Analysis of tiopronin-induced nephrotic syndrome

Objective: To describe the clinical course and management of tiopronin-induced nephrotic syndrome,and provide reference for the safe use of tiopronin.Methods: Nephrotic syndrome cases induced by tiopronin were collected and analyzed in respect of the distribution of gender and age,occurrence time,the primary diseases,renal pathology.The two patients with tiopronin treated in our hospital were reviewed too.Results: There were 29 cases reported from 1978 to 2011,including 16 male and 13 female.Fourteen cases(48.27%) were treated for 1 month to 2 years with tiopronin.Renal biopsy was performed in 9 cases,six cases were membranous nephropathy.The two cases in our hospital were 62 years old women and 76 years man.After 9-11 weeks treatment of tiopronin,nephrotic syndrome occurred.The nephrotic syndrome remissed in 1-2 month after tiopronin withdrawal.There was glomerular minor lesion in one patient in our hospital.Conclusion: Long-time application of tiopronin can induce nephrotic syndrome.Weekly urine checks should be proposed in patients treated with tiopronin.