Clinical Characteristics and Renal Outcomes in Patients with IgM Nephropathy: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Defining immunoglobulin M (IgM) nephropathy as a discrete clinical disorder remains controversial, with limited documentation in Saudi Arabian patients.

This study analyzes the clinical and pathological features, as well as the prognosis, of IgM nephropathy in the Saudi population.

This study is conducted as a retrospective descriptive study at the nephrology unit of King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh. The study included individuals with biopsy-proven IgM nephropathy from 2016 to 2024. Stringent diagnostic criteria were employed, focusing on immunofluorescence positivity (IgM 1+ to 3+). Clinical data were collected from a kidney biopsy registry from the pathology department at King Saud University, and renal pathology was evaluated by a single expert renal pathologist for various features, including mesangial cell proliferation and glomerulosclerosis.

We analyzed a total of 15 patients with IgM nephropathy (n = 15), with a median age at diagnosis of 4 years (IQR: 2-8) and a male predominance (80%). Patients were categorized into early childhood onset (<4 years, 46.7%) and late childhood onset (≥4 years, 53.3%). Common manifestations included nephrotic syndrome (93.3%) and generalized body swelling (66.7%), with lower limb edema reported in all patients (100%). Nephrotic-range proteinuria was present in 93.3%, with preserved renal function (median eGFR: 158 mL/min/1.73m²). Biopsy results for nine patients revealed mesangial proliferation in 66.7%. The overall relapse rate was 93.3%, with early-onset patients exhibiting higher rates of steroid resistance and more frequent relapses.

This study enhances the understanding of IgM nephropathy in Saudi Arabia, indicating that early onset may be associated with a more aggressive disease course and higher relapse rates, highlighting the need for early identification of high-risk patients. Additionally, the use of rituximab in refractory cases may present a promising option for further evaluation.