Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been increasingly described as a manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); however, GVHD-associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is extremely rare. A 44-year-old man developed nephrotic syndrome 24 months after HSCT for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The renal biopsy showed type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Salivary gland biopsy demonstrated mild lymphocytic infiltration, indicating chronic GVHD. Improvement of the proteinuria and recovery of renal function were achieved within 11 months of treatment with oral prednisolone and azathioprine.