[Effect of interferon therapy on hepatitis B virus related membranous nephropathy associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis]

Nihon Jinzo Gakkai Shi. 2001;43(2):76-81.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We experienced a 24-year-old Japanese man, who was a hepatitis B virus carrier with nephrotic syndrome. Liver biopsy showed that he was suffering from chronic hepatitis (activity 2, fibrosis 2). Renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy(MN) with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FGS). Immunofluorescentic findings revealed the presence of HBe antigen along the glomerular capillaries as well as HBe antigenemia in circulation. Therefore, we diagnosed this case as HB virus-related membranous nephropathy associated with FGS lesions. He was treated with interferon(IFN) alpha-2b for over a month and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. These therapies reduced urinary protein excretion from 4-6 g/day to 1-2 g/day, in accordance with a decrease in the titer of HBV DNA polymerase. The second renal biopsy revealed that the histological change from MN to membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis Type III after IFN therapy. These results suggest that IFN therapy might be effective for HB virus-related MN associated with FGS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carrier State*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / virology*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / virology*
  • Hepatitis B*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins