Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: The present meta-analysis was to explore the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in IgA nephropathy patients in terms of proteinuria. METHOD: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for studies that compared HCQ and other treatments to reduce proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy up to June 2021. Mean ± SD of percentage change and level of proteinuria was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 5 studies with 587 participants were included. IgA nephropathy patients who received HCQ were at a lower level of mean proteinuria at 6 months. However, there was no statistical difference between HCQ and control group considering percentage reduction in proteinuria. The long-term therapeutic effect of HCQ might be inferior to HCQ and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition. CONCLUSION: HCQ might play a role in the reduction of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy patients. The addition of HCQ to other immunosuppressive agents should be clarified further.