Use of Repository Corticotropin Gel (Acthar) in Progressive Nephrotic Syndrome Secondary to Transplant Glomerulopathy: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Transplant glomerulopathy is a feared complication of kidney transplantation, often resulting in rapid loss of kidney function and ultimate graft failure. The underlying cause is unclear, with both antibody and cell-mediated immune mechanisms postulated, as well as intrinsic glomerular factors. At the present time, there is no known therapy. We report here 3 cases in which corticotropin gel (Acthar) was used with varying response of proteinuria and stabilization of graft function with continued graft survival as long as 10 years following the diagnosis. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to examine the efficacy and safety of ACTH gel therapy in nephrotic patients with transplant glomerulopathy. Index Words: Transplant glomerulopathy, adrenocorticotropic hormone gel (ACTHAR), kidney transplant, nephrotic syndrome