Crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis

J Nephrol. 2005 May-Jun;18(3):318-22.

Abstract

We describe the association of crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. A 39-year-old woman presented edema and proteinuria and later a non-pruritic urticarial rash. Laboratory results showed nephrotic syndrome, hypocomplementemia and positive anti-C1q antibodies. Skin biopsy disclosed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Acute renal failure developed. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. She was treated with corticosteroids and cyclosphosphamide with improvement of the renal function and partial remission of the nephrotic syndrome. Afterwards the nephrotic syndrome relapsed, mycophenolate mofetil in monotherapy was administered with reduction in proteinuria. As far as we know only 3 cases, 2 in children and one in an adult, of crescentic glomerulonephritis and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome have been reported. In our patient renal manifestations preceded urticarial lesions. We provide information on the evolution during a 42-month follow-up.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / drug therapy
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Complement System Proteins / deficiency*
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / complications*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / drug therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / pathology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Glomerulus / pathology
  • Urticaria / blood
  • Urticaria / complications*
  • Urticaria / pathology
  • Vasculitis / blood
  • Vasculitis / complications*
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Complement System Proteins