Nephrotic Range Proteinuria Research Articles

IgA nephropathy diagnosed as a result of acute exacerbation due to G-CSF administration.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used to stimulate bone marrow production. G-CSF is usually safe but sometimes causes serious adverse effects and, in rare cases, exacerbates glomerulonephritis. We report a case of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy that was aggravated by G-CSF. A 56-year-old Japanese man with no relevant medical history was admitted to our hospital as a donor of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) for transplantation. To mobilize PBSCs, he received subcutaneous G-CSF (lenograstim), 500μg for 4days. Three days after the first dose of lenograstim, gross hematuria appeared, and after administration on the fourth day, renal dysfunction and nephrotic-range proteinuria were observed. Renal biopsy and light microscopic study revealed mild mesangial proliferation with expansion in association with the presence of cellular segmental crescents. Immunofluorescence study revealed diffuse, granular staining in the mesangium for IgA, complement component 3 (C3), and lambda light chains. We diagnosed highly active IgA nephropathy and initiated treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine. Three months later, renal function returned to normal. Screening for hidden chronic glomerulonephritis should be performed when G-CSF is administered, as in PBSC donors. Immunosuppressant therapy, such as prednisolone or azathioprine, is considered for exacerbations of highly active glomerulonephritis.

A rare case of nephrotic syndrome and Tangier disease.

Rarely, disorders of lipid metabolism cause nephrotic syndrome with progressive kidney disease. Tangier disease is a rare condition belonging to this family of lipid disorders; however, it is not associated with kidney disease. We report a patient presenting with nephrotic syndrome, leading to the unmasking of Tangier disease. A 34-year-old man presented with ankle oedema, nephrotic-range proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia. Kidney biopsy demonstrated membranous nephropathy with features of immunoperoxidase staining, suggesting a secondary aetiology. Acute serology was negative. Imaging showed lymphadenopathy with splenomegaly suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorder. Bone marrow biopsy revealed foamy macrophages with widespread lipid deposition. Genomic sequencing revealed a pathological homozygous variant for ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) c.1510-1G > A, consistent with Tangier disease. Review of the ultrastructural kidney biopsy features demonstrated, in addition to membranous subepithelial and intramembranous usual-type electron-dense deposits, intramembranous osmiophilic lipid deposits similar to those in LCAT deficiency. The patient's renal function gradually declined (serum creatinine 133µmol/L); therefore, he was started on rituximab. Metabolic disorders causing nephrotic syndrome are rare and even more so their association with membranous nephropathy. These should be considered in cases with unexplained persistent nephrotic syndrome with progressive kidney disease and lipid deposits on renal biopsy.

Clinico-pathological correlations and outcomes of de novo glomerular diseases in patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Various glomerular pathologies have been reported in patients who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but the data on clinico-pathological correlations and clinical outcome remain limited. We analysed the clinical and histopathological data of patients who had biopsy-proven de novo glomerular diseases after HSCT since 1999. A total of 2204 patients underwent HSCT during the period 1999-2021, and 31 patients (1.4%) developed de novo glomerular diseases after a mean duration of 2.8±2.7 years after HSCT. Fifteen of these patients (48.4%) had graft-versus-host-disease prior to or concomitant with renal abnormalities. Proteinuria and eGFR at the time of kidney biopsy were 4.1±5.3g/day and 50.8±25.4mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Kidney histopathologic diagnoses included thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) (38.7%), membranous nephropathy (MN) (25.8%), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (12.9%), minimal change disease (9.7%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (9.7%) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (3.2%). Immunosuppressive treatment was given to patients who presented with nephrotic-range proteinuria and/or acute kidney injury, while renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade was given to all patients with proteinuria ≥1g/day, with complete and partial response rates of 54.8% and 19.4%, respectively. One patient with TMA progressed to end-stage kidney disease after 24 weeks, and two patients, one with TMA and one with MN, (6.4%) progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage ≥3. Kidney and patient survival rates were 96.6% and 83.5%, respectively, at 5 years. De novo glomerular diseases with diverse histopathologic manifestations affect 1.4% of patients after HSCT, and approximately 10% develop progressive CKD.

Effect of vitamin D analogues calcitriol and paricalcitol in a rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrotic syndrome

Background Renoprotective effects of vitamin D analogues have been shown in several experimental and clinical studies, the exact mechanism of the therapeutic effectiveness of these analogues in Nephrotic syndrome remains unclear, and these are relatively few studies on potential treatment roles for vitamin D analogues in nephrotic-range proteinuria. ?ndicate similar efficacy of the vitamin D analogues calcitriol and paricalcitol in time-limited amelioration of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome, yet suggest the likelihood of mechanisms other than direct upregulation of nephrin and podocin in podocytes underlie the renoprotective effects of vitamin D analogues.
 Objective To investigate the effect of vitamin D (Vit D) analogues calcitriol and paricalcitol on urinary protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) and renal podocin and nephrin expression in a rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS).
 Methods A total of 28 male Wistar Albino rats were separated into 4 groups (n=7 for each) including CON [control; intraperitoneal (IP) saline injection], PAN (NS + IP saline injection), PAN-C (NS + IP 0.4 µg/kg/day calcitriol injection), and PAN-P (NS + IP 240 ng/kg/day paricalcitol injection). Nephrotic syndrome was induced via intravenous (IV) administration of 10mg/100gr PAN. The UPCR as well as histopathological, immuno-histochemical, and real time PCR analyses of kidney tissue specimens were recorded and analyzed among the 4 groups.
 Results Median UPCR (Day 4) was significantly lower in both the PAN-C [1.45 (range 1.20-1.80)] and PAN-P [1.40 (range 1.10-1.80)] groups than in the PAN group [2.15 (range 2.00-2.40)] (P<0.01 for each). The PAN group had significantly higher mean UPCR than the CON group [1.75 (range 1.40-2.00); P<0.05]. No significant difference in UPCR was noted between groups on Day 7. Median podocin mRNA expression was significantly higher in the PAN-P group compared to the PAN group [22.55 (range 22.42-23.02) vs. 22.06 (range 21.81-22.06), respectively; (P<0.01)].
 Conclusion Seven-day calcitriol and paricalcitol supplementation in a rat model of PAN-induced nephrotic syndrome had similar efficacy, in terms of temporary amelioration of proteinuria.

Evaluation of herpesvirus members on hospital admission in patients with systemic lupus erythematous shows higher frequency of Epstein-Barr virus and its associated renal dysfunction.

Members of the Herpesviridae family have been described in patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), but the clinical impact on renal function is not well known. HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8 were evaluated by molecular biology on admission in blood samples from 40 consecutive SLE patients hospitalized for lupus activity. Patients were 90.0% female, 77.5% non-white, with average age of 32.7 ± 13.6 years. We found positivity for EBV (65.0%), CMV (30.0%), HSV-1 (30.0%), HHV-6 (12.5%), and HHV-7 (7.5%). For all viruses, age, SLEDAI, hematological tests, ferritin, LDH, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were not significant. However, EBV positivity was a significant factor for higher serum creatinine (3.0 ± 2.8 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8; P = 0.001) and urea (86 ± 51 vs. 50 ± 46; P = 0.03). Moreover, positive cases for EBV only or with combined co-infections (66.7%-CMV; 58.3%-HSV-1) or negative for EBV only were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis test again showed statistical significance for serum creatinine and urea (both P ≤ 0.01), with posttest also showing statistical differences for renal dysfunction and EBV presence (alone or in combined co-infections). The presence of EBV viral load was also significant for nephrotic-range proteinuria, renal flare, and the need for hemodialysis. Members of the Herpeviridae family (mainly EBV, HSV-1 and CMV) are common on hospital admission of SLE patients, reaching 65% for EBV, which seems to be associated with renal dysfunction and could reflect a previous association or overlapping disease, which is not well understood.

The quantifying relationship between the remission duration and the cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in the patients with primary nephrotic syndrome

Background Patients with persistent nephrotic-range proteinuria have a high risk of kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular events. Recently, the maintenance of proteinuria remission has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of kidney endpoint. However, the effect of remission duration on cardiovascular outcomes remains unclear. Methods This study enrolled 982 patients with primary nephrotic syndrome who had achieved clinical remission. Remission duration was defined as the maintenance time (months) of the first remission. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and kidney dysfunction (ESKD or eGFR reduction >50%) were the endpoints. Survival curves, Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline analysis were used and the cutoff time points were determined. Results During the 38.3 months of follow-up, 161 (16.4%) patients developed ASCVD (51.3 per 1000 patient-years) and 52 (5.3%) patients developed kidney dysfunction (15.3 per 1000 patient-years). Multivariate analysis showed that remission duration was an independently protective factor to ASCVD, in which each one-year extension associated with a 15% reduction of the risk (HR, 0.854; 95% CI, 0.776 ∼ 0.940, p = .001). The initial time point was seven months for remission to present the protective effect to ASCVD and the maximum time point was 36 months. Remission duration was also an independently protective factor to kidney dysfunction. This effect was shown from the beginning of remission and reached the maximum at 26 months. Conclusions The maintenance of proteinuria remission was crucial for the improvement of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in nephrotic syndrome patients.

A case of chyluria with nephrotic-range proteinuria caused by lymphatic malformation, leading to a diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare syndrome, which is clinically diagnosed by the presence of unilateral limb hypertrophy with vascular malformation including cutaneous capillaries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Most cases typically exhibit cutaneous manifestations such as port-wine stains and limb hypertrophy from infancy, but cases with mild manifestations may remain undiagnosed. We here report a case of KTS who was diagnosed by chance chyluria. A 15-year-old girl who exhibited hematochyluria with nephrotic-range proteinuria was referred to our hospital. She had been diagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis accompanied by left lower limb hypertrophy in the past. She noticed her milky urine for the first time two months before. Immediately thereafter, she noticed edema of her left leg. Hematochyluria with nephrotic-range proteinuria was found by our initial urine examination. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested venous or lymphatic malformation along the left common iliac vein at the retroperitoneal side. Lymphoscintigraphy showed congestion of radioisotope around backside of the pancreas to the left renal hilus, suggesting an existence of lymphostasis. Based on the findings, we diagnosed the patient as KTS. After admission, hematochyluria and proteinuria were decreased and became insignificant by three days with bed rest. Her left leg edema was reduced. After taking a guidance to avoid intensive exercise, she was discharged in two weeks. Because the present case exhibited mild manifestations, diagnosis was made by urine abnormalities for the first time. The case suggests that we should be aware of the presence of undiagnosed patients of KTS due to relatively mild manifestations.

Minimal Change Disease Secondary to Either COVID-19 Infection or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination

Abstract Introduction/Objective Kidney injury has now become one of the known complications following COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Only few cases of minimal change disease following administration of COVID-19 vaccination and infection have been reported. This study was to highlight incidence of minimal change disease following COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Methods/Case Report Case 1:15 year-old female with past medical history of asthma and hypercholesterolemia presented for evaluation of periorbital edema, nephrotic-range proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, elevated serum creatinine, elevated blood pressures, and hematuria after COVID-19 infection. Renal biopsy after 1 week of infection showed unremarkable glomeruli and negative immunofluorescent stains in glomeruli, and 20-30% fusion of foot processes. The biopsy was consistent with a minimal change disease with features of natural remission (her nephrotic-range proteinuria resolved soon after). Case 2: 18 year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with a chief complaint of generalized swelling, which started around the same time she received her 1st dose of Pfizer COVID vaccine (the 2nd dose 2 months later). She had a nephrotic range proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia, but normal level of serum creatinine. A renal biopsy after 4 months of vaccination showed unremarkable glomeruli by light microscopy, negative immunofluorescent study, but diffuse effacement of foot processes involving more than 80% of the examined loops by electron microscopy. This biopsy findings were consistent with a minimal change disease. Both patients did not receive any treatment before the renal biopsies. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Minimal change disease can be a rare complication following COVID-19 infection or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, raising a question if there are similar antigens induced by the infection or by the vaccination that trigger the minimal change disease. Further studies are needed to determine the incidence and pathophysiology of minimal change disease either post COVID-19 vaccines or following COVID-19 infections.

