Q: What is treatment for membrano proliferative glomerulonephritis?

A:Treatment of MPGN (Membrano proliferative glomerulonephritis) depends upon the underlying cause, common among them are infections with hepatitis B and C viruses. Treatment of these infections does help to arrest the kidney injury disease process. However, most of the MPGN doesn't have a definite etiology (unknown or idiopathic). Studies have not shown any definite role of immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of MPGN. Instead, the focus is on strict control and managing blood pressure (goal BP <130/80 mmHg) and monitoring/managing proteinuria (protein leakage in urine), especially by using class of blood pressure lowering agents like Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE Is) or/and Angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs). Most often, controlling these 2 variables helps to delay the disease process if not arrest it. Occasionally, if some one continues to spill increased amount of protein into urine in spite of well controlled blood pressure, then they can be treated with long-term oral coticosteroids though the results have never been proven in a controlled trial among the adult patients. Lastly, some studies have shown beneficial role of long term Aspirin with Dipyridamole (antiplatelet agents) in delaying the progression or even stabilizing the MPGN disease process in patients not responding or tolerating steroids.