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The kidneys act as your body’s natural filtration system, removing waste and extra fluid to keep you healthy. When your kidneys aren’t working properly, your doctor may order urine tests, blood tests, or imaging scans to find out why.
There are many types of kidney diseases, including a rare type called immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN). This condition happens when the immune system forms immune complexes — clumps of protein — that build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage. Most people haven’t heard of IC-MPGN unless they or someone they know has it. This condition can affect both children and adults.
This article explains what IC-MPGN is, what symptoms to look for, and how doctors diagnose and treat this rare kidney disease.
Your kidneys have about a million tiny filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron has a glomerulus — a small cluster of blood vessels that works like a fine strainer. These glomeruli filter blood by letting water and small waste products pass into the urine while keeping blood cells and most proteins in the bloodstream.
Different kidney conditions affect different parts of the nephron. IC-MPGN affects the glomeruli and is one of many glomerular diseases.
Researchers continue to learn more about rare kidney diseases like IC-MPGN. Understanding how this disease develops may lead to better treatments in the future.
IC-MPGN is caused by an overactive immune response that damages the glomerulus. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections — but in conditions like IC-MPGN, it does the opposite. A part of the immune system called the complement pathway goes out of control and starts attacking healthy cells.
Doctors don’t always know why some people develop IC-MPGN. Some cases may be triggered by a long-term infection, medication side effects, cancer, or an autoimmune condition. In autoimmune diseases, like lupus, the immune system becomes confused and attacks the body’s own tissues instead of just fighting germs.
This kind of confusion also happens in IC-MPGN. The immune system mistakenly sees normal substances in the body as threats and makes antibodies to fight them. These antibodies form immune complexes that clog the kidneys’ delicate filters and cause damage.
Certain genes are also linked to IC-MPGN. If the condition runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it.
The symptoms of IC-MPGN can be hard to tell apart from those of other types of kidney disease. Signs and symptoms that your kidneys may not be working well include:
Pay close attention to these symptoms, especially if they don’t go away. It’s essential to monitor and treat kidney problems early to help keep damage from getting worse. If left untreated, IC-MPGN can lead to serious heart problems and kidney failure.
If you have signs of a kidney problem, your doctor will likely order a series of tests to narrow down the cause. These usually start with blood and urine tests.
One common blood test checks your estimated glomerular filtration rate. This number reflects your kidney function — how efficiently your kidneys are filtering your blood.
Urine tests can check for proteinuria (protein in the urine). Since healthy kidneys usually keep protein in your blood, high urine protein may indicate kidney damage.
These tests can show if you have kidney disease and help track kidney function over time. However, they aren’t specific enough to tell which type of kidney disease you have. A genetic test can help find out if you carry any genes linked to IC-MPGN, but having these genes doesn’t always mean you’ll develop the disease.
To diagnose IC-MPGN for sure, you’ll need a kidney biopsy. In this test, a small sample of body tissue is removed using a special needle and examined under a microscope. Because IC-MPGN is rare, your healthcare provider may consult with a research specialist who focuses on glomerular diseases.
Medication can help slow down kidney damage from IC-MPGN. Depending on your medical history and overall health, treatment options may include:
Researchers are also working on new therapies that focus on the part of the immune system involved in IC-MPGN. Some of these complement inhibitors are already available, and others are being tested in clinical trials. Your healthcare provider can explain the pros and cons of these newer treatments.
Studies show that between 9 percent and 41 percent of people with IC-MPGN may develop kidney failure within 10 years of diagnosis. If that happens, you’ll need to decide between dialysis and a kidney transplant. Your healthcare team can help you understand your options so you feel prepared to make the best choice.
IC-MPGN can be unpredictable. Some people may develop kidney failure even when they follow their treatment plan. The best way to support your health is by living a kidney-friendly lifestyle.
If you have any level of kidney damage, pay close attention to your diet. One of the most common tips is to limit sodium intake, especially if you have hypertension (high blood pressure).
Depending on the severity of your kidney disease, you may need to limit other nutrients — even some that are normally considered healthy — like calcium, potassium, and protein. A registered dietitian who works with people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help create a nutrition plan that’s right for you.
On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with kidney disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What do you do to protect your kidneys? Let others know in the comments below.
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