Predictive value of PLA2R antibody in nephrotic syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prospective study of phospholipase A(2) receptor antibody testing as a predictor of membranous nephropathy in patients with nephrotic syndrome undergoing renal biopsy
IRAS ID
124130
Contact name
Matthew MJ Edey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease in which the filtering parts of the kidney become damaged and allow protein to leak out of the blood into the urine. The daily loss of protein can be quite substantial. This results in fluid retention and can require long-term treatment with steroids and other medications. In order to decide which treatments can be offered to a patient with nephrotic syndrome, it is necessary at present to perform a kidney biopsy to make a specific diagnosis. There is a small risk of bleeding associated with a kidney biopsy, which can be severe.
The most common type of nephrotic syndrome in adults is known as “Membranous Nephropathy”. It can be difficult to predict the course of membranous nephropathy at presentation. Some patients will progress to kidney failure and dialysis, and some others will recover spontaneously. Current recommendations are to avoid potentially toxic treatments for the first six months after diagnosis, and to observe the patient for progression of the disease.
Recently membranous nephropathy, but not other types of nephrotic syndrome, has been associated with a particular antibody in the blood (called “PLA2R”). We would like to see how accurate in predicting membranous nephropathy this blood test is, if it is taken at the same time as a kidney biopsy for nephrotic syndrome. If it proves very accurate, it might be possible for some people with nephrotic syndrome to be diagnosed on the basis of a blood test only. They would then only require a biopsy if their condition had progressed after 6 months of observation.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1324
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion