The treatment of minimal change disease in adults

J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013 Apr;24(5):702-11. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2012070734. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Abstract

Minimal change disease (MCD) is the etiology of 10%-25% of cases of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The mainstay of treatment for adult MCD, oral glucocorticoids, is based on two randomized controlled trials and extensive observational data in adults, and this treatment leads to remission in over 80% of cases. Relapses are common, and some patients become steroid-resistant (SR), steroid-dependent (SD), or frequently relapsing (FR). The data guiding the treatment of these patients are limited. Here, we review MCD in adults with particular focus on the evidence for immunosuppressive therapy in these patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Alkylating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Resistance
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Nephrosis, Lipoid / drug therapy*
  • Nephrosis, Lipoid / etiology
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Alkylating Agents
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents