Dense deposit disease and the factor H H402 allele

Abstract

Herein, we describe the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented with a nephritic nephrotic syndrome. His laboratory investigation was significant for a persistently low serum complement 3 level. A renal biopsy was performed, based on which, he was diagnosed with dense deposit disease/membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II (DDD/MPGN II). He was treated with alternate-day oral corticosteroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and tacrolimus. Factor H mutational analysis showed the Y402H and I62V allele polymorphisms. The purpose of our report is to discuss the association of the H402 allele variant of factor H with the DDD/MPGN II phenotype and its possible therapeutic implications. © 2008 Japanese Society of Nephrology.