Membranous nephropathy: A review on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

摘要: In adults, membranous nephropathy (MN) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome. However, the etiology approximately 75% MN cases idiopathic. Secondary causes are autoimmune diseases, infection, drugs, and malignancy. The pathogenesis involves formation immune complex in subepithelial sites, but definite mechanism still unknown. There three hypotheses about complex, including preformed situ immune-complex formation, autoantibody against podocyte membrane antigen. initiates complement activation, which subsequently leads to glomerular damage. Recently, antiphospholipase A2 receptor antibody was found be associated with idiopathic MN. This finding may useful diagnosis prognosis current treatment includes best supportive care, consists use angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II blockers, lipid-lowering agents, optimal control blood pressure. Immunosuppressive agents should used for patients who suffer from refractory proteinuria or complications Existing evidence supports combination steroid alkylating agents. article reviews epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis,