Management of glomerular diseases of primary and secondary origin.

Most recent information on the management of glomerular diseases is clustered in three areas. In nephrotic syndrome, interest has focused on the use of cyclosporine in steroid-resistant patients, treatment of progressive membranous nephropathy with alkylating agents, and symptomatic management of unresponsive cases with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The most recent data on lupus nephritis establish the efficacy of intravenous cyclophosphamide in the long-term preservation of renal function and the lack of benefit of plasmapheresis in patients with severe disease. In rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, the discovery of circulating antibodies to neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens has proved valuable in diagnosing certain forms of renal vasculitis. A rational approach to treating such patients is beginning to crystallize.