Pediatric anti-GBM crescentic glomerulonephritis: partial renal recovery following plasmapheresis and mycophenolate...

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) glomerulonephritis is a rare cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children. The disease is characterized by the formation of antibodies against the glomerular basement membrane, leading to diffuse glomerular injury and rapid deterioration of renal function if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We report the case of a 14 year-old girl who was admitted with acute-onset edema and hypertension. Initial investigations revealed hematuria, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, progressive renal impairment, and positive anti-GBM antibodies. Kidney biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, demonstrating diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear IgG deposition along the glomerular basement membrane. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and mycophenolate mofetil. After three months of treatment, both clinical and laboratory parameters improved, with partial recovery of renal function. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of pediatric anti-GBM disease and suggests that an MMF-containing combination regimen may be a feasible alternative to cyclophosphamide-based therapy in selected patients.