mycophenolic-acid and Glomerulonephritis--Membranoproliferative

Approximately two-third of the cases of the adult nephrotic syndrome is caused by a primary glomerular disease, while the remaining one-third is caused by diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, or amyloidosis. There are two different therapies to treat the syndrome: a general and a special treatment. The general treatment includes administering an appropriate diet (reduced intake of proteins and salt), use of diuretics and lipid-lowering drugs (primarily statins) and initiation of anticoagulant treatment, if required. It is generally necessary to administer angiotensin-convertase-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers as well as initiate a symptomatic treatment to mitigate the loss of special binding-proteins. The special treatment involves the administration of immunosuppressive and cytostatic drugs. This therapy can be initiated only after the evaluation of renal histology and the overall risk status of the patient. Steroids are still the basic immunosuppressive drugs. Their use can be supplemented with other immunosuppressive or cytostatic treatment. In therapy resistant cases, however, new drugs like mycophenolate mofetil or rituximab can also be applied.

Topics: Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Anticoagulants; Antineoplastic Agents; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Dietary Proteins; Diuretics; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrosis, Lipoid; Nephrotic Syndrome; Rituximab

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) represents a heterogeneous group of diseases. The common feature of a membranoproliferative lesion pattern in the kidney biopsy can either be idiopathic/primary or-much more frequently-have a secondary cause. The historical classification into MPGN types I to III has largely been abandoned and replaced in recent years by a pathogenesis-oriented classification. A MPGN with C1q, C3 and/or C4 deposits on light microscopy is referred to as immune complex GN (IC-GN), while a MPGN with dominant C3 deposits is referred to as C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). C3G is further divided into C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and dense deposit disease (DDD). These diagnoses can only be made by a kidney biopsy. Possible causes of MPGN are chronic infections (especially hepatitis B and C, bacterial infections, infections with protozoa), autoimmune diseases (especially lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or malignancies (especially hematological malignancies). Particularly in the case of C3G a comprehensive analysis of the complement system components is strongly recommended. Due to the low incidence and the heterogeneous clinical appearance of MPGN therapeutic decisions must be made individually; an optimal general therapy is unknown, except that supportive treatment as with other glomerular diseases should be optimized. In the case of a secondary MPGN it is generally recommended to treat the potential cause of the MPGN. If significant proteinuria persists and eGFR remains > 30 ml/min/1.73 m. Die membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) repräsentiert eine heterogene Gruppe von Erkrankungen. Das gemeinsame Merkmal eines membranoproliferativen Läsionsmusters in der Histologie der Nierenbiopsie kann sowohl idiopathisch/primär auftreten, als auch – wesentlich häufiger – eine sekundäre Ursache haben. Die historische licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Einteilung in MPGN Typ I bis III wurde weitgehend verlassen und in den letzten Jahren durch eine Pathogenese-orientierte Einteilung ersetzt. Von einer Immunkomplex-GN (IK-GN) spricht man beim Vorliegen einer MPGN mit C1q, C3 und/oder C4 Ablagerungen, während eine MPGN mit dominanten C3-Ablagerungen als C3-Glomerulopathie (C3G) bezeichnet wird. Diese wird wiederum in eine C3-Glomerulonephritis (C3GN) und eine dense-deposit disease (DDD) eingeteilt. Diese Diagnosen können nur durch eine Nierenbiopsie gestellt werden. Mögliche Ursachen für eine MPGN sind chronische Infektionen (v. a. Hepatitis B und C, bakterielle Infektionen, Infektionen mit Protozoen). Autoimmunerkrankungen (v. a. Lupus, rheumatoide Arthritis) oder Malignome (v. a. hämatologische maligne Erkrankungen). Insbesondere im Falle einer C3G wird auch eine umfassende Abklärung des Komplementystems empfohlen. Therapeutische Entscheidungen sind aufgrund der niedrigen Inzidenz und des heterogenen klinischen Erscheinungsbildes einer MPGN individuell zu treffen, eine optimale generelle Therapie ist unbekannt. Im Falle einer identifizierten Ursache einer MPGN wird prinzipiell empfohlen diese zu behandeln, ebenso sollte die supportive Therapie, wie auch bei anderen Glomerulonephritiden optimiert werden. Bei anhaltender signifikanter Proteinurie und einer eGFR > 30 ml/min/1,73 m

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoimmune Diseases; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Mycophenolic Acid

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited, lysosomal storage disoder that involves liver, spleen, lung, bone, bone marrow even central nervous. However, GD associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is seldom reported.. Here we described a case of 35-year-old man suffering from GD with hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, bone destruction, myelofibrosis and MPGN. Renal biopsy revealed MPGN and Gaucher cells presented in the glomeruli capillaries. β-glucosidase activity was 1.95nmol/1 h/mg and gene detection demonstrated that one homozygous pathogenic variant Leu483Pro in GBA. He received the treatment of oral prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil and his ascites and renal outcomes had been significantly improved.. Therapy of prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil may be an optional choice for patients with Gaucher disease who have no opportunity to use enzyme treatment.

