Plasma proteins and anti-kidney antibodies in renal carcinoma.

Occurrence of the nephrotic syndrome in association with renal carcinoma has been reported earlier. There is a risk of masking of carcinoma due to symptoms of nephrotic syndrome/glomerulonephritis. In this study the serum protein profile in patients with renal carcinoma was found to be similar to that of patients with glomerulonephritis. However, increased levels of complement factors C3 and C4 were found, indicating low or none complement consumption. Patients with metastasis had higher blood ESR, orosomucoid, CRP, C3 and C4 but lower Hb and albumin than patients without evidence of metastasis. Immunofluorescence examination of kidneys and sera indicated the occurrence of antibodies against glomerular structures, IgG antibodies were demonstrated in most patients, IgA and IgM in some.