Objective: To analysis the clinical and pathological features, results of laboratory tests and prognosis of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in patients with non-haematological malignancy.
Methods: The data were collected from 25 patients who presented with NS around the diagnosis of non-haematological malignancy.
Results: Twenty-five cases were investigated (age: (56.6 +/- 17.7) years; male/female ratio: 20/5). Malignancy and NS occurred within one year in 92% patients. There was a wide distribution of malignancy with involvement of 36% in digestive system and 20% in respiratory system. Ten patients (40%) presented with NS as their initial manifestation. Haematuria appeared in 67% patients and acute renal insufficiency was complicated in 12% cases before treatments. Some other non-specific laboratory tests were found including elevated serum gamma-globulin in 50% and anemia not related with renal failure in 28% cases. Membranous nephropathy was the most common pathological changes in 67% cases. Although NS still continued for several weeks in 8 of 9 cases after surgery and/or chemical therapy, glucocorticoids was helpful to achieve the remission in these patients. However, no remission was achieved in patients without the treatment for malignancy.
Conclusion: Malignancy may present with NS as its initial manifestation. It should be inspected routinely and regularly in elder patients with NS, especially in those with membranous nephropathy, as well as gamma-globulinemia and anemia.