It has been reported that for urinary protein excretion that is persistently more than 1g/24h and eGFR>50ml/min/1.73m2 in IgA nephropathy(IgAN), the KDIGO guidelines suggest a 6-month course of glucocorticoids. The famous study by Pozzi C has proved that for patients of IgAN with proteinuria of 1.0-3.5g/24h and serum creatinine concentrations of 133 umol/L or less, a 6-month course of steroid treatment(1g/d methylprednisolone intravenously for 3 consecutive days, with the course repeated 2 months and 4 months later,then oral prednisone 0.5mg/kg/d on alternate days for 6 months) could significantly reduce proteinuria and protect against renal function deterioration in IgAN. However, according to Oxford classification, crescents in IgAN would effect the prognosis.This will be a prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center study. Patients in treatment group will receive 0.5g/d methylprednisolone intravenously for 3 consecutive days in the 1st-2nd-3rd month ,then oral prednisone 0.5mg/kg/d on alternate days. Patients in control group will receive 0.5g/d methylprednisolone intravenously for 3 consecutive days in the 1st-3rd-5th month ,then oral prednisone 0.5mg/kg/d on alternate days. After followed-up for 6 months, the curative effect of steroid therapy on proteinuria and the progression of IgAN will be evaluated.
This prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center clinical trial will evaluate the effect and security of steroids therapy for patients of IgA nephropathy with crescents.