Minimal change nephrotic syndrome after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

We describe a 24-year-old man who developed minimal change nephrotic syndrome after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). One year after undergoing allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), this patient presented with proteinuria. He also presented with skin and lip lesions considered to be chronic graft-versus host disease. Observation of renal biopsy specimens by light microscopy revealed minor glomerular abnormalities. However, electron microscopy disclosed focal mesangial interposition, irregular thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and subendothelial loosening. Two years after HSCT, the patient developed nephrotic syndrome. Long use of cyclosporine improved the proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia within 12 months.