Master Diffuse Proliferative Glomerulonephritis (DPGN) with a Mnemonic

Autoimmune conditions, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are strongly associated with DPGN. DPGN is the most common renal lesion in patients with SLE, where it is commonly known as "lupus nephritis".

IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) is a type of nephropathy that occurs when IgA antibodies build up in the mesangium of the kidney. IgA nephropathy is associated with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis.

On renal biopsy, glomerular capillaries stain red and appear acellular and thickened due to heavy deposition of subendothelial immune complexes. This leads to the typical appearance of "wire looping."

Immunofluorescent microscopy (IF) shows granular deposits in the subendothelial and subepithelial sites. These deposits are usually made up of IgG-based immune complexes and C3.

Subendothelial deposits are common in patients with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Subendothelial deposits are located between the endothelium and glomerular basement membrane.

Immune complexes are also deposited at subepithelial spaces. Subepithelial spaces are located between podocyte foot processes and the glomerular basement membrane.

DPGN is associated with the deposition of complement C3 in the subendothelial, subepithelial and intramembranous spaces of the glomerulus.

Treatment of diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis should address underlying conditions (e.g., SLE, IgA nephropathy). Oftentimes, immunosuppressants (e.g., steroids, cyclophosphamide) are effective for inflammation characteristic of diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis as well as the underlying pathology.

High-dose steroids are the mainstay treatment for diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Other immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil) can be used in refractory cases.