Dataset Information

Association Between Tonsillectomy and Outcomes in Patients With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide; previous methods of medical management, including use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and corticosteroids, remain unproven in clinical trials.

Objective

To investigate the possible association between tonsillectomy and outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Design, setting, and participants

This cohort study included 1065 patients with IgA nephropathy enrolled between 2002 and 2004 and divided into 2 groups, those who underwent tonsillectomy and those who did not. Initial treatments (renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or corticosteroids) within 1 year after renal biopsy were also evaluated. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to account for between-group differences and 153 matched pairs were obtained. Follow-up concluded January 31, 2014. Analysis was conducted between September 11, 2017, and July 31, 2018.

Exposure

Tonsillectomy.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome was the first occurrence of a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine level from baseline or dialysis initiation. Secondary outcomes included additional therapy with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or corticosteroids initiated 1 year after renal biopsy and adverse events.

Results

In 1065 patients (49.8% women; median [interquartile range] age, 35 [25-52] years), the mean (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate was 76.6 (28.9) mL/min/1.73 m2 and the median (interquartile range) proteinuria was 0.68 (0.29-1.30) g per day. In all, 252 patients (23.7%) underwent tonsillectomy within 1 year after renal biopsy and 813 patients (76.3%) did not undergo tonsillectomy. The primary outcome was reached by 129 patients (12.1%) during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 5.8 (1.9-8.5) years. In matching analysis, tonsillectomy was associated with primary outcome reduction (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.77; P = .009). In subgroup analyses, benefit associated with tonsillectomy was not modified by baseline characteristic differences. Those undergoing tonsillectomy required fewer additional therapies 1 year following renal biopsy (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.63; P < .001) without increased risks for adverse events, except transient tonsillectomy-related complications.

Conclusions and relevance

This study found that tonsillectomy was associated with a lower risk of renal outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy. The potential role of tonsillectomy should be considered for preventing end-stage renal disease in patients with IgA nephropathy.

SUBMITTER: Hirano K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6547111 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Rationale & objectiveStudies of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) have suggested the therapeutic benefit of simultaneously adding tonsillectomy to corticosteroid therapy. However, the efficacy of tonsillectomy monotherapy in the absence of simultaneous use of corticosteroids is unclear.Study designPatients with IgAN treated with tonsillectomy monotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical parameters, including kidney function slope, were compared before and after tonsillectomy.Setting & participantsPatients with biopsy-proven IgAN who received tonsillectomy monotherapy at our hospital between 2007 and 2018.Results20 Japanese patients with IgAN were included in this study (mean follow-up period, 135 months from initial biopsy diagnosis to tonsillectomy). All patients had been treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. 17 patients had a history of induction therapy with corticosteroids. Mean time to tonsillectomy from termination of corticosteroid therapy was 84 months. Hematuria, proteinuria, and clinical remission were achieved in 13 of 17 (76%), 10 of 17 (59%), and 8 of 20 (40%) patients at medians of 3.0, 6.0, and 13.5 months, respectively, after tonsillectomy. The slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased significantly during the 81-month observation period, including the periods before and after tonsillectomy (-2.59 vs 1.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year; P < 0.001). The effect on eGFR slope was consistent in 11 patients with reduced GFR (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at the time of tonsillectomy (-3.07 vs -0.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year; P < 0.001).LimitationsSmall sample size. Lack of a control (no-tonsillectomy) group due to the difficulty of setting the baseline time point (which corresponded to tonsillectomy in our sample). Potential exclusion of patients with the most severe disease who are likely to receive corticosteroids. Lack of generalizability to patients in other countries.ConclusionsTonsillectomy monotherapy may prevent kidney function decline in some patients with IgAN with kidney disease that has been progressive despite long-term application of conventional therapies.