Successful management of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I in pregnancy.

PURPOSE: We report the successful management of a pregnancy with preexisting nephrotic syndrome due to biopsy-proven primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I.

METHODS

A 21-year-old Turkish woman with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I was followed up by the obstetrics and gynecology, and nephrology departments of a university hospital throughout her pregnancy starting from the 25th week of gestation.

RESULTS

Due to progression of intrauterine growth retardation and fetal distress, a cesarean section was performed in the 33rd week of gestation. Although creatinine was unchanged, proteinuria increased with relatively stable albumin levels 3 months after delivery and her treatment was adjusted accordingly.

CONCLUSIONS

If the mother is not suffering from hypertension or renal insufficiency, specific therapy for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I during pregnancy provided by a nephrologist together with regular obstetric care may allow the patient to have a viable fetus, which might be growth retarded if proteinuria is increased.