Long-term data on two sisters with C3GN due to an identical, homozygous CFH mutation and autoantibodies

Clin Nephrol. 2020 Oct;94(4):197-206. doi: 10.5414/CN110135.

Abstract

C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is a rare but severe form of kidney disease caused by fluid-phase dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Causative mutations in complement regulating genes as well as auto-immune forms of C3GN have been described. However, therapy and prognosis in individual patients remain a matter of debate and long-term data are scarce. This also applies for the management of transplant patients as disease recurrence post-transplant is frequent. Here, we depict the clinical courses of two sisters with the unique combination of an identical, homozygous mutation in the complement factor H (CFH) gene as well as autoantibodies with a clinical follow-up of more than 20 years. Interestingly, the sisters presented with discordant clinical courses of C3GN with normal kidney function in one (patient A) and end-stage kidney disease in the other sister (patient B). In patient B, eculizumab was administered immediately prior to and in the course after kidney transplantation, with the result of a stable graft function without any signs of disease recurrence. Comprehensive genetic work-up revealed no further disease-causing mutation in both sisters. Intriguingly, the auto-antibody profile substantially differed in both sisters: autoantibodies in patient A reduced the C3b deposition, while the antibodies identified in patient B increased complement activation and deposition of split products. This study underlines the concept of a personalized-medicine approach in complement-associated diseases after thorough evaluation of the individual risk profile in each patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Complement C3 / metabolism*
  • Complement Factor H / genetics*
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / physiology
  • Kidney / physiopathology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic
  • Mutation / genetics

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Complement C3
  • Complement Factor H