Steroid Therapy for Membranous Nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy is a kidney disorder in which the glomeruli become inflamed and scarred. Steroid therapy is a commonly used treatment for membranous nephropathy. How does it work? Are there any side effects of therapy?

Steroid therapy for membranous nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy is an immune-mediated disorder, in which immune system fails to function properly. The abnormal activity of immune system can cause inflammation in kidneys. If no effective treatment is applied, the inflammation may worsen renal function, resulting in progressive renal function loss.

Steroid therapy can work in treating membranous nephropathy by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. In addition, steroid can reduce the permeability of small blood vessels in kidneys, thus preventing the leakage of protein in urine. It can help protect renal function, thus slowing down the progression of membranous nephropathy.

However, long-term use of steroid can cause many adverse effects. What’s more, it can not stop the relapse of inflammatory response in kidneys at all. Is there any alternative treatment for membranous nephropathy?

Alternative treatment for membranous nephropathy to steroid therapy

Immunotherapy is an alternative treatment for membranous nephropathy to steroid therapy. This therapy has been applied to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. It takes effects by enhancing or suppressing an immune system activity.

In treating membranous nephropathy, immunotherapy can suppress the immune response in kidneys. Thereby, it can stop further immune damage to kidneys and prevent renal function decline.

Additionally, immunotherapy can activate the self-healing system of the body. After the impaired kidney tissues and cells are repaired, kidney structure will be reversed. Hence, the renal function will be improved fundamentally and remarkably. If so, the patients with membranous nephropathy will be able to get rid of the use of steroid therapy completely.