Topics: Adult; Ascites; Gaucher Disease; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and renal microangiopathies may manifest similar clinical presentations and histology. Many genetic mutations that cause these diseases have been reported. Studies on mutations in the gene encoding diacylglycerol kinase epsilon identified a novel pathophysiologic mechanism leading to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and/or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Here, we present the different clinical presentations and treatments in 4 family members who carried the same homozygous diacylglycerol kinase epsilon mutation. The first patient (age 5 years, 3 months old at diagnosis) had nephrotic syndrome. The kidney biopsy was membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; partial remission was achieved with cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil treatment. The second patient (age 5 years, 7 months at diagnosis) presented with overlapping atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Remission could not be achieved with cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, and hemodialysis treatment was started. At 10 years from first admission, the patient had end-stage kidney disease, and kidney transplant was performed successfully. The third patient was admitted with the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome at 13 months of age, kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and spontaneous remission developed during followup. He presented with hemolytic uremic syndrome 15 months after the first admission, and dialysis was started. Remission was achieved with plasma infusion and eculizumab treatment. The fourth patient (a 7-month-old boy and brother of patient 3) had no clinical or laboratory findings. All patients had genetic analysis, and mutation in exon 2:c.473G>A(p. W158*) was detected. Our related patients with the same mutation showed different clinical and histological findings. However, we did not observe a clear genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with diacylglycerol kinase epsilon nephropathy, suggesting additional factors mediating phenotypic heterogeneity.

Topics: Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome; Cyclophosphamide; Cyclosporins; Diacylglycerol Kinase; Family; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Homozygote; Humans; Male; Mutation; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrotic Syndrome; Treatment Outcome

C3 glomerulopathy is a form of complement-mediated GN. Immunosuppressive therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of C3 glomerulopathy. Mycophenolate mofetil is an attractive treatment option given its role in the treatment of other complement-mediated diseases and the results of the Spanish Group for the Study of Glomerular Diseases C3 Study. Here, we study the outcomes of patients with C3 glomerulopathy treated with steroids and mycophenolate mofetil.. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients in the C3 glomerulopathy registry at Columbia University and identified patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil for at least 3 months and follow-up for at least 1 year. We studied clinical, histologic, and genetic data for the whole group and compared data for those who achieved complete or partial remission (responders) with those who did not achieve remission (nonresponders). We compared remission with mycophenolate mofetil with remission with other immunosuppressive regimens.. We identified 30 patients who met inclusion criteria. Median age was 25 years old (interquartile range, 18-36), median creatinine was 1.07 mg/dl (interquartile range, 0.79-1.69), and median proteinuria was 3200 mg/g creatinine (interquartile range, 1720-6759). The median follow-up time was 32 months (interquartile range, 21-68). Twenty (67%) patients were classified as responders. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between responders and nonresponders, although initial proteinuria was lower (median 2468 mg/g creatinine) in responders compared with nonresponders (median 5000 mg/g creatinine) and soluble membrane attack complex levels were higher in responders compared with nonresponders. For those tapered off mycophenolate mofetil, relapse rate was 50%. Genome-wide analysis on complement genes was done, and in 12 patients, we found 18 variants predicted to be damaging. None of these variants were previously reported to be pathogenic. Mycophenolate mofetil with steroids outperformed other immunosuppressive regimens.. Among patients who tolerated mycophenolate mofetil, combination therapy with steroids induced remission in 67% of this cohort. Heavier proteinuria at the start of therapy and lower soluble membrane attack complex levels were associated with treatment resistance.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Complement C3; Creatinine; Drug Therapy, Combination; Exome Sequencing; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone; Proteinuria; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by multiple organ system involvement, including renal disease, with low complement levels. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with nonspecific symptoms including fatigue, diarrhea, macular rash and abdominal pain with acute renal failure leading to end-stage kidney disease. Laboratory results showed hematuria, nephrotic range proteinuria, worsening creatinine and low C1q levels. Left kidney biopsy showed proliferative glomerulonephritis with crescent formation. She was treated with 6 months of intravenous cyclophosphamide, followed by 2 doses of intravenous rituximab (1g each), thereafter maintained on mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoid-based therapy. She experienced a full recovery of renal function after 12 months of dialysis dependence. Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome with crescentic glomerulonephritis is a rare disease with only 5 other reported cases in literature. In our case, we document a delayed but excellent renal recovery during a 2-year follow-up.

