HCV-associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne and sexually transmitted single-stranded RNA flavivirus that causes a broad spectrum of liver disease, ranging from acute to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The worldwide prevalence of HCV positivity is highly variable. Hepatitis C infection is associated with a wide variety of renal diseases but the most common pattern of renal injury is Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (>50% of cases). This chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory manifestations, pathology, and differential diagnosis of HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic. Therapeutic approaches to the management of patients with nephritic, nephritic, and vasculitic manifestations are also briefly considered.