Observations of the therapeutic effects and side effects of 6-mercaptopurine on refractory childhood nephrotic syndrome / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of 6-mercaptopurine in the treatment of refractory childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods: According to the varieties of NS, 6-mercaptopurine (2 mg/kg body weight daily) combined with corticosteroid or 6-mercaptopurine (2 mg/kg body weight daily) alone after tapering of steroids were given to 28 consecutive children with primary NS in our hospital. Results: One month after the use of 6-mercaptopurine, proteinuria was decreased. The duration of improvement was 9～28 days, with mean duration of 17 days. Over-all effective rate was 85.7%. Among different varieties of NS, the best therapeutic effect was noted in steroid-dependent children; the better therapeutic effect in steroid-resistant children; and good therapeutic effect in frequently relapsing children. The effective rates were 100%, 84.6%, 81.8% respectively. All the pathological varieties of 28 children were confirmed by renal biopsy. The better therapeutic effects were noted in slight mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). The less therapeutic effect was noted in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). Their therapeutic effective rates were 92.9%, 80%, 66.7% respectively. Unfortunately, drug-induced aplastic anemia was seen in 2 cases. Slight gastrointestinal reactions were present in 6 cases. There were no side reaction on the gonad. Conclusions: The great difference in the therapeutic effects is related to the different pathologic varieties of NS. With regard to the treatment of refractory NS in children, the pathological varieties should be confirmed by renal biopsy as soon as possible. Based on the renal biopsy, 6-mercaptopurine can be considered in the treatment of MsPGN and MCNS. As a result, relapses could be reduced; the duration of remission could be prolonged, and the side reactions from steroid treatment could be avoided. The use of 6-mercaptopurine for the treatment of refractory NS is one of the effective therapy.