IgM mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Alternative names:

glomerulonephritis - mesangial proliferative

Definition:

A kidney disorder characterized by swelling (edema) and blood in the urine (dark urine), caused by inflammation of an internal kidney structure (glomerulus), enlargement of certain glomerular cells, and IgM antibody deposits in the mesangium layer of the glomerular capillary.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

IgM mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is a form of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney glomeruli). The mesangial cells (part of the glomerular capillaries) increase in size, giving the glomeruli a lumpy appearance. The mechanism that triggers the disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be some type of immune response, because inflammation of the glomeruli is associated with deposits of IgM (a type of antibody).

The disorder usually causes nephrotic syndrome (protein loss in the urine and swelling of the body). It may be present as acute, chronic, or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and may progress to chronic renal failure.

It is a rare disorder, affecting 3 out of 10,000 people. It can affect both adults and children. Men may be affected slightly more often than women.