MESANGIAL PROLIFERATIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (1) , 21-29
Abstract
Cases of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis whose kidney biopsies were studied with light, immunofluorescent, and EM were described. Of the 11 patients, 9 presented with nephrotic syndrome, 1 with proteinuria and hematuria, and 1 with proteinuria alone. Morphologically mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was characterized by diffuse mesangial cell proliferation and some increase in mesangial matrix. On immunofluorescence, mesangial Ig[immunoglobulin]M deposition was observed in all cases and was considered a distinct feature of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. EM showed electron-dense granular deposits within the mesangial matrix in 4 cases. The clinical course was variable. Of the 8 cases with nephrotic syndrome, 4 treated with steroids alone and 4 treated with steroids and cytotoxic drugs, 1 in each group achieved remission while the remaining patients continued to have steroid dependency or resistance. Of these latter patients, 2 manifested steroid responsiveness, steroid resistance, and spontaneous remission at different times in their courses. Renal function remained normal in all. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is an entity characterized by increased mesangial cellularity, deposition of IgM in a mesangial distribution, a relatively benign course, and variable response to treatment.

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