BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuMembranoproliferative glomerulonephritisMembranoproliferative GN I; Membranoproliferative GN II; Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis; Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; Lobular GN; Glomerulonephritis - membranoproliferative; MPGN type I; MPGN type IIMembranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder that involves inflammation and changes to kidney cells. It may lead to kidney failure.Kidney failureChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli. The glomeruli of the kidney help filter wastes and fluids from the blood to form urine.GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a form of glomerulonephritis caused by an abnormal immune response. Deposits of antibodies build up in a part of the kidneys called the glomerular basement membrane. This membrane helps filter wastes and extra fluids from the blood.Immune responseThe immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to this membrane affects the kidney's ability to create urine normally. It may allow blood and protein to leak into the urine. If enough protein leaks into the urine, fluid may leak out of the blood vessels into body tissues, leading to swelling (edema). Nitrogen waste products may also build up in the blood (azotemia).EdemaSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AzotemiaPrerenal azotemia is an abnormally high level of nitrogen waste products in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The 2 forms of this disease are MPGN I and MPGN II.Most people with the disease have type I. MPGN II is much less common. It also tends to get worse faster than MPGN I.Causes of MPGN may include:Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren syndrome, sarcoidosis) Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer (leukemia, lymphoma) Infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, endocarditis, malaria)Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article EndocarditisEndocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). It is caused by a bacterial or, rarely, a fu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MalariaMalaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Blood in the urine Blood in the urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in mental status such as decreased alertness or decreased concentration Changes in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cloudy urine Cloudy urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dark urine (smoke, cola, or tea colored) Dark urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decrease in urine volume Decrease in urine volumeDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of any part of the bodySwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. The provider may find that you have signs of too much fluid in the body, such as:Swelling, often in the legs Abnormal sounds when listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope You may have high blood pressureThe following tests help confirm the diagnosis:BUN and creatinine blood test BUNBUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CreatinineThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood complement levels Blood complement levelsComplement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of ne...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine protein Urine proteinThe urine protein dipstick test measures the presence of all proteins, including albumin, in a urine sample. Albumin and protein can also be measured...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney biopsy (to confirm membranoproliferative GN I or II)Kidney biopsyA kidney biopsy is the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and slow the progression of the disorder.You may need a change in diet. This may include limiting sodium, fluids, or protein to help control high blood pressure, swelling, and the buildup of waste products in the blood.Medicines that may be prescribed include:Blood pressure medicines Dipyridamole, with or without aspirin Diuretics Medicines to suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide SteroidsTreatment is more effective in children than in adults. Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be needed to manage kidney failure.Kidney transplantA kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney into a person with kidney failure.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The disorder often slowly gets worse and eventually results in chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney failureChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Half of people with this condition develop long-term (chronic) kidney failure within 10 years. This is more likely in those who have higher levels of protein in their urine. Possible Complications Complications that may result from this disease include:Acute nephritic syndrome Acute nephritic syndromeAcute nephritic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur with some disorders that cause swelling and inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney, o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute renal failure Acute renal failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of this condition Your symptoms get worse or do not go away You develop new symptoms, including decreased urine output Prevention Preventing infections such as hepatitis or managing diseases such as lupus may help prevent MPGN.Open ReferencesReferencesRadhakrishnan J, Stokes MB. Glomerular disorders and nephrotic syndromes. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 107.Saha MK, Pendergraft WF, Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Primary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.Sethi S, De Vriese AS, Fervenza FC. Immunoglobulin-mediated glomerulonephritis with a membranoproliferative pattern of injury and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 22.AllVideoImagesTogKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationRelated Information Glomerulonephritis(Condition)Immune response(Special Topic)Antibody(Special Topic)Acute nephritic syndrome(Condition)Nephrotic syndrome(Condition)Urinalysis(Medical Test)Swelling(Symptoms)High blood pressure in adults – hypertension(Condition)Renin blood test(Medical Test)BUN - blood test(Medical Test)High blood pressure - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/28/2023 Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritisMembranoproliferative GN I; Membranoproliferative GN II; Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis; Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis; Lobular GN; Glomerulonephritis - membranoproliferative; MPGN type I; MPGN type IIMembranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder that involves inflammation and changes to kidney cells. It may lead to kidney failure.Kidney failureChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli. The glomeruli of the kidney help filter wastes and fluids from the blood to form urine.GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a form of glomerulonephritis caused by an abnormal immune response. Deposits of antibodies build up in a part of the kidneys called the glomerular basement membrane. This membrane helps filter wastes and extra fluids from the blood.Immune responseThe immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to this membrane affects the kidney's ability to create urine normally. It may allow blood and protein to leak into the urine. If enough protein leaks into the urine, fluid may leak out of the blood vessels into body tissues, leading to swelling (edema). Nitrogen waste products may also build up in the blood (azotemia).EdemaSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AzotemiaPrerenal azotemia is an abnormally high level of nitrogen waste products in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The 2 forms of this disease are MPGN I and MPGN II.Most people with the disease have type I. MPGN II is much less common. It also tends to get worse faster than MPGN I.Causes of MPGN may include:Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren syndrome, sarcoidosis) Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of fibrous tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer (leukemia, lymphoma) Infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, endocarditis, malaria)Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article EndocarditisEndocarditis is inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). It is caused by a bacterial or, rarely, a fu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MalariaMalaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Blood in the urine Blood in the urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in mental status such as decreased alertness or decreased concentration Changes in mental statusConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cloudy urine Cloudy urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dark urine (smoke, cola, or tea colored) Dark urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decrease in urine volume Decrease in urine volumeDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of any part of the bodySwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. The provider may find that you have signs of too much fluid in the body, such as:Swelling, often in the legs Abnormal sounds when listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope You may have high blood pressureThe following tests help confirm the diagnosis:BUN and creatinine blood test BUNBUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CreatinineThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood complement levels Blood complement levelsComplement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of ne...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinalysis UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine protein Urine proteinThe urine protein dipstick test measures the presence of all proteins, including albumin, in a urine sample. Albumin and protein can also be measured...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney biopsy (to confirm membranoproliferative GN I or II)Kidney biopsyA kidney biopsy is the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and slow the progression of the disorder.You may need a change in diet. This may include limiting sodium, fluids, or protein to help control high blood pressure, swelling, and the buildup of waste products in the blood.Medicines that may be prescribed include:Blood pressure medicines Dipyridamole, with or without aspirin Diuretics Medicines to suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide SteroidsTreatment is more effective in children than in adults. Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be needed to manage kidney failure.Kidney transplantA kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney into a person with kidney failure.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The disorder often slowly gets worse and eventually results in chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney failureChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Half of people with this condition develop long-term (chronic) kidney failure within 10 years. This is more likely in those who have higher levels of protein in their urine. Possible Complications Complications that may result from this disease include:Acute nephritic syndrome Acute nephritic syndromeAcute nephritic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur with some disorders that cause swelling and inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney, o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acute renal failure Acute renal failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have symptoms of this condition Your symptoms get worse or do not go away You develop new symptoms, including decreased urine output Prevention Preventing infections such as hepatitis or managing diseases such as lupus may help prevent MPGN.Open ReferencesReferencesRadhakrishnan J, Stokes MB. Glomerular disorders and nephrotic syndromes. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 107.Saha MK, Pendergraft WF, Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Primary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.Sethi S, De Vriese AS, Fervenza FC. Immunoglobulin-mediated glomerulonephritis with a membranoproliferative pattern of injury and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 22.