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. 2023 Dec;40(12):5557-5566.
doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02654-3. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

Expert Discussion on Challenges in C3G Diagnosis: A Podcast Article on Best Practices in Kidney Biopsies

Richard A Lafayette  1 , Vivek Charu  2
Affiliations

Expert Discussion on Challenges in C3G Diagnosis: A Podcast Article on Best Practices in Kidney Biopsies

Richard A Lafayette et al. Adv Ther. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is an ultra-rare, progressive kidney disease resulting from dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Clinical presentation of C3G is heterogeneous and definitive diagnosis relies on kidney biopsy and immunofluorescence staining. The term C3G encompasses two subgroups, dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis, distinguished via electron microscopy. In this podcast article, the authors discuss the challenges associated with C3G diagnosis and the central role of kidney biopsy. Using an illustrative case study, key histological observations are described, and best practices are discussed from the perspectives of a nephrologist and a nephropathologist. Podcast Audio (MP4 141866 KB).

Keywords: Complement; Complement 3 glomerulopathy; Diagnosis; Glomerulonephritis; Kidney biopsy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Richard Lafayette is an employee of Stanford University Medical Center; his employers have received research funding from Omeros, Vera, Chinook, Alexion, Otsuka, Calliditas. R. Lafayette has provided consultancy for: Omeros, Vera, Calliditas, Chinook, Alexion, Otsuka, Novartis. Vivek Charu reports research grants from NIH.

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