Membranous glomerulonephritis

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Membranous glomerulonephritis
Synonyms	Membranous nephropathy
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Proteinuria, edema, hypertension, hyperlipidemia
Complications	Chronic kidney disease, thromboembolism, infection
Onset	Typically in adults, but can occur at any age
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Autoimmune disease, infections, medications, cancer
Risks	Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, systemic lupus erythematosus, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Diagnosis	Urinalysis, blood test, kidney biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, minimal change disease, diabetic nephropathy
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Immunosuppressive therapy, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable; some cases resolve spontaneously, others progress to end-stage renal disease
Frequency	1 in 100,000 people per year
Deaths	N/A

Membranous nephropathy pathology diagram

Membranous glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that affects the glomeruli (the small blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood). It is characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, which leads to the accumulation of immune complexes and the development of proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine).

Causes

The exact cause of membranous glomerulonephritis is unknown, but it is often associated with other medical conditions such as lupus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and malaria. It can also occur as a secondary condition to cancer, thyroid disease, and exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

Symptoms

Symptoms of membranous glomerulonephritis can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience edema (swelling), proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine), and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of membranous glomerulonephritis is typically made through a combination of urine test, blood test, and kidney biopsy. The biopsy can confirm the presence of the characteristic thickening of the glomerular basement membrane.

Treatment

Treatment for membranous glomerulonephritis is aimed at reducing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This may include medications to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria, as well as dietary changes to limit protein and salt intake. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for membranous glomerulonephritis can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual's overall health. Some people may experience a complete recovery, while others may develop chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease.

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