A low rate of end-stage kidney disease in membranous nephropathy: A single centre study over 2 decades

Increased risk of kidney failure in patients with genetic kidney disorders

BACKGROUNDIt is unknown whether the risk of kidney disease progression and failure differs between patients with and without genetic kidney disorders.METHODSThree cohorts were evaluated: the prospective Cure Glomerulonephropathy Network (CureGN) and 2 retrospective cohorts from Columbia University, including 5,727 adults and children with kidney disease from any etiology who underwent whole-genome or exome sequencing. The effects of monogenic kidney disorders and APOL1 kidney-risk genotypes on the risk of kidney failure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, and disease remission rates were evaluated along with diagnostic yields and the impact of American College of Medical Genetics secondary findings (ACMG SFs).RESULTSMonogenic kidney disorders were identified in 371 patients (6.5%), high-risk APOL1 genotypes in 318 (5.5%), and ACMG SFs in 100 (5.2%). Family history of kidney disease was the strongest predictor of monogenic disorders. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, monogenic kidney disorders were associated with an increased risk of kidney failure (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.72), higher rate of eGFR decline (-3.06 vs. 0.25 mL/min/1.73 m2/year), and lower risk of complete remission (odds ratioNot achieving CR = 5.25). High-risk APOL1 genotypes were associated with an increased risk of kidney failure (HR = 1.67) and faster eGFR decline (-2.28 vs. 0.25 mL/min/1.73 m2), replicating prior findings. ACMG SFs were not associated with personal or family history of associated diseases, but were predicted to impact care in 70% of cases.CONCLUSIONSMonogenic kidney disorders were associated with an increased risk of kidney failure, faster eGFR decline, and lower rates of complete remission, suggesting opportunities for early identification and intervention based on molecular diagnosis.TRIAL REGISTRATIONNA.FUNDINGNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grants U24DK100845 (formerly UM1DK100845), U01DK100846 (formerly UM1DK100846), U01DK100876 (formerly UM1DK100876), U01DK100866 (formerly UM1DK100866), U01DK100867 (formerly UM1DK100867), U24DK100845, DK081943, RC2DK116690, 2U01DK100876, 1R01DK136765, 5R01DK082753, and RC2-DK122397; NephCure Kidney International; Department of Defense Research Awards PR201425, W81XWH-16-1-0451, and W81XWH-22-1-0966; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences grant UL1TR001873; National Library of Medicine grant R01LM013061; National Human Genome Research Institute grant 2U01HG008680.

Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibodies and Clinical Prognosis in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most common form of primary nephrotic syndrome in adults. Antibodies against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R-ab) are considered as diagnostic biomarkers of IMN.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we performed an updated meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic value of PLA2R-ab for clinical remission in IMN patients.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were determined using a fixed or random effects model. The heterogeneity among studies was explored by subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies involving 1,761 IMN participants were included. There were significant differences between PLA2R-ab (+) and PLA2R-ab (-) patients in terms of complete remission (CR) and spontaneous remission. The rates of partial remission (PR) and relapse were similar between the two groups. Patients with PLA2R-ab (-) were at a higher CR rate when treated with a calcineurin inhibitor or a treatment course for 3 months and 6 months, while the spontaneous remission rate was higher in PLA2R-ab seronegative patients from Asia. However, the CR and spontaneous remission rate only significantly declined in IMN patients with the highest titer, but not a middle titer, when compared to those with the lowest titer.

CONCLUSION

In contrast with previous meta-analyses, our results verified that PLA2R-ab can likely predict CR and spontaneous remission in IMN patients, instead of PR and relapse. Race, immunosuppressive agents, and duration of treatment may affect the prognostic value of PLA2R-ab. Considering that the remission rate of IMN patients with a middle level of PLA2R-ab was not different from that of patients with the lowest level, a proper cut-off value of PLA2R-ab for prognosis should be clarified.