Efficacy of Triptolide for Children with Moderately Severe Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis Presenting with Nephrotic Range Proteinuria: A Prospective and Controlled Study in China

Abstract EN

Objective.

To observe the clinical efficacy of the Chinese herb, Triptolide, in children with moderately severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN).

Methods.

From January 2007 to December 2011, 56 HSPN children manifested by nephrotic range proteinuria with normal kidney function and <50% crescents or sclerosing lesions on biopsy were hospitalized in the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine.

They were divided into two groups: the treatment group (n=42; Triptolide at a dosage of 1 mg/kg·d, combined with prednisone at a dosage of 2 mg/kg·d, within a course of medium-to-long-term therapy of 6 to 9 months) and the control group (n=14; prednisone alone, with the same procedure).

Results.

Short-term remission was observed in 95% of patients from treatment group and in 72% of patients from control group, respectively.

There was a significant difference between both groups (χ2=6.222, P=0.029) for short-term effects.

Meanwhile, no significant difference, as proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and decreased eGFR, was observed between the two groups in long-term followup (χ2=3.111, P=0.097).

The Kaplan-Meier plot analysis also revealed no significant difference (χ2=2.633, P=0.105).

Conclusion.

Triptolide is effective in relieving short-term symptoms for moderately severe HSPN children, though its long-term effects need to be observed further.