Membranous Nephropathy

Diagnosis

You ought to see a nephrologist if you experience any nephrotic syndrome symptoms, such as protein in your urine and edema or diminished kidney function. A physician who focuses on kidney illnesses and problems is known as a nephrologist. To confirm an MN diagnosis, your nephrologist will conduct a number of tests. These tests might be:

• Urine test: Determining the amount of protein and blood in your urine.
• Blood test: Obtaining a blood sample to check the protein and fat content.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Measuring kidney function by examining a blood sample.
• Antibody test: To assess the levels of the anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody in the blood.
• Kidney biopsy: Obtaining a little sample of kidney tissue with a needle and sending it to a lab to be tested for the presence of an MN-related antibody.

Treatment

The treatment for MN is dependent on its type and cause. If a person has primary MN, with moderate urine protein levels, stable kidney function, and no complications like blood clots, the nephrologist might decide to pursue non-immunosuppressive treatments. In certain cases, MN can resolve on its own over a span of six to 12 months without the use of medications to suppress the immune system.

These remedies could consist of:

• Diuretics: Drugs that drain the body of extra fluid and reduce blood pressure.
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Medications that control high blood pressure, lower urine protein levels, and aid in reducing renal inflammation.
• Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins): assist in lowering the high cholesterol levels.
• Low-salt diet: Consuming less salt to lessen edema.
• Your nephrologist would most likely utilize immunosuppressive medication, though, if any of the aforementioned factors exist or the proteinuria does not get better during the observation period.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: These medicines can prevent the immune system from creating the antibody that assaults the kidneys (e.g., rituximab, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide).

Treating the underlying illness may prevent kidney damage from advancing in some individuals with secondary MN.