Urinary excretion of beta 2-microglobulin predicts renal outcome in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.
In patients with membranous nephropathy, treatment should be limited to those at risk for disease progression. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin excretion was measured in 30 patients with membranous nephropathy, a nephrotic syndrome, and normal renal function (endogenous creatinine clearance > 80 mL/min), who were subsequently monitored for a median of 48 months. Renal function deteriorated in 11 of the 14 patients with a beta 2-microglobulin excretion > 500 ng/min and in only 2 of the 16 patients with a beta 2-microglobulin excretion < or = 500 ng/min (P < 0.001). The measurement of urinary beta 2-microglobulin excretion thus contributes to the identification of patients with membranous nephropathy at high risk for developing renal insufficiency and may provide guidance for early immunosuppressive treatment.
Reichert
L J
LJ
Department of Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Koene
R A
RA
Wetzels
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin