Membranous nephropathy in children

Abstract

Membranous nephropathy (MN), also known as membranous glomerulonephritis, is a pathologic condition associated with an immune complex deposition within the glomerulus resulting in glomerular dysfunction. Clinical manifestations of MN include proteinuria, hematuria, overt nephrotic syndrome, and in some cases renal dysfunction. In adults, MN is the most common primary glomerulopathy associated with the nephrotic syndrome, accounting for approximately 25–35 % of adults diagnosed with this condition [1–3]. In children, MN may present as the nephrotic syndrome or as asymptomatic proteinuria and is considered to a much less common condition than that seen in adults [4, 5]. MN may be idiopathic or secondary to infections, autoimmune diseases, or medications. Recent breakthrough discoveries regarding the pathogenesis of idiopathic MN have reenergized the field and should aid clinicians going forward with regard to developing novel means to monitor and treat patients with membranous nephropathy [6–8].