Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in the First Episode of Pediatric Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome...
Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic SyndromeThe main objective is to demonstrate, from the initial episode of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children with standard prednisolone treatment, once complete remission has occurred, that the use of Rituximab (a single intravenous infusion of 375 mg/m2) may reduce the risk of subsequent relapse during 12-month of follow-up.
Acthar for Treatment of Proteinuria in Membranous Nephropathy Patients
ProteinuriaIdiopathic Membranous NephropathyThe purpose of this study is to provide nephrologists with additional clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of Acthar in subjects with treatment-resistant idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Approximately sixty (60) subjects will be randomized in this double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicenter study comparing Acthar and Placebo administered 2 times per week for a 24-week treatment period followed by a 24-week observation period. The primary objective of this study is to assess the proportion of treatment-resistant subjects (defined as subjects who either have had no response or have suffered a relapse after achieving a partial response to their most recent standard treatment regimen) who have a complete or partial remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy after 24 weeks of treatment.
Treatment of Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome With ACTH Gel (ACTHAR)
Treatment Resistant Nephrotic SyndromeThis study will examine the safety and effectiveness of ACTHAR Gel, when used to treat 15 patients diagnosed with "treatment resistant nephrotic syndrome." Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that includes low levels of protein in the blood, swelling of tissue (edema), especially around the eyes, feet and hands; and high plasma levels of cholesterol. It is caused by a variety of diseases and underlying disorders that damage the kidneys, resulting in excessive excretion of protein in the urine. These diseases damage the glomeruli, which are small blood vessels that filter wastes and excess water from the blood and pass them into the bladder as urine. As a result of protein loss in the urine, the blood is deficient in protein. Normal amounts of blood protein are needed to help regulate fluid throughout the body. Protein in the blood normally draws water from the tissues and into the bloodstream. When blood protein levels are low, the normal movement of water is reversed, and fluid is drawn from the blood and accumulates in the tissues. This excess tissue fluid causes the swelling and puffiness (edema) that is a symptom of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is described as "treatment resistant" when a patient fails to achieve a sustained partial or complete remission after treatment with at least two first line therapies. The goal of this study is to determine whether injections of ACTHAR Gel (an FDA approved treatment for nephrotic syndrome) over a six month period will lead to a correction of treatment resistant nephrotic syndrome in these patients.
Oral Galactose in Children With Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Focal Segmental GlomerulosclerosisSteroid Resistant Nephrotic SyndromeFocal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a devastating kidney disease which is difficult to treat and carries a poor prognosis, with 50% of affected children progressing to end stage renal disease (ESRD). The purpose of this study is to investigate oral galactose as a benign treatment for FSGS in children. The investigators hypothesize that galactose, a simple milk sugar thought to bind to the protein factor (FSPF) that causes FSGS thereby inactivating it and stopping it from damaging the kidney, resulting in a reduction in glomerular permeability to albumin and decrease in proteinuria in children with nephrotic syndrome secondary to FSGS.
Drug Therapy in Lupus Nephropathy
Nephrotic SyndromeSystemic Lupus ErythematosusStudies have shown that up to 26% of patients with systemic lupus erythematoses nephritis may suffer from membranous lupus nephropathy. The disease is characterized by high levels of protein in the urine and may eventually lead to kidney failure. This study will evaluate the effectiveness and toxic effects of immunosuppressive drug therapy in patients with membranous lupus nephropathy over a 12 month period. The major goal of this therapy is to decrease protein losses and ultimately prevent kidney failure. Patients enrolled in the study will undergo a routine history and physical examination. In addition, several diagnostic tests will be conducted including; chest x-ray ECG, blood and urine laboratory tests. Patients will be divided and grouped according to the severity of their disease as shown by kidney function. Each group will then randomly be subcategorized by different treatment plans. Each treatment plan will made up of immunosuppressive medications including prednisone, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin A, and combinations of these drugs. Patients will receive the medications as directed by the study. The study will last 12 months and require patients to be admitted for two to five days before the study begins and once the study is completed. Patients will be followed as outpatients throughout the 12 month study.
Genetic Causes of FSGS, Nephrotic Syndrome, or Kidney Failure
Focal Segmental GlomerulosclerosisNephrotic Syndrome3 moreThe investigators are trying to learn more about the cause of kidney diseases such as Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic syndrome by studying genetics. The investigators are interested in discovering which genes play a role in causing a predisposition to FSGS/NS. The investigators also want to learn why FSGS/NS can run in families. Participation in our study involves a saliva sample and a urine sample that you can give from home. There is no cost to participate. All information is kept private and confidential. The investigators also like to include healthy volunteers (parents, spouses) if interested/available but of course this is completely optional.
Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus in Children
Nephrotic Syndromethe present study was conducted to assess the population pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in children with nephrotic syndrome and to use these data to calculate an optimal dosing regimen of tacrolimus for use in these patients.
Rituximab for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Idiopathic Nephrotic SyndromeOpen-label, randomized, controlled trial due to value whether the monoclonal antibody rituximab is non-inferior to steroids in maintaining remission in juvenile forms of SDNS. The investigators will enroll 30 pediatric patients affected by idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, who have been in treatment with steroids for at least one year. The lowest dose of drug required to maintain a stable remission will be between 0.4 and 0.7 mg/ kg/ day. This trial provides an initial run-in phase of one month during wich remission will be achieved by means of a standard oral prednisone course. Once remission has been achieved children will be randomized in a parallel arm open label RCT to continue prednisone alone for one month (control) or to add a single intravenous infusion of rituximab (375 mg/m2 - intervention). Prednisone will be tapered in both arms after one month.
Study of Initial Steroid Treatment in Young Children With Nephrotic Syndrome
Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic SyndromeThis study is a multicentric, prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial compared the efficacy of 6 months vs. 3 months of initial prednisolone therapy in decreasing the incidence of FRNS with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children age 1 year up to 6 years. Three months tapering prednisolone or placebo are administrated follow by open-label 3 months standard prednisolone therapy.The cumulative incidence of FRNS and adverse events for one year were evaluated in the 3-month and 6-month groups.
Randomized Trial Evaluating Mycophenolate Mofetil in Children With Nephrotic Syndrome After Rituximab...
Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic SyndromeSteroid-Dependent Nephrotic SyndromeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of maintenance Mycophenolate Mofetil following single course of Rituximab in maintaining remission over 12 months among Children with frequently-relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome