Detection of 'activated platelets' in the urinary sediments using a scanning electron microscope in patients with IgA...

The presence of 'activated platelets' in the urinary sediments was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in patients with IgA nephropathy. The aim of the present study was to determine if the presence of activated platelets in the urinary sediments is correlated with glomerular injuries in patients with IgA nephropathy. Eleven patients with IgA nephropathy, 5 patients with thin basement membrane syndrome and 5 patients with membranous nephropathy were examined. The presence of platelets in glomeruli was also examined by immunofluorescence (IF). This study showed a correlation between the presence of activated platelets in the urinary sediments and the severity of glomerular injuries in patients with IgA nephropathy. The platelets were observed focally in glomeruli from such patients. It was suggested that the detection of activated platelets in the urinary sediments is useful in evaluating the degree of histopathological changes and/or prognosis of IgA nephropathy.