Astragalus membranaceus formula for moderate-high risk idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a noninflammatory autoimmune glomerulonephropathy. Based on the risk stratification for disease progression, conservative nonimmunosuppressive and immunosuppressive therapy strategies have been recommended. However, there remains challenges. Therefore, novel approaches to treat IMN are needed. We evaluated the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (A membranaceus) combined with supportive care or immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of moderate-high risk IMN.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Wanfang Knowledge Service Platform, and SinoMed. We then performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials assessing the two therapy methods.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 50 studies involving 3423 participants. The effect of A membranaceus combined with supportive care or immunosuppressive therapy is better than that of supportive care or immunosuppressive therapy along in regulating for improving 24 hours urinary total protein (MD = -1.05, 95% CI [-1.21, -0.89], P = .000), serum albumin (MD = 3.75, 95% CI [3.01, 4.49], P = .000), serum creatinine (MD = -6.24, 95% CI [-9.85, -2.63], P = .0007), complete remission rate (RR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.46, 1.81], P = .000), partial remission rate (RR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.05, 1.20], P = .0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive use of A membranaceus preparations combined with supportive care or immunosuppressive therapy have a promising treatment for improving complete response rate, partial response rate, serum albumin, and reducing proteinuria, serum creatinine levels compared to immunosuppressive therapy in people with MN being at moderate-high risk for disease progression. Given the inherent limitations of the included studies, future well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to confirm and update the findings of this analysis.