Patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), a type of kidney disease associated with the presence of subepithelial immunological deposits, experience thickening of the glomerular membrane. Infections, autoimmune disorders, solid tumors, and reactions to medications may result in the development of MN. Adults with MN commonly develop nephrotic syndrome, which, if left untreated, may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 40% to 50% of individuals.
The preferred treatment option for patients with MN is kidney transplantation. However, up to 50% of transplant recipients experience a recurrence of MN, and 50% experience graft loss within 10 years. Most graft loss occurs within the first 24 months following transplantation.
According to Jiang Bai and colleagues, due to the constrained identification of predictive clinical presentation features, the risk factors for MN after kidney transplantation are unclear. Accurately identifying how often recurrent MN occurs and its risk factors is essential for early diagnosis, preventive treatment, and better long-term survival after transplantation. With that goal, the researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies related to risk factors for recurrent MN after kidney transplantation. Results were reported in Annals of Medicine.
