of adverse reactions than the >12 years MMF subgroup (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The efficacy and adverse reactions of MMF are not associated with age, but the efficacy of CTX is affected by age, with a higher incidence rate of adverse reactions. CTX should be selected with caution for children with HSPN aged >12 years.

Clinical characteristics, pathology, and prognosis of children with diffuse endocapillary proliferative Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathology, and prognosis of children with diffuse endocapillary proliferative Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (DEP-HSPN).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical, pathological, and prognosis data of 44 children with DEP-HSPN and 765 children without DEP-HSPN. The children with DEP-HSPN were diagnosed by renal biopsy in Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital from January 2006 to December 2021.@*RESULTS@#Among the 809 children with purpura nephritis, 44 (5.4%) had DEP-HSPN, with a mean age of (8±3) years, and there were 29 boys (65.9%) and 15 girls (34.1%). Compared with the non-DEP-HSPN group, the DEP-HSPN group had a significantly shorter time from onset to renal biopsy and a significantly higher proportion of children with respiratory infection or gross hematuria, and most children had nephrotic syndrome. The DEP-HSPN group had significantly higher levels of 24-hour urinary protein, urinary protein grading, microscopic hematuria grading, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and significantly lower levels of serum albumin and complement C3 (P<0.05). The DEP-HSPN group had a higher pathological grading, with predominant deposition of IgA in the mesangial area and capillary loops, and higher activity scores in the modified semi-quantitative scoring system (P<0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the renal complete remission rate between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Children with DEP-HSPN have a rapid onset, severe clinical manifestations and pathological grading, and high activity scores in the modified semi-quantitative scoring system. However, most of the children with DEP-HSPN have a good prognosis, with a comparable renal complete remission rate to the children without DEP-HSPN.

Biologics in treatment of lupus nephritis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to multiple vital tissues and target organs, and lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of SLE involving the kidneys. The use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants has been dominant in the treatment strategy of LN, while their adverse effects have also raised concerns. In recent years, the development and use of biologics have provided new ideas for the treatment of LN and have also achieved positive efficacy in several clinical trials in SLE and LN. Biologics can be divided into monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, which exert therapeutic effects on SLE and LN through a variety of mechanisms at the cellular-molecular level. In this article, we review recent research advances in the treatment of SLE and LN from the perspective of the different mechanisms of action of biologics.

Fanconi syndrome secondary to primary biliary cholangitis: a case report / 中华肾脏病杂志

Primary biliary cirrhosis/cholangitis is an autoimmune disease. Renal tubular acidosis is a common form in PBC cases, but Fanconi syndrome is rarely reported. The paper reported a 66-year-old female patient with fatigue, renal insufficiency and elevated bile duct enzymes. The patient presented with type 2 proximal renal tubular acidosis and complete Fanconi syndrome. Laboratory examinations showed high-titer-positive anti-mitochondrial antibodies, elevated serum IgM, and type 3 cryoglobulinemia. Renal biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis, and electron micrographs showed abnormal mitochondria in proximal tubular epithelial cells. The patient's renal function ameliorated, and acid-base imbalance and electrolyte disturbances were corrected after high-dose glucocorticoid treatment.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis in children / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical features and risk factors of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) in children.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract infection in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2021 were collected, and the patients all received abdominal enhanced CT examination. According to the imaging examination results, the patients were divided into AFBN group and acute pyelonephritis (APN) group, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examination between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze the risk factors of AFBN.Results:A total of 135 patients with upper urinary tract infection were enrolled in this study, with age of 2.5 (0.5, 3.7) years old, and 68 males (50.4%). There were 67 patients (49.6%) in AFBN group and 68 patients (50.4%) in APN group. There were statistically significant differences in the highest fever temperature, duration of fever after treatment, proportion of lower urinary tract irritation symptoms, proportion of urinary tract malformation or abnormality, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, proportion of pyuria, urinary β2 microglobulin and proportion of using carbapenem antibiotics between the two groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis result showed that urinary tract malformation/abnormality ( OR=3.34, 95% CI 1.23-9.10) and leukocytosis ( OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.51) were the independent risk factors of AFBN. Conclusions:The children with urinary tract infection who have high peak fever, long duration, obvious increase of inflammatory indexes and urinary β2 microglobulin may suggest AFBN. Urinary tract malformation/abnormality and high white blood cells are risk factors of AFBN.

Efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with standard regimen in the treatment of active lupus nephritis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with standard regimen in the treatment of active lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:It was a single-center, pre - and post-control retrospective study. The Data of active LN patients treated with belimumab combined with standard regimen in the Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 were collected for analyzing the renal response rate and adverse reactions after belimumab treatment.Results:A total of 17 patients were included, including 14 females (82.35%). The age of the first medication was (26.06±2.64) years old, the median time of illness before the use of belimumab was 24.00 (8.50, 48.50) months, and the recurrence times before the use of belimumab was (1.24±1.03) times. All the 17 patients underwent renal biopsy. The main pathological types were type IV in 11 cases (11/17), type Ⅲ+V in 2 cases (2/17), type IV+V in 3 cases (3/17), and type V in 1 case (1/17). The dose of glucocorticoids was (22.95±8.30) mg/d in 1 year before belimumab administration. In 12 patients with LN who completed 24 weeks of belimumab treatment plan, the 24-hour urinary protein showed a downward trend, and there was a statistically significant difference compared with the baseline at 24 week [0.49 (0.15, 2.19) g vs. 2.83 (1.14, 4.11) g, Z=-2.100, P=0.036]. Compared with the baseline, serum albumin at 24 week increased by 29.36%, with statistically significant difference [(34.50±3.34) g/L vs. (26.67±5.75) g/L, t=-3.840, P=0.030]. The systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index-2K score continued to decline, with statistically significant difference compared with baseline at 24 week (5.00±3.02 vs. 12.00±2.82, t=6.163, P<0.001). The lymphocyte count increased, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the baseline at 24 week [0.72(0.28, 2.39)×10 9/L vs. 0.30(0.19,0.34)×10 9/L, Z=-2.073, P=0.038]. There was a statistically significant difference between the glucocorticoids dosage at 24 week and the average glucocorticoids dosage 1 year before treatment [(11.25±6.35) mg/d vs. (22.60±9.75) mg/d, t=4.225, P=0.003]. After observation of belimumab for (38.13±22.93) weeks, patients had a complete response rate of 64.71% (11/17), a partial response rate of 17.65% (3/17), and an overall response rate of 82.35% (14/17). Relapse occurred in 1 case.No infusion-related reactions occurred in 17 patients. During the treatment, a total of 5 adverse events occurred, including 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 1 case each of sepsis, upper respiratory tract infection, and cytomegalovirus infection, which all improved after treatment and the subsequent treatment was not affected. Conclusion:Belimumab combined with standard regimen can improve the response rate of LN, reduce the recurrence rate, reduce the dosage of glucocorticoids, and control the overall adverse events with good prognosis.

Deciphering the pathogenicity of COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations and the genotype-phenotype correlation in autosomal dominant Alport syndrome / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:Through the investigation of the pathogenicity of COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations and the genotype-phenotype correlation in autosomal dominant Alport syndrome (ADAS), to better understand the impact of COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations on ADAS. Methods:The study was a case series analysis. Patients from 5 ADAS families with COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations detected by whole exome sequencing were recruited by three hospitals. In vivo transcriptional analysis and/or in vitro minigene splicing assay were conducted to determine the splicing patterns and assess the pathogenicity of COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations. Results:In the five ADAS pedigrees carrying COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations, four novel ADAS splicing patterns were described. In pedigree 1-4, most patients presented with continuous hematuria or/and microalbuminuria. Otherwise,the proband in pedigree 4 presented with macroalbuminuria and the proband in pedigree 1 had progressed to chronic kidney disease stage 2 at the age of 70 years old. In pedigree 5, all patients developed end-stage renal disease between 28 and 41 years old. c.735+3A>G detected in pedigree 1 and pedigree 2 and c.694-1G>C detected in pedigree 3 both led to exon 12 skipping in COL4A4, resulting in 42 nucleotides in-frame deletion (c.694_735del). c.2056+3A>G detected in pedigree 4 led to COL4A4 exon 26 skipping, which caused in-frame deletion of 69 nucleotides (c.1988_2056del). c.2716+5G>T detected in pedigree 5 led to a 360 nucleotides large in-frame deletion, including 100 bp sequence at the 3'end of exon 29,the whole sequence of exon 30 and 89 bp sequence at the 5'end of exon 31 (c.2446_2805del). Conclusions:Renal prognosis differs significantly for patients with small in-frame deletions versus large in-frame deletion splicing abnormalities. Determination of the pathogenicity and the splicing patterns of COL4A4 heterozygous splicing mutations using in vivo and in vitro transcriptional analysis may provide renal prognostic information.

Efficacy and safety of half-dose rituximab in the treatment of 23 cases with lupus nephritis / 中华内科杂志

The study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of 23 cases of lupus nephritis and explore the prospect of half-dose rituximab in lupus nephritis treatment. Twenty-three patients with lupus nephritis hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from May 2013 to December 2021 were selected. Eighteen patients received rituximab 375 mg/m 2 on the first and 14th days, 5 patients received 500 mg of rituximab on the first and 14th days, and rituximab was used as needed 6 months later. Methylprednisolone (80-120 mg) was given together with rituximab. Afterward, 1 mg/kg prednisone was used for 4 weeks, which was progressively tapered to maintenance doses or discontinued. B lymphocyte level, renal function, 24-h urine protein level, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI2K) score before and after treatment were recorded. The efficacy and adverse reactions were analyzed. The results showed that 11 patients suffered from renal insufficiency [creatinine (162.7±58.6) μmol/L ] at baseline, while the creatinine level of 9 patients returned to normal 12 months after the treatment [ (66.3±10.1)μmol/L ]. Normal renal function of the other 12 patients was maintained during treatment. After 12 months, the 24-h urine protein level decreased from 4.00 (2.00,6.80) g in the baseline period to 0.10 (0.08,0.40) g. SLEDAI2K score decreased from 22 (18,26) in the baseline period to 3 (0,6) 12 months after the treatment. The B lymphocyte level reached 0.00 (0.00,0.01)% at 3 months. Of 23 patients, 13 patients achieved complete remission, and 7 patients achieved partial remission after 6 months of rituximab treatment. Five patients experienced adverse reactions related to rituximab, including 1 case of transfusion reaction, 1 case of perioral herpes with pulmonary infection, and 3 cases of decreased IgG levels. Therefore, rituximab regimen used in this study can be an effective treatment strategy for lupus nephritis.

