This is a pilot study of retinoids for patients with unsatisfactory response to conventional
treatment of nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or minimal change
disease, two renal disorders associated with putatively pathogenic malfunctioning of
glomerular podocytes. The hypothesis that retinoids may have reparative effects on these
cells is based on previous research showing that retinoids promote the differentiation or
redifferentiation of aberrant epithelial cells. Results obtained by 6 months of treatment
with retinoids (that have been approved for non-renal indications) will be used as
preliminary information upon which to base further testing of these agents in formal clinical
trials in refractory cases of these nephrotic syndromes.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)