C3 glomerulopathy is highly prevalent in French Polynesia

Nelly Candela1,2, Nicolas Benichou1,3, Mathilde Lefebvre1,2

  • 1Service de Néphrologie, Centre Hospitalier du Taaone, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

PubMed

Insights

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is highly prevalent in French Polynesia, similar to acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN). Further research into genetic and environmental factors is needed to understand C3G susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN) are distinct glomerular diseases.
  • Understanding their natural history and prevalence is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical presentation and outcomes of C3G and APIGN.
  • To investigate the prevalence of C3G in a genetically homogeneous population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of biopsy-proven C3G and APIGN cases from 2013-2019 in French Polynesia.
  • Analysis of patient characteristics, kidney biopsy findings, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The point prevalence of C3G was approximately 23 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
  • A specific CFI gene variant (p.Arg406His) was found in 50% of C3G patients, though its role is unclear.
  • Clinical presentation and kidney outcomes were similar between C3G and APIGN, with 'humps' on biopsy being a distinguishing feature for APIGN.

Conclusions:

  • High C3G prevalence in French Polynesia suggests unique genetic or environmental factors.
  • A systematic diagnostic approach for C3-predominant glomerulonephritis is recommended.
Abstract

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