Clinical value of combined detection of serum IgG, TBX21 and miR-335 in diagnosis of lupus nephritis / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of combined detection of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), T-frame protein 21 (TBX21), and microRNA-335 (miR-335) in the diagnosis of lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:Ninety-five patients with LN treated in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group, while ninety-five healthy individuals were selected as the control group. Based on the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score at admission, the LN patients were divided into two subgroups: the active LN group (51 cases, SLEDAI score > 4) and the stable LN group (44 cases, SLEDAI score = 0 - 4). The levels of serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 were compared between the two groups, and the levels of serum IgG, TBX21, miR-335, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), complement C3, complement C4, and SLEDAI score were compared between the two groups. The correlations of serum IgG, PTX3, and miR-335 levels with BUN, Scr, complement C3, complement C4, and SLEDAI scores were analyzed. The diagnostic value of serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 in LN was evaluated.Results:Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 in the observation group were higher on admission (all P < 0.05). The serum levels of IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 in patients with the active stage were higher than those in patients with the stable stage on admission (all P < 0.05). On admission, the BUN, Scr, and SLEDAI scores of patients in the active stage were higher than those in the stable stage, and the levels of complement C3 and C4 were lower than those in the stable stage (all P < 0.05). The levels of serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 on admission were positively correlated with BUN, Scr, and SLEDAI scores and negatively correlated with complement C3 and C4 levels (all P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the combination of serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 levels in the diagnosis of LN was greater than that of single detection ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Serum IgG, TBX21, and miR-335 are closely related to disease activity and can be used as reference indicators for the diagnosis and prediction of LN in clinical practice, enabling the development of early targeted treatment plans.

Advances in clinical research on drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

The kidneys are one of the main excretory organs for drugs and when drugs are not excreted effectively, they can accumulate in the kidneys or in the interstitial tubules, leading to drug-induced kidney injury. The tubulointerstitium accounts for 80% of the volume of the kidney and is the primary site of response to various types of renal injury. This article focuses on drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis, highlighting its clinical symptoms, listing common induction drugs, analysing pathological features, and explaining its pathogenesis from the perspective of immune response, with the aim of providing a basic and clinical evidence for subsequent studies.

Emodin reduces the injury of glomerular mesangial cells in lupus nephritis by targeting forkhead protein K2 through miR-96-5p / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the injury of emodin (EMO) in reduce of glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) in lupus nephritis by targeting forkhead protein K2 (FOXK2) through miR-96-5p. METHODS: The contents of 24 h urine protein, serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) in MRL / faslpr mice (lupus nephritis group) and MRL / MPJ mice (control group) were detected. MCs were separated, purified and divided into: MCs group (MCs without any treatment), L-EMO group (MCs treated with 10 μmol/L Emodin), M-EMO group (MCs treated with 25 μmol / L Emodin), H-EMO group (MCs treated with 50 μmol / L Emodin), H-EMO + miR-96-5p-NC group (MCs treated with 50 μmol / L Emodin and transfected with miR-96-5p-NC), and H-EMO + miR-96-5p-minic group (MCs treated with 50 μmol/ L Emodin and transfected with miR-96-5p-minic). Double luciferase report experiment was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-96-5p and FOXK2. The real-time quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-96-5p. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FOXK2 and apoptosis related proteins. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in MCs. cell count kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to determine the activity of MCs. Annexin-V FITC/PI double staining was used to detect apoptosis of MCs. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, 24 h urinary protein content, serum BUN and Scr levels in the lupus nephritis group were significantly increased (P< 0.05). Compared with the MCs group, the miR-96-5p expression, interleukin1β (IL-1β), interleukin6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), A450 value and B-lymphoblastoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein in the L-EMO group, M-EMO group and H-EMO group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the FOXK2 level, cell apoptosis rate, Bcl-2 related X gene (Bax), aspartate specific cysteine proteinase-3 (cleaved Caspase-3) protein levels were significantly increased, respectively (P<0.05), the effect of Emodin was dose-dependent. Compared with the H-EMO group and H-EMO+miR-96-5p-NC group, H-EMO+miR-96-5p-minic group obviously increased the miR-96-5p expression, inflammatory factor levels, A450 value and Bcl-2 protein level (P<0.05), and obviously decreased FOXK2 level and cell apoptosis rate (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: EMO can reduce the injury of lupus nephritis MCs by down-regulating miR-96-5p and then up-regulating FOXK2.