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Elevated migration inhibitory factor levels linked with proteinuria in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis
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Among children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, elevated urinary macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels were linked with proteinuria, according to a recently published study.
Investigators assessed urinary macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in 35 children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and in 41 children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura without nephritis (HSP). In addition, they looked at a control group of 32 healthy children.
Researchers found MIF levels were higher in children with HSPN compared with children with HSP and the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the HSP group and the control group. In addition, MIF concentration was higher among children with HSPN who were examined before steroid treatment compared with those who were examined after steroid treatment. Among patients with HSPN, MIF was linked with urinary microalbumin and 24-hour proteinuria; however, there was no association with serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen.
“Therefore, we proposed that urinary MIF measurements should become an optional method for providing valuable information not only for the early diagnosis of HSPN but also for the evaluation of therapy outcomes,” the researchers wrote. “The MIF may act as a motivator to search for new therapeutic strategies, such as anti-MIF treatment.” – by Will Offit
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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