The Nephrotic Syndrome Due to Pre-eclamptic Nephropathy

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Abstract
A case of a young primigravida who developed severe pre-eclampsia during the 26th week of pregnancy followed by the nephrotic syndrome is reported. An 84% reduction in glomerular filtration rate was found and a renal biopsy revealed severe preeclamptic nephropathy. Serial renal function studies demonstrated a return to normal levels by 1 year postpartum. Serial renal biopsies revealed the slow disappearence of glomerular abnormalities but the persistence of slight medial hypertrophy and intimal thickening of small arteries. The renal functional and histologic changes of pre-eclampsia are discussed. This case is the second instance in which a patient with clearly documented pre-eclamptic nephropathy developed classic features of the nephrotic syndrome.