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

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 (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 (; 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 () 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 (). The Kaplan-Meier plot analysis also revealed no significant difference ().Conclusion.Triptolide is effective in relieving short-term symptoms for moderately severe HSPN children, though its long-term effects need to be observed further.