Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Initial Treatments for Lupus Nephritis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of various initial treatments for active lupus nephritis (LN) through a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases from inception to February 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing initial treatments for LN. We performed a frequentist random-effects NMA using the restricted maximum likelihood method to estimate heterogeneity. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

We included 40 RCTs encompassing 5450 patients and 16 interventions (12 drugs administered alone or in combination). Mycophenolic acid analogs (MPAAs) were selected as the common comparat

SUBMITTER: Izcovich A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446940 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature