Membranous nephropathy
Membranous nephropathy occurs when the small blood vessels in the kidney (glomeruli), which normally filter waste products from the blood, become thickened and inflamed. As a result, proteins leak from damaged blood vessels into the urine (proteinuria). Often, the loss of protein leads to signs and symptoms collectively known as nephrotic syndrome
In mild cases, membranous nephropathy may resolve on its own without treatment As protein loss worsens, so does the chance of long-term kidney damage Often, this disease leads to kidney failure There is no cure for membranous nephropathy, but certain treatments may reduce proteinuria and improve long-term outcomes.
In most cases of membranous nephropathy, autoimmune activity is observed The body's immune system perceives its own tissues as foreign and forms antibodies against these tissues Autoantibodies damage the filtering apparatus of the kidney and the blood vessels in it
Sometimes, membranous nephropathy has other causes These include:
- Other autoimmune disease such as lupus
- Hepatitis infection or syphilis
- Certain medications such as gold salts and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Cancer (solid or blood)
- Membranous nephropathy
Membranous nephropathy often develops gradually, so the patient does not go to the doctor When protein is lost from the blood, swelling of the legs and weight gain will develop Some patients have swelling in the early stages of the disease, while others have no signs or symptoms until kidney failure develops.
Signs and symptoms of membranous nephropathy are:
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Glory
- Curdy urine
- Increased blood lipid levels-
