Cryofiltration and oral corticosteroids provide successful treatment for an elderly patient with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection

Intern Med. 2000 Jul;39(7):564-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.39.564.

Abstract

A 75-year-old man was admitted due to nephrotic syndrome, purpura on the legs, which was associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. Renal biopsy revealed features of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. Since the patient was elderly and the HCV genotype was Ib, interferon-alpha for reducing HCV was not indicated. Four sessions of cryofiltration and the administration of corticosteroids improved the proteinuria and renal function strikingly without adverse effects. This case demonstrates that an elderly patient who has nephrotic syndrome caused by cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with HCV can be treated safely by cryofiltration with low doses of oral corticosteroids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cryoglobulinemia / etiology
  • Cryoglobulinemia / therapy*
  • Cryotherapy / methods*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / etiology
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / therapy*
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones