User:Mr. Ibrahem/Membranous nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy, previously known as membranous glomerulonephritis, is a form of kidney disease that results in foamy urine and swelling. Over decades kidney failure occurs in about 30%. Other complications may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood clots.

In 75% of cases the cause is unknown while in the other 25% of cases it occur as a result of lupus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, certain medications, or cancer. The underlying mechanism involves the build up of IgG and complement C3 in the kidney. It is a type of glomerular disease. Diagnosis may be suspected based on a large amount of protein in the urine and confirmed by kidney biopsy.

How to best treat the condition is unclear. Corticosteroids, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs may be used. Other recommended measures may include a low salt diet or blood thinners. About 20% of people recover without treatment. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required in those who developed kidney failure.

Membranous nephropathy newly affects about 1 in 100,000 people per year. Onset is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. Males are more commonly affected than females. It is the second most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, after diabetic nephropathy. The condition was initially described by Bell in 1946.