Topics: Adult; Complement C1q; Cyclophosphamide; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Hematuria; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Mycophenolic Acid; Proteinuria; Rituximab; Syndrome; Urticaria; Vasculitis

Autoimmune diseases are sometimes associated with immune-mediated renal diseases and cryoglobulinemia is one of the causes. Cryoglobulinemia and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome are most frequent condition among non-hepatitis C virus-related condition. Its typical renal manifestation shows high amount of proteinuria with microscopic hematuria and renal insufficiency. We describe a case of 72-year-old woman with Hashimoto disease, autoimmune hepatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and immune-related pancytopenia complicated by cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. Before kidney biopsy, tubulointerstitial nephritis probably due to Sjögren's syndrome was suspected because of persistent hematuria without significant proteinuria and developing mild renal dysfunction over 6 months. The developing renal dysfunction associated with isolated hematuria is uncommon in glomerular diseases. Kidney biopsy, however, revealed established membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with subendothelial deposits consisting of tubular structures with IgM, IgG, and C3 staining. Corticosteroids plus mycophenolate mofetil therapy successfully normalized renal function. Physician should not overlook cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, which is potentially poor prognosis, even if urinalysis shows only persistent isolated hematuria in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Autoimmune Diseases; Cryoglobulinemia; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Hashimoto Disease; Hematuria; Hepatitis, Autoimmune; Humans; Kidney; Methylprednisolone; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephritis, Interstitial; Pancytopenia; Renal Insufficiency; Sjogren's Syndrome; Treatment Outcome

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a rare cause of glomerulopathy in children. Recently, a new classification based on immunohistological features has been established. Infections and anomalies in complement-regulating genes, leading to alternative complement pathway activation, are suspected to trigger the disease. Nevertheless, little is known about optimal treatment and outcome in children with immune-complex-MPGN (IC-MPGN) and C3-glomerulopathy (C3G).. The method used is retrospective analysis of clinical, histological, and genetic characteristics of 14 pediatric patients with MPGN in two medical centers.. Mean age of the patients was 10.6 ± 4.5 years. Patients were grouped into C3G (n = 6) and IC-MPGN (n = 8). One patient showed a likely pathogenic variant in the CFHR5 gene. All 10 patients had risk polymorphisms in complement-regulating genes. Most patients were treated with ACE inhibition, steroids, and mycophenolate mofetil. Three patients with C3G received eculizumab. Median follow-up was 2.3 years. After 1 year of disease, three patients (two C3G, one IC-MPGN) reached complete, five patients partial (three IC-MPGN, two C3G), and five patients no remission (four IC-MPGN, one C3G). One patient progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) 6 years after disease onset.. IC-MPGN and C3G are rare disorders in children. Most patients have signs of complement activation associated with risk polymorphisms or likely pathogenic variants in complement-regulating genes. Steroids and mycophenolate mofetil seem to be effective and for some patients, eculizumab might be a treatment option. Outcome is heterogeneous and precise differentiation between IC-MPGN and C3G is still pending.

Topics: Adolescent; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Child; Complement C3; Complement Inactivator Proteins; Complement Pathway, Alternative; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Glomerulus; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Patient Outcome Assessment; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Thrombomodulin; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Adult; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Female; Gingival Diseases; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mycophenolic Acid; Oral Ulcer; Reed-Sternberg Cells; RNA, Viral

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis represent a heterogeneous group of nephropathies. During the last five years, our understanding of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has greatly improved. Animal models and the study of complement genetics led to the dissection of the physiopathology of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, to the individualization of a new entity, C3 glomerulopathy, and to a new classification of these nephropathies. The study of large cohorts has also changed the clinical picture of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis that has been long dominated by the severity of a single type of dense deposits disease. Finally, the rediscovery of complement through the study of the atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome and the availability in clinical practice of complement inhibitors have paved the way for new therapeutic approaches of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Complement C3; Complement C3 Nephritic Factor; Drug Therapy, Combination; Enzyme Inhibitors; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Mycophenolic Acid; Treatment Outcome

