Thromboembolic complications in membranous nephropathy patients with nephrotic syndrome-a prospective study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most serious complications in membranous nephropathy (MN). We investigate the incidence of VTE in MN patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS).

A total of 100 MN patients with NS were enrolled into this prospective study. The diagnosis of VTE was based on contrast-enhanced dual source computed tomography angiography.

Venous thromboembolism was demonstrated in 36 patients (36%). 33 patients (33%) had renal vein thrombosis (RVT), 17 patients (17%) had pulmonary embolism (PE). Flank pain was noted in 5 patients and gross hematuria in 2 patients with RVT. Dyspnea and chest pain were present in 9 patients with PE. The positive predictive value for D-dimer level was 69.4%, negative predictive value for D-dimer level was 96.1% in patients with MN. Of all the risk factors presented, D-dimer level, proteinuria, the ratio of proteinuria to serum albumin were independent risk factors for the development of VTE (P<0.05), but the plasma level of antithrombin Ш was not correlated with VTE in this study. In follow up, venous thrombosis disappeared after anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins in 28 patients.

Venous thromboembolism was confirmed in 36% of MN patients with NS. Renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are common and usually asymptomatic. Computed tomography angiography can be used effectively to examine suspected patients. Measurement of D-dimer is helpful in VTE diagnosis. It is important that clinicians are aware that VTE should be considered as a common complication in MN patients with NS.