[Clinical and pathological analyses of lipoprotein glomerulopathy].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of lipoprotein glomerulopathy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 3 cases of lipoprotein glomerulopathy.

RESULTS

The 3 patients, 1 male and 2 females, were young Hans. They were admitted to our hospital because of edema. Patient 1 had a positive family history. Her proteinuria ranged between 0.8-1.5 g/d, her serum albumin levels were below the normal lower limit, and she was afflicted with anemia. Patient 2 was found having slightly increased serum creatinine, hypertension, and increased total cholesterol and triglyceride level. The kidneys of patient 3 were enlarged. Increments of glomerular size and capillary lumen space were observed under microscope. Bioptic specimens of the patients' kidneys displayed extensive prominent lucent casts in the capillary lumen, which were stained as pale mesh-like substance and were not stained by silver impregnation. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed faint immunoglobulin deposit. These casts were stained positive for apoE.

CONCLUSION

Lipoprotein glomerulopathy is pathologically characterized by extensive glomerular capillary casts which are stained positive for apoE, and clinically it is characterized by edema, proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia and anemia.