Membranous nephropathy followed by anti-glomerular basement disease: A case report and review of clinical presentation and treatment

A unique case of anti-GBM disease with concomitant anti-PLA2R positivity

BACKGROUND

Concomitant occurrence of anti-GBM disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy have been previously described. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report that documents the co-occurrence of the diseases proven by both serologic and histologic methods.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 51-year-old woman presented to hospital with nausea, bilateral lower extremity edema, dyspnea, dark urine, and then anuria. Symptoms developed one month after an upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory results showed acute kidney injury, and hypoalbuminemia. Immunologic examination revealed both anti-GBM and anti-PLA2R positivity. Kidney biopsy demonstrated the histological features of Goodpasture's disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy. Steroid, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis were commenced. Despite the combined immunosuppressive, the patient remained on renal replacement therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial kidney injury can trigger multiple autoimmune diseases. The simultaneous occurrence of anti-glomerular basement (anti-GBM) disease and membranous nephropathy is extremely rare. Delayed recognition leads to delayed treatment, causing worse renal and patient outcomes, as well as increased financial costs.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease in children: a brief overview

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (Anti-GBM), previously known as Goodpasture syndrome, is an extremely rare cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) in children. It is associated with acute pulmonary haemorrhage and it has a poor prognosis. It is classified as an autoimmune, small-vessel vasculitis caused by autoantibody formation against the alpha-3 chain in type IV collagen found in the glomerular basement membrane. Evidence of anti-GBM antibodies in serum or histologically are required for diagnosis. Treatment in children is based on very limited adult data and often involves the use of acute apheresis to rapidly remove circulating factors coupled with intensive immunosuppression such as cyclophosphamide and intravenous corticosteroids. There is also an emerging role for the use of biologic agents such as B cell depletion. The evidence base in children with anti-GBM disease is extremely limited. Multi-centre international collaboration is required to provide insight into this disease, better describe its prognosis and work towards improving outcomes. This review article summarises the key features of this disease in children, highlights treatment options and considers areas of unmet need.