Non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis: a benign entity?

Background: Non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis is a well recognized but less studied entity. The clinical manifestations, treatment response and long-term outcome have not been clearly defined.

Methods: This single-centre study included patients with biopsy-proven non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis who had been on regular follow-up for >3 years. Their clinical features at presentation, response to therapy and long-term renal outcome are addressed in this study.

Results: Nephrotic syndrome developed in 51 of 57 patients (89.4%). The majority of them--34 of 51(80%)--were steroid sensitive and had either infrequent or no relapse. However, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome occurred in eight patients (15.6%), while steroid resistance occurred in nine patients (17.6 %). Thirteen patients developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) with three progressing to end-stage renal disease, three to CKD Stage 4 and seven to CKD Stage 3.

Conclusions: Non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis is a disease, which is not benign, and is associated with significant treatment-related morbidity.