URINARY-EXCRETION OF BETA(2)-MICROGLOBULIN PREDICTS RENAL OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC MEMBRANOUS NEPHROPATHY

In patients with membranous nephropathy, treatment should be limited t o those at risk for disease progression, Urinary beta(2)-microglobulin excretion was measured in 30 patients with membranous nephropathy, a nephrotic syndrome, and normal renal function (endogenous creatinine c learance > 80 mL/min), who were subsequently monitored for a median of 48 months, Renal function deteriorated in 11 of the 14 patients with a beta(2)-microglobulin excretion >500 ng/min and in only 2 of the 16 patients with a beta(2)-microglobulin excretion less than or equal to 500 ng/min (P < 0.001), The measurement of urinary beta(2)-microglobul in excretion thus contributes to the identification of patients with m embranous nephropathy at high risk for developing renal insufficiency and may provide guidance for early immunosuppressive treatment.