Kimura's disease (KD) with renal involvement is a rare disease. Optimal treatments are still not well established. It is necessary to analyze clinicopathological features, treatment responses, and prognosis for improving KD diagnosis and treatment.. Clinicopathological data, treatment responses, and prognosis were collected and analyzed retrospectively.. The patients consisted of 27 males and 2 females, with an average age of 35.5 ± 15.1 (13 - 61) years. 27 exhibited proteinuria ranging from 0.730 to 14.1 g/24 h (5.98 ± 3.40 g/24 h). Hypertension, renal insufficiency (serum creatinine (Scr) > 1.24 mg/dL), and microhematuria occurred in 4 (13.8%), 11 (37.9%), and 13 (44.8%) cases, respectively. Light microscopy (LM) identified mesangium proliferation, minimal change, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), and acute tubular necrosis in 14, 8, 3, 2, 1, and 1 cases, respectively. All were treated with Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), prednisone, leflunomide (LEF), tacrolimus (FK506), myophenolate mofetil (MMF), or renin-angiotensin system blockers (RASI). 26 patients were followed up for 1.60 - 108.7 months (39.6 ± 28.7). After treatments, urinary red blood cells (RBC) decreased in all. The amount of 24-hour urinary protein (24-hUPE) decreased in 24 patients. 22 reached complete remission (CR), 4 partial remissions (PR). The patients who did not relapse were younger than those who relapsed.. KD with renal involvement occurs predominantly among 35 - 50 year old Chinese patients with male predilection. The most common features are proteinuria, hypertension, micro hematuria with minimal change, and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Most were responsive to treatment, but could relapse. Gender, age, and hypertension are associated with KD recurrence. The prognosis is good mostly.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; China; Female; Glomerulonephritis; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Hematuria; Humans; Hypertension; Immunosuppressive Agents; Isoxazoles; Leflunomide; Male; Middle Aged; Mycophenolic Acid; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Prednisone; Prognosis; Proteinuria; Recurrence; Renal Insufficiency; Retrospective Studies; Tacrolimus; Tripterygium; Young Adult

There are very little data available regarding nephrotic syndrome (NS) in elderly (aged ≥65 years) Japanese. The aim of this study was to examine the causes and outcomes of NS in elderly patients who underwent renal biopsies between 2007 and 2010.. From July 2007 to June 2010, all of the elderly (aged ≥65 years) Japanese primary NS patients who underwent native renal biopsies and were registered in the Japan renal biopsy registry (J-RBR; 438 patients including 226 males and 212 females) were identified. From this cohort, 61 patients [28 males and 33 females including 29, 19, 6, 4, and 3 patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), and other conditions, respectively] were registered from the representative multi-centers over all districts of Japan, and analyzed retrospectively. The treatment outcome was assessed using proteinuria-based criteria; i.e., complete remission (CR) was defined as urinary protein level of <0.3 g/day or g/g Cr, and incomplete remission type I (ICR-I) was defined as urinary protein level of <1.0-0.3 g/day or g/g Cr, and renal dysfunction was defined as a serum creatinine (Cr) level of 1.5 times the baseline level.. In this elderly primary NS cohort, MN was the most common histological type of NS (54.8 %), followed by MCNS (19.4 %), FSGS (17.4 %), and MPGN (8.4 %). Of the patients with MN, MCNS, or FSGS, immunosuppressive therapy involving oral prednisolone was performed in 25 MN patients (86.2 %), 18 MCNS patients (94.7 %), and all 6 FSGS patients (100 %). CR was achieved in all 19 (100 %) MCNS patients. In addition, CR and ICR-I were achieved in 16 (55.2 %) and 18 (62.1 %) MN patients and 4 (66.7 %) and 5 (83.3 %) FSGS patients, respectively. There were significant differences in the median time to CR among the MCNS, FSGS, and MN patients (median: 26 vs. 271 vs. 461 days, respectively, p < 0.001), and between the elderly (65-74 years, n = 7) and very elderly (aged ≥75 years, n = 12) MCNS patients (7 vs. 22 days, p = 0.037). Relapse occurred in two (6.9 %) of the MN and nine (47.4 %) of the MCNS patients. Renal dysfunction was observed in five (7.2 %) of the MN patients. Serious complications developed in eight (14.8 %) patients, i.e., two (3.7 %) patients died, four (7.4 %, including three MCNS patients) were hospitalized due to infectious disease, and two (3.7 %) developed malignancies. The initiation of diabetic therapy was necessary in 14 of the 61 patients (23.0 %) with much higher initial steroid dosage.. Renal biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool for elderly Japanese NS patients. In this study, most of elderly primary NS patients respond to immunosuppressive therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. On the other hand, infectious disease is a harmful complication among elderly NS patients, especially those with MCNS. In future, modified clinical guidelines for elderly NS patients should be developed.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Creatinine; Cyclophosphamide; Cyclosporine; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerulonephritis; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Japan; Kidney; Male; Methylprednisolone; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrosis, Lipoid; Nephrotic Syndrome; Prednisolone; Proteinuria; Recurrence; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Ribonucleosides; Treatment Outcome

C3 glomerulopathies (C3G) are characterized by uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway of complement. In most patients these diseases progress towards end-stage renal disease, and the risk of recurrence after renal transplantation is high. In the majority of patients, only antibodies against the C3 convertase, termed C3Nef, can be found as a potential pathogenic factor. Although a large variety of therapeutic approaches have been used, no generally accepted therapy exists.. In four consecutive patients with C3G in whom all known complement factor mutations were excluded and only C3Nef could be identified as a potential cause of disease, a multimodal therapeutic regimen with plasma therapy, corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil was used.. The multimodal regimen achieved normalization of renal function in all four patients, with complete remission in two patients and a distinct reduction of proteinuria in the other two patients. The single patient with C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and marked terminal complement complex elevation only showed partial remission; further improvement was achieved following the addition of eculizumab to the therapeutic regimen. Repeatedly measured C3Nef levels did not correlate with disease course or therapeutic response in any of the patients.. As this multimodal therapeutic approach was effective in all four treated patients with suspected autoimmune etiology of C3G, it offers a treatment option for severely affected patients with this rare disease until more specific regimens are available.

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Complement C3 Nephritic Factor; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mycophenolic Acid; Plasma Exchange

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by chronic urticarial vasculitis, arthralgia, arthritis, and hypocomplementemia. Previously, only six patients with concomitant hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome, Jaccoud's arthropathy, and valvular heart disease have been reported.. A 30-year-old Korean man presented with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. In addition to urticarial cutaneous lesions, he experienced polyarthralgia and arthritis that resulted in progressive deformity of the joints of both hands, cardiac valvulopathy with mitral, tricuspid, and aortic regurgitation, and intermittent neck swelling with laryngeal edema. He also developed nephritis with azotemia. His renal biopsy results revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, type I. He showed a partial response to a combination therapy of steroid, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil.. We describe, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of glomerulonephritis presenting a arthropathy and cardiac valvulopathy in hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. A combination of corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil appear to be a safe and effective treatment for nephropathy, however are less effective for cutaneous vasculitis, cardiac valvulopathy, and arthropathy.

Topics: Adult; Arthralgia; Arthritis; Biopsy; Complement System Proteins; Cyclophosphamide; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Edema; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Urticaria; Vasculitis

A 26-year-old man diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome was administered steroid monotherapy. Urinary protein excretion was 2-3 g/day despite the therapy. Percutaneous renal biopsy revealed Type I idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IMPGN). Although intravenous steroid therapy at the dose of 1,000 mg/day for 3 days was administered, proteinuria persisted at the level of 1 g/day. Renal dysfunction (cystatin C, 1.33 mg/L) was evident. Strong inflammation was suggested by occult blood (3+) and urinary (red blood cells: 30-50/high power field) sediment. We considered steroid monotherapy to be ineffective, and initiated combina-tion therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids. Consequently, urinary protein excretion moderately decreased to 0.34 g/day without adverse events or worsening of the renal function. The steroid quantity could be reduced without relapse. Subsequently, we were able to reduce the dose of MMF gradually, then terminated the medication. IMPGN is a rare disease with a poor renal prognosis. Recently, MMF therapies for IMPGN have been attempted, but there are few cases in Japan. Our case suggests that combination therapy with MMF and steroids is effective and safe for treating IMPGN.

Topics: Adult; Biopsy, Needle; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Kidney; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrotic Syndrome; Proteinuria; Steroids; Treatment Outcome

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3GN) is a newly proposed subcategory of glomerular disease with features including membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), C3-dominant immunofluorescent staining without appreciable immunoglobulin deposition, and electron-dense deposits. Aberrations of alternative complement pathway (AP) have been found in many C3GN patients.. A 13-year-old boy presented with edema in association with an upper respiratory infection. Studies demonstrated nephrotic syndrome with hematuria and markedly low C3 and C4. Initial renal biopsy showed MPGN with strong C3 and immunoglobulin deposition. The patient partially responded to immunosuppression. Follow-up biopsies at 10 months and 3 years demonstrated MPGN with strong C3, with little to no immunoglobulin deposition. Based on this and elevated SC5b-9, treatment was changed to eculizumab with further decrease in proteinuria.. Serial biopsies illustrated marked variability in immunoglobulin deposition in MPGN with persistently strong C3 deposition. Whether this evolution was related to the course of disease or to therapeutic intervention, the pathologic progression documented in this series of biopsies challenges the newly proposed subcategories of MPGN.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biopsy; Complement C3; Creatinine; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Male; Methylprednisolone; Microscopy, Electron; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone; Proteinuria; Staphylococcal Infections