Paraneoplastic Nephropathy with Peculiar Immunofluorescence Pattern: Report of a Rare Case

Abstract Introduction/Objective Hematolymphoid neoplasms are commonly associated with medical renal disease; however, association of renal cell carcinoma and nephrotic/nephritic syndrome is exceedingly rare. Paraneoplastic nephropathy in setting of renal cell carcinoma can manifest as membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, or minimal change disease. The purpose of this report is to describe a rare case of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with associated membranous nephropathy with concurrent glomerular IgG and IgA deposition. Methods/Case Report A 68-year-old male presented with a penile mass. Diagnostic work up reveled an 11cm renal mass. Urinalysis demonstrated nephrotic range proteinuria (>5 g/d). Subsequently, the patient underwent nephrectomy and penectomy. Pathologic evaluation showed clear cell renal carcinoma with sarcomatoid component and metastasis to penis. Nonneoplastic kidney workup revealed membranous glomerulopathy, with 3+ granular IgG predominantly within glomerular capillaries and 2+ IgA and 1+ C3 in a similar pattern. Electron microscopy demonstrated numerous subepithelial and intramembranous immune deposits, and few small mesangial deposits. Concurrent membranous and IgA nephropathy has been reported, but the IgA in that case is typically mesangial. The peculiar pattern of IgG and IgA deposition in this case can be seen with membranous nephropathy secondary to lupus or neoplasia. Lupus was excluded based on patient’s history, serology, and absence of significant C1q staining. Therefore, the findings were consistent with membranous glomerulopathy secondary to patient’s cancer. Patient’s proteinuria improved after nephrectomy. He is alive and disease-free 10months after nephrectomy, with proteinuria in 0.1-0.6 g/d range. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion This case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation of non-neoplastic kidney in nephrectomy specimens for cancer, thus guiding the type of surgical intervention. Non-orthodox presentation of immunoglobulin deposition may be the herald of neoplasia in select cases.

Abstract 12887: Lightning Strikes Twice - A Case of Light Chain and Attr Amyloidosis

The most common subsets of amyloidosis that affect the heart include light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR). While both types cause diffuse amyloid fibril deposition within the interstitial space of the myocardium, they arise from two different precursors. AL amyloidosis results from misfolded monoclonal light chains, whereas ATTR amyloidosis results from misfolded transthyretin monomers. This distinction is essential as it suggests that a diagnosis of one disease does not exclude the existence of the other. We present a unique case of a patient with evidence of both systemic ATTR and AL amyloidosis occurring concurrently. An 80-year-old male with a past medical history of severe mitral regurgitation S/p mechanical mitral valve replacement, rotator cuff tear, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple hospitalizations for decompensated systolic heart failure was referred to cardiomyopathy clinic. He presented with class III New York Heart Association (NYHA) symptoms, including significant limitations in activity due to dyspnea. An echocardiogram demonstrated severe left ventricular hypertrophy with a low global longitudinal strain, an apical sparing pattern suspicious of amyloidosis. Monoclonal gammopathy workup showed an elevated lambda free light chain. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy demonstrated plasma cell dyscrasia and amyloid deposition in hypocellular bone marrow. Mass spectrometry showed both lambda light chain and transthyretin amyloid protein. He had elevated cardiac biomarkers, speaking for advanced cardiac involvement, together with nephrotic range proteinuria. He was started on chemotherapy/immunotherapy, with daratumumab, bortezomib and dexamethasone. He was in end stage heart failure requiring inotropic support. Few weeks after chemotherapy, he transitioned toward hospice care. In conclusion, we present a rare case of ATTR and AL amyloidosis coinciding simultaneously that demonstrates the importance of having high index of suspicion for this disease, a stepwise and thorough diagnostic approach highlighting the importance of mass spectroscopy after amyloid protein detection.

