Short-term and long-term efficacies of combined use of irbesartan and calcitriol for the treatment of IgA nephropathy

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of irbesartan plus calcitriol in the treatment of IgA nephropathy, and its effect on inflammatory injury and complement systemMethods: Differences in renal function, inflammatory response, immune function, complement factor levels, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions between IgA nephropathy patients treated with irbesartan (control, n = 50) and those treated with irbesartan + calcitriol (study group, n = 50) after 2 and 12 months, were retrospectively analyzed. As treatment progressed, protein in 24-h urine, and creatinine and BUN in both groups were gradually reduced.Results: The serum levels of complement factors C1q and C3 in both groups gradually increased, while C4 level gradually decreased. Relative to pre-treatment, at 2- and 12-months post-treatment, serum levels of C1q and C3 in both groups were raised, while C4 level decreased (p < 0.05). Relative to control, serum C1q and C3 in the study group were raised, while C4 level was decreased (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, total treatment effectiveness in the study group increased at 2- and 12- months post-treatment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the control and study groups during the treatment.Conclusion: Treatment with irbesartan + calcitriol significantly improves renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy, reduces inflammatory response, and improves immune function and clinical effectiveness with high safety profile. More clinical trials should be carried out to validate the findings of this study.