Reversibility of hepatitis B virus-induced glomerulonephritis and chronic active hepatitis after spontaneous clearance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen.

A patient presenting with nephrotic syndrome was found to have hepatitis B surface antigen-positive chronic active hepatitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Glomeruli stained positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, IgG, and C1q. After spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen both the glomerulonephritis and the chronic active hepatitis improved. The natural history, pathogenesis, and treatment of this disease complex are discussed.