A descriptive study of individuals with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

OBJECTIVE: Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is one of a group of glomerulonephritides that often begins in childhood and progresses to renal failure. The purpose of this paper is to describe the initial results of a patient-driven database on individuals with MPGN. SAMPLE/SETTING: Patients with MPGN Types I, II, and III and their family members were recruited to this survey study. DESIGN: A population survey design was used. METHODS: A survey was developed for this study that obtained information from the individual with MPGN or a guardian on: patient information, family/patient health history, history of PGN, medications, course of MPGN, history of dialysis, and history of transplant. Surveys were completed either on-line or in paper format. RESULTS: Fifty-nine individuals who are primarily white (80%) and female (61%) with MPGN Type II (52%) participated in this study. The average age of onset of MPGN in this sample was 12 years. Ten (71%) of the total 14 patients with onset of less than 10y ears of age were female. Among these 10 female, 8 (80%) were diagnosed with MPGN II and developed end stage renal disease. CONCLUSION: Health screenings for blood pressure, urinary dipstick for both proteinuria and hematuria play important roles in early detection for MPGN. Nurses must provide emotional and information support to this population.