Membranous nephropathy

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Membranous nephropathy (pronunciation: mem-bray-nus nef-rop-a-thee) is a kidney disease that affects the glomeruli, the tiny structures in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Etymology

The term "membranous nephropathy" is derived from the Latin membrana, meaning "membrane", and the Greek nephros, meaning "kidney", and -pathy, meaning "disease".

Definition

Membranous nephropathy is a type of glomerular disease (glomerulopathy) that results in the thickening and dysfunction of the kidney's filtering system due to the accumulation of immune complexes within the glomerular basement membrane. This can lead to significant proteinuria, a condition characterized by excessive protein in the urine, and can progress to nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease if left untreated.

Symptoms

The symptoms of membranous nephropathy can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience edema (swelling), particularly in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and weight gain due to fluid retention.

Causes

Membranous nephropathy can be either primary, meaning it occurs on its own, or secondary, meaning it is caused by another condition such as an infection, autoimmune disease, or certain medications. The exact cause of primary membranous nephropathy is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of membranous nephropathy is typically made through a combination of blood and urine tests, imaging studies such as an ultrasound, and a kidney biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for membranous nephropathy focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This may include medications to reduce proteinuria and control blood pressure, dietary changes, and in some cases, immunosuppressive therapy.

See also

External links

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