Medical Definition of Membranous nephropathy
1.
A kidney disease that occurs due to inflammation of the kidney glomerulus and its basement membrane.
The exact cause is unknown but it appears to be related to the deposition of immune complexes in the basement membrane leading to thickening of the capillary walls. This disorder is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome an is usually how the disease manifests.
Risk factors include primary renal disease, malaria, hepatitis B, lupus, syphilis, cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Risks also include exposure to some medications such as gold compounds and penicillamine. Mercury, trimethadione and some skin-lightening creams have also been implicated.
Treatment includes systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.
(26 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Membranous Nephropathy
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