Steroid dependent membranous nephritis

[Sajjadsadique]

Hlo everyone. This is my first post and i so eagerly want ur views about my condition.

I am 37 years old south Asian male.i was first diagnosed with proteinuria in 2007 and biopsy result showed Minimal change disease.i was given occasional steroids in various forms till 2011.remission occured and went well till 2016.in 2016 i again underwent biopsy and it showed early membranous nephritis.since then i have been given Cyclosporin,mycophenolate mophtil, etc along with deltacortril. Problem is whenever i go below 20mg deltacortril,the condition relapses.now doctor has advised me to go for rituximab.i am so frustrated after using steroids for many years.i hv gained weight and feel weak.my renal function is ok.eGFR is above 90. Only steroids effects me no other medication works.i also take Ace inhibitors for BP.i am prediabetic.

I hope to find help from u ppl.

Thanks

[Marshy12]

Hi there, Your post really resonates with our family. My husband had a very similar diagnosis to you two years ago - totally out of the blue as he was a very healthy 63year old previously not on any medication. He has been taking a combination of ciclosporin and prednisolone since then but as soon as his steroids are reduced his proteinuria increases dramatically. We were encouraged to hear you had had a period of complete remission and really hope that happens again. My husband has been considered for the rituximab treatment but his renal team are worried about the risk of infection while covid19 rates are so high here. Please post to let us know how you get on with the treatment.

All the best.

[Sajjadsadique in reply to Marshy12]

I have got my Covid vaccination.Here,in Pakistan, rituximab is under a sort of trials.i have enrolled myself for the trials.the results so far are encouraging,out of 100 patients who have been given rituximab, 75 had complete remission, 25 had partial and 25 had no effect. Hopefully i will get it in a month or two.shall update u.

Meanwhile i wish a very good health to ur husband.stay strong

[Marshy12 in reply to Sajjadsadique]

Wishing you all the best