Overview
Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (Ig-MPGN) is a rare kidney disease in which the body's immune system causes damage to the tiny filtering units of the kidneys, called glomeruli. In this condition, immune proteins called immunoglobulins (antibodies) deposit in the kidney filters, triggering inflammation and thickening of the filtering membranes. This leads to progressive kidney damage over time. The disease can cause a range of symptoms including blood in the urine (which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored), protein leaking into the urine (causing foamy urine), swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes, high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function. Some patients may also experience fatigue and general feelings of being unwell. The condition may be linked to underlying infections (such as hepatitis B or C), autoimmune diseases (like lupus), or other conditions that cause abnormal immune protein production. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. It may include medications to suppress the immune system (such as corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide), blood pressure-lowering drugs (especially ACE inhibitors or ARBs to reduce protein loss), and treatment of any underlying condition driving the immune deposits. In some cases, the disease can progress to kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause can significantly improve outcomes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Blood in the urine (pink, red, or dark-colored urine)Foamy or frothy urine from protein lossSwelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyesHigh blood pressureDecreased urine outputFatigue and tirednessUnexplained weight gain from fluid retentionLoss of appetiteNauseaShortness of breath from fluid buildupJoint pain (if related to autoimmune disease)Skin rash (if related to autoimmune disease)Headaches from high blood pressure
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
2 articlesCaregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the underlying cause of my Ig-MPGN, and can it be treated?,How much kidney function have I lost, and what is my current kidney function level (GFR)?,What medications do you recommend, and what are their side effects?,How often will I need blood and urine tests to monitor my condition?,What dietary changes should I make to protect my kidneys?,What are the chances that my disease will progress to kidney failure, and what can we do to slow it down?,Should I be referred to any other specialists, and are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?
Common questions about Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
What is Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?
Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (Ig-MPGN) is a rare kidney disease in which the body's immune system causes damage to the tiny filtering units of the kidneys, called glomeruli. In this condition, immune proteins called immunoglobulins (antibodies) deposit in the kidney filters, triggering inflammation and thickening of the filtering membranes. This leads to progressive kidney damage over time. The disease can cause a range of symptoms including blood in the urine (which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored), protein leaking into the urine (causing foamy urine
How is Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis inherited?
Immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.