Hepatitis B virus-associated nephropathy in a patient with diabetes mellitus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated nephropathy is not a rare manifestation of HBV infection; this could result in diagnostic confusion and the possible misidentification of a diabetic patient with albuminuria. We present the first published case of a HBV-associated nephropathy occurring in a patient with diabetes. The patient was a 24-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with 4 days of generalized swelling and oliguria. He had a 3-year history of weight loss, and a 1-year history of polydipsia and polyuria before the symptoms of generalized swelling and oliguria appeared. Laboratory tests showed a fasting blood sugar of 15.1 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin of 18.1%. The 24-h urine protein excretion was 2807.8 mg and serum albumin was 19.1 g/L. The diagnosis of HBV-associated nephropathy was confirmed by serological evaluations of HBV antigen and antibodies, immunohistochemical evidence of HBV-related antigens, and immune complexes in renal biopsies. The decreased proteinuria was observed after antiviral therapy.