Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in systemic sclerosis of childhood

The renal lesions of a 5-year-old girl with progressive systemic sclerosis are described. The nephropathy was clinically characterised by moderate proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and transient hypertension. Light microscopy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis of segmental character. On electron microscopy intramesangial, subendothelial and extramembranous glomerular deposits were observed. By immunofluorescence miscrosocpy deposit of IgG, Clq, C4, C3, C5, C8 and C9 in a predominantly subendothelial location were found in all glomeruli. Vascular lesions were of minor degree. Histological and immunohistological findings are compatible with an immune complex disease.