Preeclamptic nephropathy associated with membranous nephropathy

We report a patient who had nephropathy of toxemia of pregnancy associated with membranous glomerulonephritis, which deteriorated 3 months after delivery. Electron microscopy revealed electron-dense deposits on the subepithelial surface of the glomerular basement membrane and finely granular/fibrillar materials in the subendothelial space. As a result of treatment with prednisolone and anticoagulants, marked alleviation of both proteinuria and edema was achieved. We therefore consider that the change from subclinical to clinical membranous nephropathy could be attributed to pregnancy. Received: February 22, 2001 / Accepted: July 12, 2001