Epidemiology
Most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults of European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent
Etiology
- Primary: anti-PLA2R antibodies
- Secondary:
- Infections (HBV, HCV, malaria, syphilis)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE)
- Tumors (e.g., lung cancer, prostate cancer)
- Medications (e.g., NSAIDs, penicillamine, gold)
Pathophysiology
Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies (anti-PLA2R antibodies) bind to PLA2R (an autoantigen in glomerular podocytes) and thereby form immune complexes that activate the complement system, leading to podocyte injury.
Clinical features
Diagnostics
There is diffuse thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and capillaries.
