Membranous nephropathy: when and how to treat.

The treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy is heavily debated because of wide variation in outcome. A rational treatment strategy is needed to appropriately administer conservative treatment to the low-risk group but immunosuppressive therapy to those with medium or high risk of renal deterioration. Currently, combinations of steroids with alkylating agents are best studied. Newer forms of immunosuppressive treatment are currently under study.