Association of a novel complement factor H mutation with severe crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis

Fernando C. Fervenza, Richard J.H. Smith, Sanjeev Sethi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Severe crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis typically is associated with anti-glomerular basement membrane or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. In this report, we describe a 23-year-old man with severe crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Both anti-glomerular basement membrane and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titers were negative. Kidney biopsy showed bright C3 staining in the mesangium and along capillary walls and no staining for immunoglobulins. Electron microscopy showed waxy deposits (many mesangial; few intramembranous or subendothelial), prompting evaluation of the alternative pathway of complement. Alternative pathway evaluation showed a novel mutation in short consensus repeat (SCR) 19 of complement factor H. In addition, the patient carried complement factor H and C3 risk alleles. Prompt treatment with intravenous steroids followed by oral steroids resulted in symptom alleviation and improved kidney function. This case shows what is to our knowledge a unique and previously unpublished cause of severe crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Furthermore, the case demonstrates an expanding spectrum of complement-mediated glomerulonephritis and shows that crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis with solely complement deposits should be evaluated for abnormalities in the alternative pathway of complement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)126-132
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases
Volume60
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • C3 glomerulonephritis
  • Crescentic glomerulonephritis
  • alternative pathway of complement
  • factor H mutation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nephrology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Association of a novel complement factor H mutation with severe crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this