Prognostic value of the dynamics of M-type phospholipase A2 receptor antibody titers in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy treated with two different immunosuppression regimens.

CONTEXT: The dynamics of anti-phospholipase A2 antibody titers during treatment could predict clinical responses in patients with membranous nephropathy. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the predictive value of the dynamics of these antibodies on clinical responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serum antibody levels were measured before and during treatment in 79 patients with anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody membranous nephropathy treated with two different immunosuppression regimens RESULTS: In both groups of patients, the relative reduction in antibody titers at 3 and 6 months preceded and predicted the clinical responses. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody titer dynamics was useful for predicting clinical responses.