Indomethacin and the nephrotic syndrome.

Treatment of membranous nephropathy and the nephrotic syndrome with 2 mg/kg/day of indomethacin resulted in prompt and sustained reduction in urinary protein excretion and the loss of edema fluid, which allowed the withdrawal of diuretic therapy and liberalization of salt intake. The reduction in proteinuria was paralleled by a decrease in urinary prostaglandin E (PGE) and F (PGF) levels. Plasma PGE and PGF levels did not change appreciably. Withdrawal of indomethacin therapy resulted in an increase in urinary protein and urinary PGE excretion. Reinstitution of therapy resulted in reductions in both values. Indomethacin may provide a useful means of reducing proteinuria and controlling edema in some patients with the nephrotic syndrome.