Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis?
A nephrologist, a doctor who treats kidney disease, usually treats membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. A kidney biopsy, a small tissue sample taken from the kidney, helps confirm the diagnosis and the type. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis?
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a kidney disorder. It involves inflammation and changes to kidney cells. It may lead to kidney failure.
MPGN is a form of glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the glomeruli. The glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidney. They help clean wastes and fluids from the blood. MPGN is caused by an abnormal immune response.
There are two forms, MPGN I and MPGN II. Most people with the disease have type I. MPGN II is much less common and tends to get worse faster.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Blood in the urine.
- Cloudy urine.
- Dark urine, the color of smoke, cola, or tea.
- Less urine than usual.
- Swelling of any part of the body.
- Trouble staying alert or focused.
Your doctor may also find signs of too much fluid in the body. These include swelling in the legs and high blood pressure. Glomerular diseases, which damage the kidney filters, often progress slowly. They may cause no symptoms for many years.
Causes and who gets it
MPGN starts when antibodies build up in a part of the kidneys called the glomerular basement membrane. Antibodies are immune system proteins. This membrane helps filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood. Damage to it can let blood and protein leak into the urine. If enough protein leaks out, fluid can leak into body tissues and cause swelling.
Causes of MPGN may include:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren syndrome, and sarcoidosis.
- Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, endocarditis, and malaria.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. These tests help confirm the diagnosis:
- A BUN and creatinine blood test, which shows how well the kidneys clear waste.
- Blood complement levels, which measure immune system proteins.
- Urinalysis, a test of your urine.
- A urine protein test.
- A kidney biopsy, which confirms whether you have MPGN I or MPGN II.
Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan can show the shape and size of the kidneys.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the cause. The goals are to reduce symptoms, prevent problems, and slow the disease. In some cases, the disease may go away once its cause, such as an infection or an autoimmune disease, has been treated.
You may need to change your diet. This may mean limiting sodium, fluids, or protein. It can help control high blood pressure, swelling, and the buildup of waste in the blood.
Medicines that may be prescribed include:
- Blood pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which also reduce protein loss.
- Dipyridamole, with or without aspirin.
- Diuretics, also called water pills.
- Medicines that calm the immune system.
- Steroids.
Treatment is more effective in children than in adults. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may eventually be needed if the kidneys fail.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of MPGN. Also call if your symptoms get worse or do not go away, or if you notice new symptoms. Make a call if you pass less urine than before.
Some kidney filter diseases can cause rapid kidney failure. This can lead to confusion and death if not treated immediately.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or a sudden change in mental status such as confusion or being hard to wake up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review your symptoms, help arrange kidney tests, and coordinate visits with a kidney specialist.
Common questions
How serious is MPGN?
MPGN can be serious because it may lead to kidney failure. The condition often slowly gets worse and eventually results in chronic kidney failure. Half of people with this condition develop long-term kidney failure within 10 years. This is more likely in those with higher protein levels in the urine.
What are the two types of MPGN?
The two forms of this disease are MPGN I and MPGN II. Most people have type I. Type II is much less common and tends to get worse faster than type I.
Does treatment work better in children?
Yes, treatment is more effective in children than in adults. Treatment still depends on the symptoms.
Can MPGN be prevented?
MPGN may be preventable in some cases. Preventing infections such as hepatitis, or managing diseases such as lupus, may help prevent MPGN.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
- NIDDK - Glomerular Disease
- National Kidney Foundation - Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