IgA nephropathy, one of the most frequent forms of glomerulonephritis, characterized by mesangial hypercellularity and glomerular extracellular matrix (ECM) expansion, often leads to end-stage renal disease over a prolonged period. We investigated whether antiproliferative treatment in a single low dose specifically targeted to the glomerular mesangium by immunoliposomes (ILs) results in an amelioration of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in rats (anti-Thy1.1 nephritis). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) containing ILs was generated that targets the Thy1.1 antigen (OX-7) in rat mesangial cells. Treatment benefit of a single intravenous dose of these ILs given 2 days after disease induction was investigated by stereology, immunohistochemistry, and functional analyses (creatinine, albuminuria) until day +9 and was compared among untreated and free MMF-treated rats using six male Wistar rats per group. MMF-loaded OX7-IL prevented creatinine increase and albuminuria. Stereological analyses of MMF OX7-IL-treated animals yielded 30% reduction of mesangial cells on day +9 and a 40% reduction of glomerular ECM volume on day +5, compared with all of the other nephritic animals. Furthermore, at days +5 and +9 we observed decreased ECM content and decreased glomerular volume (day +5) in the MMF-OX7-IL-treated group compared with the nephritic group treated with free MMF. In conclusion, MMF-OX7-IL-based directed drug delivery represents a novel approach for treating mesangial cell-mediated forms of glomerulonephritis.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Apoptosis; Biotinylation; Coloring Agents; Drug Carriers; Extracellular Matrix; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Liposomes; Male; Methacrylates; Microscopy, Electron; Mycophenolic Acid; Paraffin Embedding; Polyethylene Glycols; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thy-1 Antigens; Tissue Embedding; Tolonium Chloride

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with Type II cryoglobulinemia is the predominant type of HCV-related glomerulonephritis. Immunosuppressive and anti-viral therapy is alternately used to treat it, but the results are not always satisfactory or lasting. In this paper we report 3 cases of cryoglobulinemic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, treated with different and personalized therapeutic approaches by using conventional therapy and new drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. Our case series report emphasizes the importance of choosing the treatment for each patient, taking into account many factors: age, severity of liver and renal involvement, extra-renal manifestations, any previous treatment, contraindications or adverse events and last but not least the balance between immunosuppression and virus activity.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antiviral Agents; Biphenyl Compounds; Cryoglobulinemia; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha; Irbesartan; Male; Middle Aged; Mycophenolic Acid; Polyethylene Glycols; Recombinant Proteins; Ribavirin; Rituximab; Tetrazoles

To observe the efficacy of the combination therapy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and glucocorticoids on steroid-resistant idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IMPGN) with moderate to heavy proteinuria.. 13 cases were diagnosed as IMPGN by renal biopsy after excluding secondary etiology. 9 patients had heavy proteinuria and another 4 with moderate proteinuria, 9 with hypertension and 11 with decreased renal function. Before MMF therapy, all of them were resistant to treatment of glucocorticoid (prednisone 1 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks or more. The initial dose of MMF was 1.5 g/d. Patients were followed up every month, including blood pressure, urine protein excretion, liver and kidney function, complete blood count, and adverse events recorded.. At the initiation, the 24-h urine protein excretion was 4.1 +/- 1.4 g, serum creatinine (Scr) 131.0 +/- 44.9 mmol/l, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 63.3 +/- 26.8 ml/min/1.73 m(2). After prednisone therapy for at least 2 months, the 24-h urine protein excretion and eGFR did not change significantly (p > 0.05). After 3 months of the addition of MMF, 24-h urine protein excretion decreased slightly to 3.8 +/- 1.2 g (p < 0.05),Scr decreased to 127.3 +/- 43.7 micromol/l and eGFR elevated to 65.7 +/- 26.8 ml/min/1.73 m(2), (p < 0.05); after 6 months, 24-h urine protein excretion decreased more significantly (2.5 +/- 0.9 g, p < 0.01), with improved kidney function (Scr 97.2 +/- 27.3 mmol/l and eGFR 81.3 +/- 24.2 ml/min/1.73 m(2), p < 0.01); compared with that before MMF treatment. After 12 months, 24-h urine protein excretion decreased further (1.5 +/- 0.6g, p < 0.01) with kidney function remained stable (Scr 95.9 +/- 22.5 micromol/l and eGFR 81.2 +/- 23.8 ml/min/1.73 m(2)).. MMF combined with glucosteroids could effectively decrease proteinuria and improve renal function on steroid-resistant IMPGN. Further study with a large sample is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in the treatment of IMPGN.

