Correlation of Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody Level with Disease Activity in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21649/akemu.v31i1.5670Keywords:
Anti-PLA2R Antibody, Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy, ProteinuriaAbstract
Background: Anti phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody detection in serum is a non-invasive, cost effective diagnostic test for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) precluding the need for a renal biopsy. Extensive research has demonstrated a strong correlation between serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and disease activity but no prior study has been conducted in Pakistan on this important aspect of iMN.
Objective: To ascertain the relationship between anti-PLA2R antibodies and disease activity in patients with biopsy proven iMN.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Nephrology Department, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from February to October, 2023. Clinical data of individuals with nephrotic syndrome, age >14 years were obtained upon enrollment in the study. Renal biopsy of patients was done and specimen sent for histopathology. The study encompassed eighty-three patients diagnosed with iMN, while the remaining individuals were excluded. Serum levels of anti-PLA2R antibodies of 83 patients with iMN were assessed.
Results: Out of 83 patients, 51 (61%) tested positive for anti-PLA2R antibody, while 32 (39%) were negative. The mean age of patients was 31.80 ±11.71 years. A significant positive relationship was identified between anti-PLA2R level and 24hour urinary protein (r=0.535, p<0.001), Low density lipoprotein (r=0.357, p<0.05). A significant negative relationship was found between anti-PLA2R level and albumin level (r= -0.440, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Anti-PLA2R antibody levels showed strong correlation with the clinical parameters reflecting the disease activity in iMN. In iMN, the sensitivity of anti-PLA2R antibody was determined to be moderate.
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