Pathologic findings in mesangiopathic glomerulonephritis in Navajo Indians

Immune complex-associated mesangiopathic glomerulonephritis was found in 64% of renal biopsies performed on Navajos over a 16-year period. It is characterized by mild mesangial expansion and predominant immunoglobulin (Ig) A and/or IgM deposits. Statistical analysis shows that glomerular deposits of IgG and C3, glomerular sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, interstitial inflammation, and tubular atrophy are associated with renal insufficiency at the time of biopsy, and can be integrated into a pathologic index that has a high correlative value. Mesangiopathic glomerulonephritis is probably responsible for the high rates of non-diabetic end-stage renal disease seen in Navajo Indians.