Clinical Report: Finerenone as a supplementary treatment for lupus nephritis
Overview
This case series involving 10 patients with lupus nephritis demonstrated that low-dose finerenone significantly reduced residual proteinuria and increased serum albumin levels over a 24-week period.
Background
Residual proteinuria in lupus nephritis is a significant predictor of poor renal outcomes, including progression to end-stage renal disease. Finerenone, a selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, has shown promise in reducing proteinuria in other kidney diseases, but its effects in lupus nephritis require further exploration. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of finerenone as an adjunct therapy in patients with persistent proteinuria despite standard treatment.
Data Highlights
Time Point
24-h Urine Protein (g)
Serum Albumin (g/dL)
eGFR (mL·min−1·(1.73 m2)−1)
Baseline
1.595 (1.52, 2.37)
3.68 (3.53, 3.77)
108.3 (88.3, 112.3)
12 weeks
1.06 (0.79, 1.63)
4.075 (3.91, 4.20)
113.95 (96.6, 119.7)
24 weeks
0.315 (0.27, 0.35)
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Key Findings
Finerenone 10 mg daily significantly reduced 24-h urine protein from 1.595 g at baseline to 0.315 g at 24 weeks (p < 0.001).
Serum albumin increased from 3.68 g/dL to 4.075 g/dL over the study period.
eGFR remained stable during the treatment.
All patients completed the 24-week follow-up without significant adverse effects.
Clinical Implications
Monitoring of renal function and proteinuria levels is essential during treatment.
Conclusion
Further controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.