Mutational analysis of phospholipase C epsilon 1 gene in Egyptian children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

BackgroundSteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is characterized by unresponsiveness of nephrotic range proteinuria to standard steroid therapy, and is the main cause of childhood renal failure. The identification of more than 53 monogenic causes of SRNS has led researchers to focus on the genetic mutations related to the molecular mechanisms of the disease. Mutations in the PLCE1 gene, which encodes phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCε1), have been described in patients with early-onset SRNS characterized by progressive renal failure. In this study we screened for PLCE1 mutations in Egyptian children with SRNS. This is a descriptive case series study aiming to screen for PLCE1 gene mutations by direct sequencing of five exons—9, 12, 15, 19, 27—in 20 Egyptian children with SRNS who entered the Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University from November 2015 to December 2017. The variants detected were submitted to in silico analysis.ResultsWe screened for mutations in five selected exons of PLCE1 gene. We identified seven variants in the five selected exons with homozygous and heterozygous inheritance pattern, two are intronic variants, two are silent variants, and three are missense variants. We identified four novel variants two are silent with no clinical significance and two are missense with uncertain clinical significance and pathogenic in-silico predictions; one p.Arg1230His in exon 12, the other is p.Glu1393Lys in exon 15.ConclusionsWe identified four novel mutations, findings which added to the registered SNP spectrum of the PLCE1 gene. These results widen the spectrum of PLCE1 gene mutations and support the importance of genetic testing in different populations of SRNS patients, therefore, to assess the vulnerability of Egyptian children to SRNS candidate genes, further studies needed on a larger number of cases which undoubtedly provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of SRNS and might help in control of the patient. Additionally, the use of computational scoring and modeling tools may assist in the evaluation of the way in which the SNPs affect protein functionality.

Cyclosporine therapy could be considered for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with immunoglobulin A deposits: a case report

BackgroundMembranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), a rare glomerulonephritis that causes nephrotic syndrome in children, is often difficult to treat. Typical immunofluorescence findings include strong C3 staining in a granular pattern along the glomerular capillary wall and negative IgA staining. IgA-dominant MPGN without hypocomplementemia has been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of MPGN with hypocomplementemia and predominant IgA subclass 2 deposits.Case presentationAn 11-year-old girl showed proteinuria on a school urinalysis screening and presented with upper eyelid edema. The urinalysis showed elevated urinary protein levels and hematuria. Laboratory examinations revealed the following: serum albumin, 1.3 g/dL; serum creatinine, 0.54 mg/dL; and C3c, 67 mg/dL (normal range: 73–138 mg/dL). The physical and laboratory findings did not suggest autoimmune diseases. A renal biopsy was then performed. Specimen examination under a light microscope showed mesangial cell proliferation, increased mesangial matrix with lobulation, and some double contours of the glomerular basement membrane in almost all glomeruli, which are characteristic findings of MPGN. Immunofluorescent studies showed IgA deposits not only in the mesangial regions but also along the capillary walls, which were more strongly stained than C3. IgA subclass staining showed a stronger immunoreactivity for IgA2 than IgA1. Electron microscopic studies showed electron-dense deposits in the subendothelial, subepithelial, and paramesangial regions. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with IgA-dominant MPGN. Accordingly, she was treated with three courses of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT), followed by prednisolone, mizoribine, and lisinopril. Although hypocomplementemia improved after three courses of MPT, nephrotic-range proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia remained; therefore, two courses of MPT were additionally administered, and the immunosuppressant was changed from mizoribine to cyclosporine (CsA). Finally, the urinary protein level decreased, and a subsequent renal biopsy, two years later, showed improvement in the lesions.ConclusionsWe report an atypical case of MPGN with IgA2 dominant deposits along the glomerular capillary wall and in the mesangial region. The case was refractory to standard therapy but sensitive to CsA, which resulted in remission. Our findings suggest that CsA may be useful as an immunosuppressant to treat refractory MPGN.

LBSAT229 Extended-release Calcifediol Effectively Raised 25-hydroxyvitamin D In CKD Despite Obesity

