Membranous Nephropathy
Membranous Nephropathy
It is defined as the condition in which small blood vessels which supply the kidney become damage and thickened due to which proteins leak out from the vessels and eliminated in the urine which produce protein deficiency which produce signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.
Symptoms
Following are the signs and symptoms of membranous nephropathy:
- Foamy urine
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- High cholesterol
- Increase body weight
- Proteinuria
- Low albumin level in blood
Causes
Mostly this condition occurs due to the formation of auto antibodies against own body tissue which causes destruction in renal blood vessels. Other causes included:
- Other autoimmune disease like SLE
- Cancers
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
- Medications like gold salts and NSAID
Complications
If left untreated it may cause the below mention complications:
- High blood pressure
- Blood clots
- Infections
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Nephrotic syndrome
Diagnosis
After taking history and conducting general physical examination your doctor might recommend the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Blood tests to check the cholesterol and protein level
- Urine analysis
- Glomerular function test to check the function of the kidneys
- Antinuclear antibody test to check the autoantibodies
- Imaging test like x-ray and ultrasound
Treatment
The main aim of the treatment is to reduce the signs and symptoms and prevent the complications, treatment options included:
- Reduce salt intake
- Medications to control the blood pressure
- Blood thinner to prevent the clot formation
- Diuretics for edema
- Statins for increase cholesterol
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Reduce body weight
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking unnecessary medications
- Exercise daily
- Limit salt intake