Membranous nephropathy

Alternative names:

extramembranous glomerulonephritis; glomerulonephritis - membranous; membranous glomerulonephritis; membranous GN

Symptoms:

• edema (swelling) in any area of the body, may be generalized
• foamy appearance of urine
• weight gain (from fluid retention)
• poor appetite
• urination, excessive at night
• blood pressure, high

Note: Symptoms vary and no symptoms may be present in many cases.

Signs and tests:

An examination may be nonspecific except for edema. A urinalysis may reveal protein in the urine and/or blood in the urine (hematuria). Serum albumin may be low. Blood lipid levels may increase. Kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis of membranous nephropathy.