Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

What is membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is a medical term for a group of diseases involving damage to the glomeruli (the tiny filters in the kidney). The damage is usually caused by the body’s immune system.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis affects both the thin membrane of the glomeruli and some of the supporting structure around this membrane, called the mesangium.

Types of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Doctors classify membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis into three main types, depending on which part of the immune system causes the damage and how the glomeruli are affected. These are:

Immunoglobulin/immune complex mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Immunoglobulin is another word for antibody, which are proteins made by the immune system to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders.

Complement mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The complement pathway is part of the immune system.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis without immunoglobulin or complement deposition.

What causes membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis usually develops because of a problem with the immune system. Often this is caused by another disease or condition.

Causes can include:

Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy cells. This includes diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

A long-lasting infection such as Hepatitis B or C, HIV infection, endocarditis and malaria.

In some cases, the cause of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is unknown, this is called idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is less common and usually affects children and young adults.

What are the symptoms of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?

If the glomeruli are damaged, the kidneys can't filter blood properly. This can cause:

Protein in the urine, which is called proteinuria, and blood in the urine, which is called haematuria. These result from the damaged filters allowing protein and blood into the urine.

Nephrotic syndrome, a condition where large amounts of protein leak into the urine, causing a build-up of fluid in the body and swelling, most commonly around the eyes, abdomen, feet and legs.

Nephritic syndrome, a condition which develops when the glomeruli are damaged, causing blood in the urine, high blood pressure, a decreased volume of urine and swelling, most commonly around the eyes, abdomen, feet and legs.

Individuals may also have symptoms caused by a decrease in kidney function.

Treatments for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

Treatments depend on the cause and symptoms, but can include:

Blood pressure lowering medicines

Immunosuppressants, which are medicines that reduce how well the immune systems functions

Steroids, which are medicines that help decrease inflammation and the immune response

Healthcare professionals may suggest diet changes to help protect the kidneys

If there are problems with the levels of fatty substances in the blood, called dyslipidaemia, this may also be treated with medicines

Conditions that have caused the membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis may also be treated where possible.

Different drugs that inhibit the complement pathway are currently in clinical trials for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

What is the prognosis for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?

Outcomes for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis will depend on the type and cause, and whether the cause is treatable. For people who develop kidney failure, treatments options include transplant or dialysis.

References

Willacy, H. Glomerulonephritis [online]. Patient.info, Navigate Health Ltd: London, UK; [Accessed 11 November 2025]. Available from: Glomerulonephritis: Symptoms and Treatment | Doctor

O’Brien, F. Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis [online]. MSD Manual, Merck & Co, Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA; Apr 2025 [Accessed 11 November 2025]. Available from: Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis - Genitourinary Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition

Latif, W. Acute nephritic syndrome [online]. Medlineplus.gov, USA; Aug 2023 [Accessed 11 November 2025]. Available from: Acute nephritic syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Reviewed by Professor Moin Saleem, Consultant paediatric nephrologist, December 2025.