Membranous nephropathy is a kidney disorder that leads to changes and
inflammation of the structures inside the kidney that help filter wastes and
fluids. The inflammation may lead to problems with kidney function.
The disorder occurs in about 2 out of every 10,000 people. It may occur at
any age, but is more common after age 40.
What are the symptoms?
The most noticeable symptom of MN is often edema, or swelling, which can be
serious. This typically starts in the feet and legs. But it can move into the
hips and abdomen as well. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and a tendency to form blood clots.
Protein levels can be measured in a urine sample. Kidney function can be
calculated from a blood test alone or measured more directly using a 24-hour
urine collection. MN can cause protein in the urine alone. It can also cause
protein in the urine and kidney failure together. Therefore, both must be
assessed by your doctor.
None of the above symptoms or even all of them together, is specific for MCD.
If you or your doctor are concerned about MN, the only way to know for sure is
to have a kidney biopsy.
Glomerulonephritis?
The symptoms of MGN are different for each person. You may have no symptoms
at all. If symptoms develop, they typically include the following:
swelling (edema) in the hands, feet, or face
fatigue
foamy urine
excessive need to urinate at night
weight gain
poor appetite
MGN causes damage to your kidney, and that results in protein being filtered
from the blood and into your urine. Because protein is needed by the body, a
lack of protein leads to water retention and swelling.
How Is Membranous Glomerulonephritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of MGN is made by your doctor. If you have symptoms of MGN such as
swelling, your doctor may order a urinalysis. This test will show if you have
protein in your urine. Other tests may also be ordered to confirm diagnosis
including:
blood and urine albumin tests
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
creatinine blood
creatinine clearance
lipid panel
blood and urine protein
If these tests indicate the presence of MGN, your doctor may also order a
kidney biopsy. This procedure will require your doctor to obtain a small sample
of kidney tissue. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The
results of this test will help confirm your diagnosis.
Glomerulonephritis?
The symptoms of MGN are different for each person. You may have no symptoms
at all. If symptoms develop, they typically include the following:
swelling (edema) in the hands, feet, or face
fatigue
foamy urine
excessive need to urinate at night
weight gain
poor appetite
MGN causes damage to your kidney, and that results in protein being filtered
from the blood and into your urine. Because protein is needed by the body, a
lack of protein leads to water retention and swelling.
How Is Membranous Glomerulonephritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of MGN is made by your doctor. If you have symptoms of MGN such as
swelling, your doctor may order a urinalysis. This test will show if you have
protein in your urine. Other tests may also be ordered to confirm diagnosis
including:
blood and urine albumin tests
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
creatinine blood
creatinine clearance
lipid panel
blood and urine protein
If these tests indicate the presence of MGN, your doctor may also order a
kidney biopsy. This procedure will require your doctor to obtain a small sample
of kidney tissue. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What are my chances of getting better?
Up to 40% of patients diagnosed with MN undergo a spontaneous remission
within 5 years, even without therapy. These patients do not necessarily stay in
remission, however. On average, 20 years after diagnosis, 1/3 of patients will
be in complete remission, and 1/3 will have progressed to end-stage renal
disease and need dialysis. Another 1/3 will be somewhere in the middle. Those
people that initially have more than a gram of protein in their urine per day
for more than six months tend to do worse. Their renal function often declines
regardless of therapy.
Kidney Transplant in Membranous Nephropathy
Unfortunately, many patients diagnosed with MN will eventually progress to
kidney failure. Fortunately, kidney transplant is a treatment option for these
patients.
For some general information about kidney transplant, click here.
