Colquhounia root tablet in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with subnephrotic proteinuria

Purpose Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most frequent global cause of nephrotic syndrome in non-diabetic people. In clinical practice, An effective and mild treatment for IMN patients with subnephrotic proteinuria has been adopted. Colquhounia root tablet (CRT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used in China to treat glomerulopathies. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of CRT in the treatment of IMN with subnephrotic proteinuria have been determined by reviewing the clinical records of 44 patients with IMN. Methods Retrospective analysis of IMN patients with subnephrotic proteinuria treated with CRT in combination with ACEI/ARB or ACEI/ARB alone. The remission rate (complete or partial remission) was the main outcome observed, and proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum albumin levels, and adverse effects were the secondary outcomes. Results This clinical trial included 44 patients, and the overall remission rates at months 6, 9, and 12 after treatment were 68.2% versus 27.3% ( p = 0.016), 72.7% versus 36.4% ( p = 0.015), and 77.3% versus 36.4% ( p = 0.006) in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The application of CRT treatment was an independent predictor of proteinuria remission ( p = 0.024). In addition, in patients who were positive for phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies, the overall remission rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group after 9 months of treatment (75% versus 23.08%, p = 0.017). Conclusion This retrospective study illustrates that, based on supportive therapy, CRT could be effective in the treatment of IMN with subnephrotic proteinuria with a good safety profile at the same time.