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A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
July 24
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MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

It sounds like the question is about the difference between C3G (Complement 3 Glomerulopathy) and C3GN (C3 Glomerulonephritis). C3GN is actually a subtype of C3G — so C3G is the broader condition, and C3GN is one of two specific forms that fall under it.

C3G has two subtypes
- C3GN (C3 Glomerulonephritis) — more common in Show Full Answer

It sounds like the question is about the difference between C3G (Complement 3 Glomerulopathy) and C3GN (C3 Glomerulonephritis). C3GN is actually a subtype of C3G — so C3G is the broader condition, and C3GN is one of two specific forms that fall under it.

C3G has two subtypes:
- C3GN (C3 Glomerulonephritis) — more common in adults
- DDD (Dense Deposit Disease) — tends to develop in children and young adults

Both subtypes are diagnosed by examining kidney tissue under a powerful electron microscope. The patterns of inflammation and damage seen in the tissue sample are what determine which type a person has. Both subtypes of C3G share the same root cause — the body's complement system becomes overactive, breaking down C3 proteins that then get stuck in the kidney's tiny filtering units (called glomeruli), causing damage over time.

This can lead to symptoms like:
- Blood in the urine (red, pink, or brown)
- Foamy or cloudy urine (protein in the urine)
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure

It's always worth discussing with a nephrology team which specific subtype applies, as this can help guide the right treatment approach.

July 24

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