Reanalysis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis patients according to the new classification: a multicenter study

• Published in: Kidney research and clinical practice Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 187 - 191
• Main Authors: Sung Ae Woo, Hye Young Ju, Soon Hyo Kwon, Ji Hye Lee, Soo Jeong Choi, Dong Cheol Han, Seung Duk Hwang, Sae Yong Hong, So Young Jin, Hyo Wook Gil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한신장학회 31.12.2014
• Subjects: Complement C3; Incidence; Membranous glomerulonephritis
• ISSN: 2211-9132

Background: All types of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) areprogressive diseases with poor prognoses. Recently, a newly proposed classificationof these diseases separated them into immune complex- and complementmediateddiseases. We investigated the frequency of C3 glomerulonephritis amongpreviously diagnosed MPGN patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with MPGN atthree tertiary care institutions between 2001 and 2010. We investigated theincidence of complement-mediated disease among patients diagnosed with MPGN. Progressive renal dysfunction was defined as a 50% reduction in the glomerularfiltration rate or the need for renal replacement therapy. Results: Among the 3,294 renal biopsy patients, 77 (2.3%) were diagnosed withMPGN; 31 cases were excluded, of which seven were diagnosed with systemic lupusnephritis, and the others were not followed for a minimum of 12 months afterbiopsy. Based on the new classification, complement-mediated MPGN was diagnosedin two patients (4.3%); only one patient developed progressive renaldysfunction. Among the immune complex-mediated MPGN patients, 17 patientsdeveloped progressive renal dysfunction. Serum albumin and creatinine levels atthe time of MPGN diagnosis were risk factors of renal deterioration, after adjustingfor low C3 levels and nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion: Complement-mediated glomerulonephritis was present in 4.3% ofpatients previously diagnosed with MPGN.