Topics: Adult; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone; Prospective Studies; Proteinuria; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Acute antibody mediated rejection (AMR) is rarely reported as a long-term com-plication of renal transplantation, and it can present on top of another chronic pathology affecting the graft. A 45-year-old gentleman with chronic kidney disease due to unknown etiology received renal transplantation from his sister with 4 HLA mismatches. He received antithymocte globulin induction therapy and was maintained on steroids, azathioprine (AZA) and cyclosporine A (CsA). Up to eight years post-transplantation he was clinically and biochemically stable. He lost follow-up for about one year, and then presented with nephritic nephrotic syndrome and rise of serum creatinine (SCr.) to 210 μmol/L. Graft biopsy revealed picture suggestive of acute AMR on top of de novo membranoprolipherative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) with focal crescent formation, diffuse immune complex deposition and peritubular capillaries C4d positivity. Anti-HLA donor specific antibodies were highly positive for B and T cells class I and class II. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange and anti-CD20 (rituximab). AZA was changed to mycophenolate mofetil and CsA to tacrolimus. He had partial response, but SCr. continued at 220 μmol/L.

Topics: Acute Disease; Antibodies; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Graft Rejection; Histocompatibility Testing; HLA Antigens; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Living Donors; Male; Middle Aged; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrotic Syndrome; Plasmapheresis; Rituximab; Tacrolimus; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Very few studies have been published on how to treat children with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I (MPGN I), and as yet there is only one report on the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in children with MPGN I. We report a 12-year-old boy who presented with edema, hypertension, nephrotic range proteinuria, and microscopic hematuria following an upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory tests revealed a serum creatinine of 90 micromol/l, albumin of 20 g/l, and a C3 of 0.11 g/l (normal range: 0.7-1.4). Renal biopsy showed the presence of MPGN I. Upon failure to induce remission with prednisone, we started the patient on MMF at 500 mg/day (300 mg/m(2)), increasing up to a final dose of 2 g/day (1200 mg/m(2)), with a MMF metabolite mycophenolic acid (MPA) target range of 2-5 mg/l. Prednisone was subsequently reduced to alternate day therapy and gradually weaned to 7.5 mg on alternate days over 9 months. Within 4 months of starting MMF therapy, there was significant improvement in serum creatinine (decrease from 156 to 64 micromol/l), serum albumin (increase from 23 to 40 g/l), and proteinuria (decrease from 13 g/day to 40 mg/day). Twelve months following the introduction of MMF into his therapeutic regimen, he remains in remission with no further relapses. In summary, this case suggests that there may be potential benefit for use of MMF in children with refractory MPGN I, which supports the rationale for prospectively evaluating MMF treatment in a treatment trial of refractory MPGN I.

Topics: Child; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone

C1q nephropathy (C1qN) is an uncommon disorder seen in children and adults with nephrotic syndrome and non-specific urinary findings. It has been described with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), focal segmental glomerulonephritis and isolated mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. We describe nine children with MCNS and mesangial C1q deposition. These children had a median age of 2.7 years at diagnosis (range 1.3-15 years), 56% were male and 78% were Hispanic. We compared these children to concurrent patients with nephrotic syndrome and biopsy-proven MCNS. We found that the C1qN patients were more likely than MCNS children to require chronic immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors or mycophenolate mofetil to maintain remission. However, all children were able to achieve and sustain clinical remission of nephrotic syndrome. Children with C1qN and minimal change histology have an increased frequency of frequently relapsing and steroid-unresponsive disease, but they can attain prolonged remission and stable renal function with calcineurin inhibitor or mycophenolate mofetil therapy.