Abstract Inadequate levels of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with an increased risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Serum 25D can be difficult to raise sufficiently with vitamin D supplements (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) to effectively lower elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels especially in overweight patients. Obesity is common in CKD and requires attention when vitamin D repletion is considered. Vitamin D supplements are fat-soluble molecules which accumulate in adipose tissue. They have low affinity for serum vitamin D binding protein and are poorly mobilized from adipose tissue into circulation for hepatic activation. Recent studies suggest that serum 25D levels of ≥50 ng/mL are necessary to produce significant PTH reductions in nondialysis patients. Data were analyzed from two identical randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of treating adult nondialysis patients with extended-release calcifediol (ERC; n=285) or placebo (n=144) to see if ERC raised 25D to at least 50 ng/mL in all body weight categories, with subgroup analyses by race, gender and age. On enrollment, subjects had eGFR of ≥15 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, PTH ≥85 and <500 pg/mL, serum 25D ≥10 and <30 ng/mL, corrected serum calcium ≥8.4 and <9.8, serum phosphorus ≥2. 0 and <5. 0, absence of nephrotic range proteinuria (>3 mg/mg creatinine) and no history of parathyroidectomy or renal transplantation. These subjects had mean (SD) age of 65.4 (10.9) years, serum 25D at baseline of 19.6 (5.4) ng/mL, body weight of 97.8 (24.3) kg and BMI of 34.7 (7.9) kg/m2. Fifty percent were male, 64. 0% White, 32.9% African-American or Black, and 3.1% Other, and 20% were Hispanic. A total of 356 subjects completed a 20- to 26-week treatment period per-protocol and were included in the analysis. Enrolled subjects ingested a 30 mcg capsule of ERC (OPKO Pharmaceuticals, Miami) daily for 12 weeks followed by one or two capsules (30 or 60 mcg) daily for a 14 more weeks. Control subjects received matching placebo. Mean (SD) serum 25D remained unchanged with placebo treatment but rose progressively with ERC treatment to 67.1 (21.6) ng/mL (mean of weeks 20-26). The observed increases in serum 25D were inversely related to body weight but exceeded 50 ng/mL in all body weight categories, irrespective of race (White vs. African-American or black), gender or age (<70 vs. ≥70 years). Side effects observed at these levels were similar to placebo. These data showed that ERC successfully raised mean serum 25D to at least 50 ng/mL irrespective of body weight, race, gender or age. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rare Cause of Nephrotic Range Proteinuria During Pregnancy: Genetic C3 Nephropathy (C3N) Presenting During Pregnancy

Rare Cause of Nephrotic Range Proteinuria During Pregnancy: Genetic C3 Nephropathy (C3N) Presenting During Pregnancy

ODP500 Nephrotic syndrome as a cause of worsening hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Abstract Background Thyroid function has been reported to worsen when urinary protein levels increase from the loss of protein-bound thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine-binding globulin, transthyretin, and albumin, into the urine. In patients with previously undiagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism might develop at the onset of nephrotic syndrome. Here, we present an interesting case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis aggravated by newly developed nephrotic syndrome. Clinical case: A 43-year-old woman with no known underlying disease presented with generalized edema and weight gain of 5 kgs over 2 months. Physical examination revealed slightly enlarged thyroid goiter and pitting pedal edema. Thyroid function tests revealed hypothyroidism (FT4 0.71 ng/dL; reference range 0.93-1.70 ng/dL, TSH 8.32 uIU/mL; reference range 0.27-4.20 uIU/mL). Anti-thyroid peroxidase was negative but anti-thyroglobulin was positive. Thyroid ultrasound showed diffused heterogeneous parenchymal echotexture at both thyroid lobes, compatible with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Subsequent investigations showed nephrotic range proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio 7.5 grams), low serum albumin 2. 0 g/dL, and hypercholesterolemia 421 mg/dL. Viral infections including HIV, hepatitis B and C were negative. Kidney biopsy showed the presence of subepithelial immunoglobulin-containing deposits along the glomerular basement membrane, confirming membranous glomerulonephritis as a cause of nephrotic syndrome. Further investigations did not show potential secondary causes of membranous glomerulonephritis. Oral prednisolone and cyclosporin was given to treat nephrotic syndrome and levothyroxine 350 µg/week was initiated to treat hypothyroidism. Over the next 6 months, nephrotic syndrome went into remission and thyroid function tests showed stabilization. During a 3-year follow-up period, patient is still in stable condition with levothyroxine 450 µg/week. Conclusion Nephrotic syndrome may trigger the onset of hypothyroidism or aggravate preexisting hypothyroidism, with subsequent increase in thyroid hormone requirements. Careful history taking and physical examination are necessary when evaluating the patients with new-onset hypothyroidism or patients with worsening hypothyroidism. The diagnostic workup of patients with increasing requirements of thyroid replacement therapy should not be concentrated on the digestive system alone. Presentation: No date and time listed

