Ponticelli regimen for idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Abstract

Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy is common glomerular disease in adults and occurs world wide. Various treatment protocols including high dose alternate day steroids, cyclophosphamide had been used with varying success rates. The ponticelli regimen has replaced above methods of treatment and today is widely accepted as a successful treatment regimen in Idiopathic Membrane Nephropathy. The treatment regime consists of monthly corticosteroids alternating with chlorambucil (0.2mg per kilogram of body weight per day) for six months. Monthly steroid treatment consists of methyl prednisolone in 1 gram pulses for three days. Followed by oral prednisolone (0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day) for days. Our patient was started on treatment in August 1990 and his clinical course is described. This regimen has not been reported previously in Sri Lanka.