Topics: Adolescent; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Complement C1q; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Nephrosis, Lipoid; Prednisolone; Retrospective Studies

Topics: Adolescent; Cyclosporine; Drug Resistance; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisolone

The response of mesangial cells to a phlogistic challenge includes cell proliferation and mesangial matrix expansion. Cell proliferation is a highly regulated process which includes enhancing factors such as cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, and inhibitory proteins, such as p27(kip1). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and roscovitine (R), on the cell cycle regulatory system when administered in the florid phase of the experimental model of mesangial proliferative nephritis induced by the anti Thy-1 antigen monoclonal antibody. Three days after nephritis induction, different groups were given MMF and R. Rats treated with MMF or R showed a slight decrease in mesangial proliferation and matrix expansion. Samples of cortical tissue were tested by 'real time' RT-PCR in order to study gene expression of cyclins B, D1, D2, D3, E, and the cyclin inhibitor p27(kip1). Localization of mRNA was evaluated by in situ hybridization. Real time RT-PCR analysis showed a significant decrease in cyclins B, D1, D2, and D3 in rats treated with either MMF or R as compared to controls. Both MMF and R treatment induced a significant increase in p27(kip1) mRNA expression. In situ hybridization showed a mesangial-endothelial expression pattern in glomeruli. The number of labelled cells per glomerulus, the number of positive glomeruli in each examined slide as well as cyclin D2 and D3 signal intensity was significantly lower in rats treated with MMF or R as compared to controls, whereas MMF or R treatment up-regulated p27(kip1) mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical evaluation of p27(kip1) aimed to examine the influence of MMF or R on protein expression confirmed up-regulation.

Topics: Animals; Cell Cycle Proteins; Cyclin B; Cyclin D; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27; Cyclins; Glomerular Mesangium; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Male; Models, Animal; Mycophenolic Acid; Purines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Roscovitine; Th1 Cells; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Adult; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Virus Activation

We studied the effects of mycophenolate mofetil, a specific inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, on the mercuric chloride induced autoimmune glomerulonephritis in Brown Norway rats and also on the renal contents of adrenomedullin. In the rats with autoimmune glomerulonephritis, plasma and renal tissue adrenomedullin levels were increased significantly. Coadministration of mycophenolate mofetil resulted in prevention of autoimmune glomerulonephritis and also in maintaining of plasma and renal tissue adrenomedullin levels at control levels. Adrenomedullin mRNA expressions in the renal cortex were also higher in the rats with autoimmune glomerulonephritis. Significant positive correlations were found between renal cortical adrenomedullin levels and urinary Na+ and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase excretion. A significant negative correlation between renal cortical adrenomedullin levels and creatinine clearance was also found. These results suggest that mycophenolate mofetil suppresses the renal damage in rats with autoimmune glomerulonephritis and renal adrenomedullin may participate in the pathophysiology of autoimmune glomerulonephritis.

Topics: Adrenomedullin; Animals; Blotting, Northern; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Immunosuppressive Agents; IMP Dehydrogenase; Kidney; Male; Mercuric Chloride; Mycophenolic Acid; Peptides; Proteinuria; Purines; Radioimmunoassay; Rats; Rats, Inbred BN

Treatment of adults with idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IMPGN) is often unrewarding with approximately 60% of patients progressing to end-stage renal failure within 10 years. Although children with IMPGN may respond to steroid therapy, there is no significant benefit to treating adult IMPGN patients with immunosuppression.. Outcome measures in five patients with IMPGN who were treated with oral prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (treatment group) were compared with six patients with IMPGN who did not receive immunosuppression (control group).. There was no significant difference between either group in baseline clinical characteristics or systolic and diastolic blood pressure during observation. In the treatment group, there was a significant reduction in proteinuria from a baseline of 5.09 to 1.97 g/24 h (P = 0.003) at 6 months, 1.96 g/24 h (P = 0.003) at 12 months and 2.59 g/24 h (P = 0.015) at 18 months. There was no significant change in proteinuria over 18 months in the control group. Serum creatinine concentration and creatinine clearance did not change significantly over 18 months in the treatment group. In the control group, there were significant changes in serum creatinine and creatinine clearance over 18 months [baseline 103 to 159 micromol/l (P = 0.004) and baseline 108 to 67 ml/min (P > 0.001), respectively] when compared to baseline, although the differences were not significant when the two groups were compared directly.. This preliminary study suggests that in the short term, the combination of MMF and prednisolone can significantly reduce proteinuria and may preserve renal function in patients with IMPGN.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Creatinine; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Proteinuria; Retrospective Studies; Serum Albumin; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chronic Disease; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Mycophenolic Acid

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Humans; Mycophenolic Acid

To report the first known case of bilateral scleritis in a patient with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis.. Interventional case report.. Medical and ophthalmic history, results of physical and ophthalmic examinations, laboratory data, and histologic and immunopathologic examination were reviewed and results recorded.. A 67-year-old man who presented with eye redness and pain, rash, arthralgia, and malaise was found to have hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. Treatment with high-dose oral corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil resulted in the resolution of the rash and scleritis.. Ocular involvement may be a helpful clue in the diagnosis of this uncommon syndrome.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Complement C3; Complement C4; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Male; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisone; Scleritis; Urticaria