Figure 4.

Changes in PLA₂R antibody levels and proteinuria after immunosuppressive therapy with all three treatment protocols (calcineurin inhibitors [CNI], alkylating agents [Alk], rituximab [RTX]) in patients treated with only one treatment regime. Data are presented as the relation of PLA₂R antibody levels or proteinuria at the given time point (3, 6, 9, or 12 months) to the time of start of immunosuppression (Time 0). Data are presented for patients treated with calcineurin inhibitors, alkylating agents, or rituximab, in whom immunosuppressive therapy is not changed throughout the study follow-up and for whom both PLA₂R antibody levels and proteinuria for the given time points are available. There is no significant difference in the decrease in PLA₂R antibody levels and in the decrease in proteinuria between the three treatment groups. The decrease of PLA₂R antibody levels is more rapid and is followed by the decrease in proteinuria. The average dosage of cyclosporine A is 187±98 mg/d at 3 months, 203±88 mg/d at 6 months, 197±81 mg/d at 9 months, and 185±67 mg/d at 12 months. The average cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide is 6.6±5.9 g at 3 months, 15.0±12.5 g at 6 months, 17.3±18.8 g at 9 months, and 31.9±33.5 g at 12 months. Patients receive on average 1.6±1.0 g rituximab. Time 0 shows data at the time of the start of immunosuppression. N gives the number of patients for which data are available for the times of follow-up.