The beneficial effect of adding belimumab in severe and refractory IgA nephropathy: a case report

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common primary glomerular diseases worldwide and is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. It lacks recommended treatment in refractory IgAN after conventional therapy. Belimumab, a recombinant human IgG-1λ monoclonal antibody that inhibits the B lymphocyte stimulator, is recommended to treat active lupus nephritis. This report presents a case of a child with severe and refractory IgAN who showed kidney response after belimumab addition combined with conventional therapy. The therapy result was accompanied by decreased plasma cells in peripheral blood. It is the first case showing the benefits of adding belimumab to other immunosuppressive regimens.