A steroid used to treat a kidney disease, common in India, itself causes unacceptable levels of infections among patients, a new study has found and stressed the need to change the existing treatment guidelines. The study conducted by the George Institute for Global Health found that treatment with pills of methylprednisolone is linked to a large increase in the risk of serious adverse effects such as infections, gastrointestinal and bone disorders among patients with IgA nephropathy and those having excess protein in their urine. IgA nephropathy is a kidney disease that occurs when the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) gets deposited in the kidneys.
"Up to 30 per cent of all people with IgA nephropathy will eventually develop end-stage kidney disease. Decreased kidney function, persistent proteinuria, and hypertension are the strongest risk factors," said Executive Director - GIGH India.…
