Viral Infection Associated Membranous Nephropathy: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Viral infections are increasingly recognized as a cause of membranous nephropathy (MN).
• Limited data exists on optimal treatment strategies for viral-associated MN.
• This review focuses on MN linked to hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze treatment outcomes for patients with viral-associated MN.
• To identify effective therapeutic approaches for MN caused by HBV, HCV, or HIV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of patient records and published cases from 2010 to February 2023.
• Inclusion criteria: patients aged 18+ with MN associated with HBV, HCV, or HIV, and PLA2R testing.
• Searches conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 63 patients with viral-associated MN (43% HIV, 28.5% HBV, 17.5% HCV, 11% mixed).
• Mean patient age was 47 years; significant proteinuria and renal dysfunction were noted.
• Remission achieved in 24% with antivirals alone and nearly 40% with combined antiviral and immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions:

• Antiviral therapy is a cornerstone in managing viral-associated MN.
• Combination therapy (antivirals + immunosuppression) offers substantial remission rates.
• Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for this patient group.