genitourinary disorders
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis
Key Points
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a pattern of glomerular injury with characteristic findings on light microscopy, including hypercellularity and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Patients most often present with nephrotic syndrome, but they may present with nephritic syndrome. Confirm the diagnosis with renal biopsy and obtain serum complement (C3, C4) and additional tests to classify MPGN as immune complex/monoclonal immunoglobulin-mediated MPGN, complement-mediated MPGN, or MPGN without immunoglobulin or complement deposition. Test for underlying diseases based on clinical presentation and specific type of MPGN. Treat nephrotic range proteinuria with corticosteroids and consider immunosuppressants depending upon progression of renal dysfunction; target additional therapy at any specific underlying disease. 