Outcomes of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children not treated with intensified immunosuppression

BackgroundThe aim of the current PodoNet registry analysis was to evaluate the outcome of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in children who were not treated with intensified immunosuppression (IIS), focusing on the potential for spontaneous remission and the role of angiotensin blockade on proteinuria reduction.MethodsNinety-five pediatric patients who did not receive any IIS were identified in the PodoNet Registry. Competing risk analyses were performed on 67 patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria at disease onset to explore the cumulative rates of complete or partial remission or progression to kidney failure, stratified by underlying etiology (genetic vs. non-genetic SRNS). In addition, Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify factors predicting proteinuria remission.ResultsEighteen of 31 (58.1%) patients with non-genetic SRNS achieved complete remission without IIS, with a cumulative likelihood of 46.2% at 1 year and 57.7% at 2 years. Remission was sustained in 11 children, and only two progressed to kidney failure. In the genetic subgroup (n = 27), complete resolution of proteinuria occurred very rarely and was never sustained; 6 (21.7%) children progressed to kidney failure at 3 years. Almost all children (96.8%) received proteinuria-lowering renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonist treatment. On antiproteinuric treatment, partial remission was achieved in 7 of 31 (22.6%) children with non-genetic SRNS and 9 of 27 children (33.3%) with genetic SRNS.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that spontaneous complete remission can occur in a substantial fraction of children with non-genetic SRNS and milder clinical phenotype. RAAS blockade increases the likelihood of partial remission of proteinuria in all forms of SRNS.Graphical abstractA higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

Multiple Spontaneous Remitting and Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome in a Cirrhotic Patient

Reports of spontaneous remissions in minimal change disease are rare and often associated with secondary causes. We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient with HIV-HBV/HDV co-infection and cirrhosis, admitted in the emergency department with nephrotic syndrome (hypoalbuminemia 1.2 g/dL and nephrotic range proteinuria 14 440 mg/g of creatinine). Ultrasound showed normal kidneys. Viral load for HIV, HBV, HDV and anti-HCV were negative. Immunologic and dysproteinemia study was normal and there were no signs of malignancy on body computer tomography scan. Abdominal fat pad biopsy was Congo red-stain negative. After initiating an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, the proteinuria decreased to 3891 mg/g. A kidney biopsy was scheduled, but the patient abandoned follow-up. Two years later, he presented again in anasarca, with mild elevation of transaminases, severe hypoalbuminemia (0.7 g/dL), acute kidney injury (creatinine 2.7 mg/dL) and heavy proteinuria (37 g/24 h). One month after the onset, when referred to a nephrologist, he was in complete remission. A year later, he presented a third episode of abrupt onset nephrotic syndrome. Kidney biopsy revealed minimal change disease. Corticosteroid therapy was withheld, and after one month the patient was again in complete remission. We hypothesize that, in the context of cirrhosis, the clearance of a putative permeability circulating factor may be diminished; hemodynamic changes in renal perfusion in decompensated chronic liver disease may interfere in the glomerular barrier function; and a genetic polymorphism related to podocyte dysfunction could precipitate a nephrotic syndrome that resolves once the liver function resumes its steady state. This case represents an unprecedented report of a minimal change disease in a cirrhotic patient, presenting with recurring episodes of nephrotic syndrome followed by early spontaneous remission.

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy and nephrotic proteinuria induced by intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema

BackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFIs) are used to treat malignant neoplasms and ocular diseases by inhibiting angiogenesis. Systemic use of VEGFIs has various side effects, including hypertension, proteinuria, and thrombotic microangiopathy, but adverse events due to intravitreal injection of VEGFIs have not been fully clarified. Although age-related macular degeneration was initially the most common target of intravitreal injection of VEGFIs, it has also been applied sporadically for diabetic macular edema in recent years. Proteinuria following intravitreal injection of VEGFIs would be reversible. In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), however, it would be difficult to determine whether kidney damage arises from the clinical course of DM or from intravitreal injection of VEGFIs for diabetic macular edema.Case presentationA 55-year-old woman with a 20-year history of type 2 DM began intravitreal injection of VEGFI (aflibercept, 2 mg every 4 weeks) for treatment of diabetic macular edema 2 years previously. She presented with leg edema, hypertension, and nephrotic-range proteinuria 14 months after the first injection. Histological examination of renal biopsy specimens revealed diabetic nephropathy with renal thrombotic microangiopathy probably associated with intravitreal injection of VEGFI. The patient’s nephrotic syndrome completely improved at 6 months after simply discontinuing aflibercept.ConclusionsThis is a precious report of pathologically investigated renal thrombotic microangiopathy leading to nephrotic syndrome due to intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema in a patient with type 2 DM. Renal function and proteinuria should be monitored in diabetic patients who receive intravitreal injection of a VEGFI. If kidney damage develops independent of the clinical course of DM during intravitreal injection of a VEGFI, renal biopsy should be performed and intravitreal VEGFI injection discontinued.

Association of the clinicopathological characteristics and proteinuria remission of pediatric IgAV with nephrotic-range proteinuria: A retrospective cohort study.

IgA vasculitis (IgAV) combined with nephrotic-range proteinuria is uncommon, and nephrotic-range proteinuria is considered a risk factor for poor prognosis in children with IgAV. There are few clinical studies with large samples. Children with IgAV and nephrotic-range proteinuria who were hospitalized at the Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, Hunan Children's Hospital, from March 2008 to January 2020 were retrospectively studied; the patients were aged ≤18 years and were followed up for ≥12 months. We analyzed clinical characteristics, pathological changes, treatment responses, and their relationships in patients with IgAV combined with nephrotic-range proteinuria. Two hundred seventy-seven children with an average age at onset of IgAV with nephritis (IgAVN) of 8.0 years (interquartile range (IQR), 6.0-10.0) were enrolled; 65.7% were aged 6-10 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.35:1. All children had both nephrotic-range proteinuria and hematuria, 49 (17.7%) had hypoalbuminemia, and 9 (3.2%) had estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 (mL/min/1.73 m2). All included children were followed up for at least 1 year. At 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, the remission rates of proteinuria in children with IgAV combined with nephrotic-range proteinuria were 27.8%, 62.1%, and 83.0%, respectively, and the remission rates of hematuria were 1.4%, 8.7%, and 35.7%, respectively. In addition, children with age at onset of IgAV with nephrotic-range proteinuria ≥10 years, who were female, who had proteinuria ≥100 mg/kg/24 h, and who had a pathological grade III or above had lower remission rates of hematuria and proteinuria (P < 0.05). Multivariate factor analysis was performed by logistic regression and showed age at onset of IgAVN ≥ 10 years and crescents to be risk factors for nonremission of proteinuria at 12 months of follow-up (P < 0.05). Age at onset of IgAVN, sex, proteinuria level, pathological grade, and crescents significantly affect proteinuria remission in children with IgAV combined with nephrotic-range proteinuria.

New-onset nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury after cabozantinib

Introduction: Renal adverse events related to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) have been reported, including elevated creatinine levels, electrolyte abnormalities, elevated blood pressure, and proteinuria. Cabozantinib is a RTKI approved for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who have failed other lines of treatment. Here we report a case of nephrotic syndrome with biopsy-proven podocytopathy shortly after starting cabozantinib. Case description: An 80-year-old white man with stage IV metastatic papillary RCC was started on cabozantinib for progressive RCC. At baseline he had chronic kidney disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 (serum creatinine 1.3 mg/dL) and a urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio of 5.4 mg/g creatinine. Approximately 3 weeks after starting cabozantinib the patient presented to the hospital with nausea, vomiting, fevers, and failure to thrive and was found to have acute kidney injury (creatinine peaked at 6.0 mg/dL) and nephrotic-range proteinuria, for which a kidney biopsy was performed. Biopsy demonstrated acute tubular necrosis and podocytopathy with 90% foot process effacement. Discussion: Cabozantinib is a recently approved RTKI, which has previously been demonstrated to cause thrombotic micro-angiopathy (TMA). Podocytopathies have been demonstrated by biopsy in cases of other RTKI induced proteinuria, but to our knowledge this is the first case which demonstrates isolated podocytopathy temporally associated with the initiation of cabozantinib.