Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Medication

Updated: Dec 17, 2019
  • Author: Pranay Kathuria, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF; Chief Editor: Vecihi Batuman, MD, FASN  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Approaches to treatment of idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) have included the following:

  • Immunosuppression
  • Inhibiting platelet-induced injury with aspirin and dipyridamole
  • Minimizing glomerular fibrin deposition with anticoagulants
  • Use of steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Corticosteroids may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other medications. While corticosteroids appear to be effective in children, there is no convincing evidence of their efficacy as monotherapy in adults with idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN).

Prednisone

Prednisone is an immunosuppressant drug used for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. This agent may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing polymorphonuclear lymphocyte (PMN) activity.

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Antiplatelet Therapies

Class Summary

Platelet consumption is increased in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and platelets may play a role in glomerular injury.

Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Ascriptin, Ecotrin)

Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating thromboxane A2.

Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Dipyridamole is a platelet adhesion inhibitor that possibly inhibits red blood cell (RBC) uptake of adenosine, itself an inhibitor of platelet reactivity. In addition, this agent may inhibit phosphodiesterase activity, leading to increased cyclic-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate within platelets and formation of the potent platelet activator thromboxane A2.

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