The Efficacy and Safety of Calcitriol for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis and Persistent Proteinuria
Status:
Withdrawn
Trial end date:
2009-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Glomerulonephritis and renal failure represent one of the most life-threatening
manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although immunosuppressive therapy is
often effective for the treatment of acute lupus nephritis, a significant proportion of
patients show persistent proteinuria after resolution of the acute nephritic process, and
develop progressive renal failure. There is preliminary evidence that calcitriol and other
vitamin D analogs can reduce proteinuria in patients with chronic kidney diseases. The
investigators plan to conduct a randomized control study to evaluate the safety and efficacy
of calcitriol in the treatment of SLE patients with persistent proteinuria. Sixty patients
with clinically quiescent SLE and persistent proteinuria despite conventional therapy will be
recruited. They will be treated with calcitriol for 48 weeks. Proteinuria, renal function,
lupus disease activity, serum and urinary inflammatory markers will be monitored. This study
will explore the potential anti-proteinuric and immunomodulating effects of calcitriol in the
treatment of SLE, which is a common and life threatening disease in young adults.