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Author Spotlight: Investigating the Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicinal Active Dioscin in Treating IgA Nephropathy
Published on: October 13, 2023
Adult-onset Minimal Change Disease with IgA Nephropathy and Hepatitis C
Waliul Chowdhury1, Tahira Sabeen Saleem2, Muhammad Uzair Lodhi1
1Medical Student, Department of Medicine, Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, Wv.
Abstract:
Minimal change disease (MCD) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in children, leading to heavy proteinuria and edema. However, it is not as common in adults. Adult-onset minimal change disease with IgA nephropathy is rare. The initial presentation of heavy proteinuria and edema with effacement of podocytes on electron microscopy (EM) should lead the physician to suspect minimal change disease regardless of age. We present a 44-year-old male patient with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) who presented with sudden onset of lower extremity edema and 6.6 grams (g) of proteinuria per day.
Insights
Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. This rare adult-onset case highlights the importance of suspecting MCD in adults presenting with nephrotic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Minimal change disease (MCD) is a primary cause of nephrotic syndrome in children.
- It is less common in adults, making diagnosis challenging.
- Adult-onset MCD, especially with co-existing IgA nephropathy, is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male with a history of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) presented with acute lower extremity edema.
- Daily proteinuria measured at 6.6 grams was noted.
- Electron microscopy revealed podocyte effacement, a key indicator for MCD.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation mimicked typical nephrotic syndrome.
- Despite the patient's age and HCV history, the diagnostic findings pointed towards Minimal Change Disease.
- Co-existence of IgA nephropathy was suspected, though not explicitly confirmed in the abstract.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider Minimal Change Disease in adults presenting with nephrotic syndrome, irrespective of age.
- Early suspicion and diagnostic workup are crucial for timely management.
- Understanding rare presentations of MCD aids in improving diagnostic accuracy in adult nephrology.
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